Keeping the Whole Family Safe and Healthy During Outdoor Winter Activities

The winter can be a great time for snow enthusiasts and kids. Whether you are skiing, snowboarding, tubing or just going outside to build a snowman with the kids, there are several rules you should follow to keep warm and safe during blistery weather conditions. Follow these tips to ensure safety while participating in outdoor winter activities:

• Dress in layers. Dress yourself and your kids in layers to insulate body heat. Start with a tight fitting layer with a fabric that keeps moisture away, such as polyester, nylon or spandex. You’ll want to save your cotton fabrics for the summer, as cotton absorbs moisture. Top your base layer with wool or fleece to aid in the insulation. Your final layer should be a waterproof jacket or coat that repels moisture and wind. Once you have your layers don’t forget accessories! To prevent frostbite cover your hands, feet, nose and ears. Remember, frostbite can occur during any winter activity, even making snow angels.
• Alert yourself. If you’re participating in tubing, sledding, snowboarding, etc. look for possible dangers, such as rocks, trees, fences and even innocent bystanders. Feel free to walk the specific slope your family intends to go down before the actual run begins. Additionally, be aware of the signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Be aware of your surroundings. This is extremely important for any winter activity, but especially those that are taking place in unfamiliar surroundings. For example, if you’re snowboarding in avalanche prone territories learn to recognize and understand the terrain; you should suspect any slope that is steeper than 30 degrees. Also, don’t plan on traveling across ice, unless you absolutely know for a fact that it’s safe. The general rule is, you need at least four inches of ice to be able to support one person on foot. However, ice experts will tell you there’s no such thing as safe ice.
• Stay hydrated. This one can be tough to remember, especially when it’s cold outside. You may be sweating underneath your numerous layers and not even realizing it. Dry, sticky mouth, excessive thirstiness, decreased urine output, headaches and dizziness are all signs of dehydration. Make sure you and your family are staying away of normal body signs.
• Plan ahead. Make sure you tell somewhere you are at all times in case a disaster situation strikes. If you decide to go hiking or explore nature during wintertime pack an ample amount of snacks and a large supply of water. Additionally, it’s a good idea to pack a winter safety kit. This kit should include a pocketknife, cell phone, first-aid kit, matches, hand warmers and a flashlight.

Spending time outdoors in the snow can foster tons of fun activities for the entire family. Just remember, weather is unpredictable and the power of Mother Nature should never be second guessed. Be aware of survival knowledge before you plan any trip and make sure you’ve equipped yourself and your family with the necessary tools and resources to make it through a disaster situation.
 
Tip: Keep yourself safe even on the road to and from winter activities. Always have an emergency kit (customized for the season) in your vehicle. If you have cheap car insurance, be sure the coverage will meet your needs in the event of an accident. Whether in the wild or on the road, it pays to be prepared.