snow day safety: top tips for sledding safely and staying warm

Winter weather is officially arrived and kids across the region cross their fingers for a snow day filled with fun! Before sending kids out into the snow to enjoy some sledding fun, there are a few tips that parents and caregivers need to keep in mind. 

sledding safely

use safe gear to prevent injuries

• a safe sled - pick a sled that has brakes and can be steered.
• a helmet - a winter sports helmet is best, but a bike helmet is better than no helmet.
• warm clothing - wear a hat, gloves or mittens, snow pants, winter jacket, and snow boots. Don't wear a scarf, as it can get caught in a sled. Bright colors are great to wear to be easily spotted.

find a safe spot

• find a hill that is not too steep and has a long flat area at the bottom so there is a place to glide to a stop.
• avoid hills that end near a street or parking lot.
• avoid hills that end near ponds, trees, fences, or other hazards.
• make sure the hill does not have bumps, rocks, poles, or trees in the sledding path.
• It is best to sled during the day. For sledding at night, make sure the path is well lit.

be safe while sledding

• have a responsible adult nearby in case someone gets hurt.
• young kids (5 and under) should sled with an adult, and kids under 12 should be watched at all times.
• sit face-forward on sleds with their feet downhill. Never stand on a sled. Never go down the hill face-first because this can lead to a serious head injury.
• Each sled should go down the hill one at a time and with only one person per sled, except for adults with young kids.
• don't build a jump on a sledding hill.
• always keep arms and legs within the sled at all times.
• if the sled won't stop, roll off of it.
• walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for other sledders.
• don't ever pull a sled with a moving vehicle (like a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle).

staying warm

While the snow may be calling your kids to come and play, always be aware of the temperature before they go out to play. Sub-zero and single-digit temperatures are not safe for kids to be out in, even for short periods of time. “When temperatures reach 10 degrees or below, parents should really keep their children inside,” says Lisa Schwing, RN, trauma program manager. “It’s rare that we say don’t go outside and play, but in these sorts of single-digit, or even negative degrees events, just a few minutes outside can put a child at risk.”

Winter sport safety is important to learn about during this time of  year! Learn more by clicking here. 

When the temperature allows outside play follow these tips to keep kids warm:

1. Dress your child in multiple layers. Add extra warmth with insulated boots and double up on socks and mittens. Avoid cotton clothing, and instead, stick with wool or other fabrics to trap in heat for inner layers. Waterproof pants and jackets are a great top layer.
2. Keep their clothes dry. Wet, cold clothing puts your child at risk for hypothermia. Change their socks and mittens when they are wet.
3. Cover at-risk areas. Make sure that your child has their ears, cheeks, fingers and toes covered. These body regions are the most susceptible to frostbite.
4. Have your child wear a hat. Most of the body’s heat escapes through the head. This also helps cover your child’s ears.
5. Give your child a snack before going outside. This will give your child energy and body heat while playing in the cold weather.
6. Check on your child every 15 to 20 minutes. Check to make sure your child isn’t too cold and doesn’t have any wet clothing on. Bring your child in for breaks periodically to have them warm up and change into dry clothing.

Have fun, be safe, and stay warm this winter!