Baby It's Cold Outside
Keep Your Family Safe This Winter

Oh, the weather outside is frightful …

Winter may have a reputation as a cold, frightful season, but warming up to these safety precautions can help you and your loved ones weather it with ease.

Bundle up. If the weather is extremely cold and windy, it's best to stay indoors. If you must go out, even for a short time, dress in layers and cover exposed skin. Children and adults should wear a water-resistant coat and boots, plus a hat, scarf and mittens. If going outside to have fun in the snow (such as on a snowmobile, snowboard, sled or skis), wear the proper protective gear and sunscreen. Be aware of signs of hypothermia and frostbite. See "Cold Weather Health Emergencies."

Think twice about ice. Walking on ice can be hazardous. Keep sidewalks, steps and driveways free of ice by sprinkling rock salt on them. Do not walk or skate on frozen ponds or lakes unless you are absolutely certain the ice is solid and thick, and never leave children unattended on icy surfaces.

Be smart with a shovel. Many people suffer back injuries as a result of shoveling snow. The American Physical Therapy Association recommends shoveling in the afternoon, when the body is warmed up and there is less fluid pressure in the back. Move smaller loads of snow, and bend at the knees and lift with your legs rather than your back. Take frequent breaks – stand up straight and walk around for a bit. Don't recruit young children to shovel; lifting heavy snow can strain their muscles.

Take precautions when traveling. There's a reason winter isn't a popular time for road trips – a blizzard can make roads treacherous and impossible to see. Pay attention to the National Weather Service's travel advisories and never drive in low-visibility conditions. Keep your car stocked for the season with a safety kit that includes a mobile phone, windshield scraper/brush, windshield wiper fluid and de-icer, water, high-calorie dried food, blankets, road maps, collapsible shovel, first aid supplies and a flashlight and batteries. Keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the fuel lines. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle and call for help.

Enjoy a Winter Wonderland
Winter can be delightful if you know how to prepare for it. Use common sense and teach your family to mind the chills and thrills of the season. Find more winter safety and health tips on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site at www.cdc.gov.

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