Children and Winter Storms
- The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is to stay inside.
- A long period of exposure to severe cold increases the risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Also, it is easy to become disoriented to blowing snow.
- If you go outside to play after a snowstorm, dress in many layers and wear a hat and mittens.
- Many layers of thin clothing are warmer than single layers of thick clothing. On of the best ways to stay warm is to wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head. Keep hands and feet warm too. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Covering the mouth with a scarf protects lungs from extremely cold air.
- If you start to shiver a lot or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes, or earlobes start to feel numb or turn very pale, come inside right away and tell an adult. These are signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If you experience these symptoms, you will need immediate attention to prevent further risk.
- Come inside often for warm-up breaks. This will help alleviate the risks of frostbite and hypothermia.
Check on your children often while they play outside; be aware of where they are playing, and what they are playing around. Large mounds of snow that may have built up from snow blowers and snowplows will attract children. Warn them of the dangers of digging around these areas, and the potential of a collapse.