Brought to you by the Safe Kids Henderson – Vance Coalition
With snow comes outdoor activities like sled riding, snowboarding, skiing and ice skating.
Thousands of children suffer injuries during these activities that may be prevented. Sometimes just walking outside on the snow or ice can end up with a child getting hurt.
Helmets are essential for many outdoor winter activities. The risk of head injury is too great to leave the helmet in a closet at home. Helmets prevent or reduce the effects of 53% of the injuries suffered by children while skiing or snowboarding. It is a good idea to wear a safety helmet also if you are sledding.
Make sure that you sled in a safe place where there are no vehicles or other things that you may crash into. Children should bundle up and enjoy the outdoors. Before heading out, it is important to remember a few key items in addition to the hat and gloves. Always wear sport–specific, properly fitting safety gear when participating in winter sports. Kids should always wear helmets when they ski, sled, snowboard and play ice hockey. Parents should wear helmets too. Remember, your children learn safety habits by watching you.
Dress in layers and wear warm, close fitting clothes. Make sure that long scarves and tucked in so they don’t get entangled in things. Stay hydrated. Drink fluid before, during and after winter play.
Kids – or caregivers – who become distracted or irritable, or begin to hyperventilate, may be suffering from hypothermia or altitude sickness, or they may be too tired to participate safely in winter sports. They need to go indoors to warm up and rest.
Children under six should not ride a snowmobile and children under sixteen should not drive one. Anyone riding four wheelers should always wear a safety helmet that is the correct size and fit for the child’s age. Remember that ice can be very dangerous especially if you are on a vehicle such as a four wheeler or even a bicycle.
Have fun this winter, but make sure that you do it safely. By taking precautions you can prevent serious injury or a trip to the emergency room.