Keeping kids safe in the cold, inside and out

MADISON, WI- (WGBW) – As temperatures drop into the single digits and below this week and next, UW Health Kids has essential safety reminders to keep the kids safe in winter weather. 

Whether taking part in outdoor activities, taking a car ride or staying warm and cozy at home, now’s a good time for a refresher on how to keep kids safe.

“Many of the winter injuries we see are preventable, so these steps may seem simple, but they make all the difference,” said Rishelle Eithun, child safety and injury prevention manager at UW Health Kids. “These tips will help kids stay safe at home, on the road, and in the snow.”

UW Health Kids recommends the following winter safety tips from Safe Kids Worldwide:

Keeping kids safe while playing in the snow

• Wear warm clothes.
• Have children come indoors periodically to prevent hypothermia or frostbite.
• An adult should always supervise young children.
• Use sunscreen and stay hydrated, even in the cold.

Staying safe at home

• Have a carbon monoxide detector on every floor, including sleeping areas. They need to be at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
• Don’t add extra stuffed animals or blankets to a baby’s crib. A firm mattress covered with a tight-fitting crib sheet is all babies need to sleep well. On cold winter nights, try using a sleep sack.
• Practice a home fire escape plan so kids know two ways to get out of the house in case of a fire.

Staying safe on the road this winter

• If warming up a car before driving, remove it from the garage to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Walk around the vehicle before entering to make sure the tailpipe is not blocked with snow which can cause problems with carbon monoxide.
• Wearing bulky clothes or winter coats can prevent a snug, proper fit of a child’s car seat harness. Adjust the harness while the child’s coat is off, then put the coat on top like a blanket; don’t put the coat back on. Then, at the destination, put the child’s coat back on.