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There are few things more exciting to a child than a snow day canceling school. It’s a sudden day off that comes with a slew of outdoor activities. These days only come around a few times every year, making them that much more special. It’s easy to see why kids get so excited about rushing outside to play in the snow.
However, they shouldn’t get in too much of a hurry. Before running outside to play, kids need to hear a bit of safety advice. Take some time to go over these standard tips before letting the youngsters rush into the winter wonderland.
Just wearing a light jacket isn’t going to cut it in the snow. Kids need to wear multiple thin layers to keep the warmth close to their bodies. Likewise, children need a few more items than just jackets. People lose most of their body heat in cold weather through their heads, so youngsters should wear thick hats in freezing temperatures.
Digging into snow piles and making snowballs is fun, but kids need to have gloves on before they head outside. Snow melts on contact with skin, and that moisture can cool off again in freezing conditions. In extreme circumstances, this could result in frostbite! Waterproof gloves are a great way to prevent this.
Adults and children alike need to avoid stepping on icy surfaces in winter. Frozen ponds and lakes might look like great fun to play on, but they can be hazardous. First, it’s tough to keep your footing on a slick surface. Children could trip and get hurt before adults can catch them.
Moreover, it’s tough to tell whether ice is thick enough to support a person’s weight. If the top layer is too thin, someone could break through the ice and plunge into the freezing water. Even momentary exposure to freezing water can bring a person’s body temperature to a fatally low level.
Don’t let children play outside in the snow for more than an hour at a time. Kids who have been outdoors for lengthy periods might not notice their bodies getting colder. It’s vital to bring them in and give them hot drinks and soup to get their core temperatures back up.
While they’re inside, make sure they change out their wet socks and gloves for clean, dry replacements. Supervising snow day playtime is the best way to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe!
