New Jersey Office of Emergency Management

Winter Weather Preparedness: Safety Outdoors

SAFETY FOR CHILDREN

Enjoy skiing, skating and sledding while following these safety tips:

During a snowstorm, stay inside. Long periods of exposure to severe cold increase the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
When you go out to play after a storm, dress in many layers of clothing with a hat, mittens or gloves, and a scarf to cover your mouth.
- Many layers of thin clothing are better than a single layer of thick clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellant and hooded.
- Most body heat is lost through the top of the head, so always wear a hat.
- Mittens are better than gloves, because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.
- A scarf worn over your mouth will protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Come inside often for warm-up breaks.
Learn the rules below for "Physical Exertion" and "Winter Sports."
If you start to shiver a lot or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes or earlobes start to feel numb or turn pale, COME INSIDE right away and tell an adult!
- These are signs of HYPOTHERMIA and FROSTBITE, serious health risks. You will need IMMEDIATE ATTENTION to prevent further risk!
For more information : " Caring for Kids: Winter Safety " from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

PHYSICAL EXERTION

Learn the "For Children" rules above. They also apply to adults.
REMEMBER: Winter storm conditions and cold waves are the deadliest types of weather.
- Cold puts an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, can increase the risk of a heart attack.
Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
Take frequent rests to avoid overexertion.
If you feel chest pain, STOP and seek help immediately.
Learn the risks of FROSTBITE and HYPOTHERMIA on the NJOEM Winter Weather Threats.

WINTER SPORTS SAFETY:

Use the proper equipment and check to make sure everything is in proper working condition.
- Make sure to wear a helmet specifically designed for the activity you are going to enjoy. Winter sports carry at least as much of a risk of head injury as bicycling.
Check the weather forecast but be prepared for anything.
Always focus 100 percent of your attention on the activity and the terrain you are on. Rest when you are tired.
When skiing and snowboarding:
- Stay on runs that are appropriate for your level of ability.
- Stay in control at all times and be able to stop to avoid people or objects.
- Obey all posted signs and warnings.
When sledding:
- Never use streets or roads unless they are blocked off from traffic.
- Never sled on icy hills.
- Avoid snow bumps or anything that can cause a sled to become airborne.
When skating:
- Skate in areas that have been approved and posted for ice-skating.
- NEVER skate alone. CHILDREN should never skate unsupervised by adults .
- Remember that ice thickness is never consistent on lakes and ponds, and always beware of thin areas.
- Always avoid cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that signify thinner ice.
- Never skate after dark.