How Can You Protect Your Family this Winter?
During the winter, there can be an endless number of activities to keep kids busy. Many kids are eager to get outside and enjoy the season, especially when there’s snow on the ground – all kinds of fun things like sledding, snow fort building, and skiing are possible then! Even when kids are not outside, there are plenty of activities to keep them busy indoors too. This can include helping with holiday cooking or starting a new arts and crafts project. But with all of these activities, it’s important to remember safety. Make sure your child is prepared for the weather and protected against the dangers of the season!
Don’t be shy with layers!
Consider water-resistant clothing and don’t be afraid to layer up! In fact, if your child is very young, try to dress them in one more layer than you would an adult. (Save the Children, 2019). Layers will help keep your child warm and dry, and prevent frostbite. Ensure that your child’s hands, feet, ears, and neck are all covered.
Keep an eye on the clock!
Be mindful of how much time your child spends outdoors and have them set breaks every now and then where they come indoors – this allows them to dry off, warm up and rehydrate. You can also check in on their warmth during this time:
‘Signs of frostbite are pale, grey or blistered skin on the fingers, ears, nose, and toes. If you think your child has frostbite bring the child indoors and put the affected area in warm (not hot) water. Signs of hypothermia are shivering, slurred speech, and unusual clumsiness. If you think your child has hypothermia call 9-1-1 immediately.’ (Save the Children, 2019)
Practice Safe Sporting
Sledding and tobogganing can be popular winter activities for kids. But they do come with some risks for accidents. Kids can bump into one another while racing down a hill, or hit other obstacles like trees and fences! That’s why it’s a good idea to be familiar with the hill your child will be playing on, have them wear a helmet, and have them play either during daylight or in an area that is well lit. (Caringforkids.ca, 2017).
Skiing and snowboarding are also high-impact sports that come with safety risks. A bad fall could result in anything from a broken tooth to a broken leg. Make sure your child has received the proper training for their sport and plays on slopes that match their skills and experience.
Check out this great article by Caringforkids.cps.ca for more winter sport safety tips.
Do Some Home Safety Checks
Does your child know your home fire safety drill? Do they know not to hang wet clothes on any space heaters? What about the hazards that are present in a kitchen? The winter is always a great time to talk to your kids about home and fire safety.
Consider Purchasing Accident Insurance
The winter season can be a busy time of year for parents and kids alike. With all the hubbub of the season including winter sports, shopping, decorating, and cooking in the kitchen, your child could be at a higher risk of accidental injury. And unfortunately some injuries come with unexpected costs that are not covered by government health care or even employer’s health plans. So at a time of year when budgets can be tighter, accident insurance can be an excellent way to protect your family’s finances.
Looking for a stocking stuffer for the whole family? Consider insuremykids® student accident insurance. Our most popular plan, the Platinum Plan, is available for only $33/year and can provide your child with 24/7 coverage during this season and into the new year!
Sources:
- 10 Tips for Keeping Children Safe in Winter. Retrieved November 20, 2019, from https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/us-programs/disaster-relief-in-america/cold-weather-tips
- (2017, November) Winter safety: Advice for parents and kids. Retrieved November 20, 2019, from https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/winter_safety