Keeping Children Safe This Winter

Skating, skiing, sledding and building snowmen are among our fondest memories of winter. While these activities are enjoyable, it is important safety be a part of the season ensuring children have fun and remain free of injury.

Childhood injury statistics show why safety is so important. According to Safe Kids Canada, injuries are the number one cause of death and disability among Canadian children. Unfortunately, many people still believe childhood injuries are a normal part of growing up. This is a dangerous assumption. In fact, 90% of all injuries are predictable and preventable. As a society, we need to change this assumption and our resulting behaviour, in order to prevent childhood injuries.

Winter’s cold and stormy weather present many safety challenges that may increase children’s risk for injury. To ensure children a safe and fun winter, take some time to implement measures to keep them warm and injury free.

• Dress children warmly making sure their head, hands and feet have adequate protection from the winter elements. To prevent strangulation, remove all drawstrings from children’s clothing, and use neck warmers instead of scarves.

• Do not allow children to build snow forts with tunnels. These structures could easily collapse and suffocate a child. Do not allow children to play on or in snow banks, as drivers or snowplow operators may not see them.

• Be aware of the temperature outside. Children should remain indoors when the temperature falls below -25C, or if the wind chill is -28C.

• It is imperative children have the appropriate safety equipment when taking part in winter activities such as sledding, skating, skiing or snowboarding. Helmets are an absolute must to protect a child from head injury. It is best children take lessons from a qualified instructor to properly learn the skills of an activity and reduce the risk of injury.

Remember the best way to prevent childhood injuries is to supervise children. For more information about winter safety or childhood injury, contact Public Health at 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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