Mid-Winter Safety Check Up
Friday, December 15, 2017
Mid-Winter Safety Check Up
There’s lots of great ways to enjoy the winter. Sledding, ice skating, and the chance to wear big puffy coats and heavy boots. Of course, there’s also winter weather to consider and so far, we’ve seen it all: cold, wind, snow, and some sunny days too. Now that we’re about halfway through such an unpredictable winter, we thought it might be a good time to give you 5 things to think about when it comes to keeping your family safe.
FIVE THINGS
- Car Seats and Winter Coats. We know you want your little ones to be warm, but please don’t buckle your child into a car seat while wearing a bulky coat. The coat can compress in a crash and create a loose car seat harness, putting your child at greater risk of injury in the event of a crash. Instead, lay the jacket over your children like a blanket once they’re safely secured. More tips on car seats.
- Sleep Safety. Extra blankets can seem so cozy in a baby’s crib but soft bedding can block a baby’s airway during sleep. A firm mattress covered with a tight-fitting crib sheet is all you need for your baby to sleep well. If you’re worried about keeping your baby warm on those cold winter nights, try using a sleepsack (wearable blanket). They’re pretty cozy, too. More tips on safe sleep.
- Winter Sports. Kids love to push the limits when they’re skiing or snowboarding. Make sure they wear helmets and other proper gear to keep them safe if they fall on the slopes. Kids also might not be inclined to drink as much water when they’re playing in cold weather because they don’t get as hot. Remind them to stay properly hydrated. More sports tips.
- Carbon Monoxide. This is a great time to make sure your home has a carbon monoxide alarm on every level, especially near sleeping areas, and keep them at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances. If you’re warming up a vehicle, don’t forget to remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. It’s extremely dangerous to leave a car, SUV or motorcycle engine running inside a garage. More CO tips.
- Fire Safety. Create and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of your house in case of a fire. This can be a fun activity for the whole family. Here’s a handy worksheet to help get you started. And remember to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. More tips on fire.
Have a fun and safe winter.