Winter Safety Tips from Pqusnalhcw Health Centre
Here’s some ideas for winter safety for your family!
Clothing for Outdoor Play
All winter activities require warm, dry clothing. To prevent frostbite, children should be dressed in warm clothes, including:
- A hat and clothing made of tightly woven fibers, such as wool, which trap warm air against your body. A few lighter layers protect better than one heavy garment.
- Loose layers(an absorbent synthetic fabric next to skin, a warmer middle layer, and a water resistant/repellent outer layer)
- Socks - A single pair of socks, either wool or a wool blend (with silk or polypropylene) is better than cotton which offers no insulation when wet. Avoid extra thick socks as they can cause cold feet by restricting blood flow and air circulation around the toes
- BOOTS:Be sure boots are dry and not too tight
Remember to protect vulnerable areas such as fingers, toes, ears and nose!
Other things to keep in mind
- Children should get out of wet clothes and shoes as quickly as possible as they are the biggest factors in frostbite. Dry clothing thoroughly when not in use.
- Kids will sweat in their clothes if they are active, even if it is really cold outside. Parents should watch for sudden chills after strenuous exercise.
- Label all of your child’s winter clothing, and keep it separated from other people’s clothes. This prevents lost items, and the spread of lice and fleas.
And always make sure children:
- Drink plenty of warm fluids. If hot drinks are not available, drink plenty of plain water
- Take frequent breaks from the cold to let their body warm up
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
Adapted from: “Winter Safety,” Safe Kids Canada. http://www.safekidscanada.ca/parents/safety-information/winter-safety/index.aspx. Last modified 28 May, 2010.
- Submitted by Laura Ogden, Community Health Nurse
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