Cold Weather Safety

Cold Weather Safety

January 31, 2022 in News, Parent Education & Support

Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) provides ways to help keep you and your family safe during these cold months.  

Car Seats & Winter Coats
In efforts to keep your little ones warm, remember to not buckle your child into a car seat with a bulky winter coat/snowsuit. For maximum safety, the car seat harness needs to fit snugly around your child. Instead, adjust the car seat harness while your child’s coat is off, then put the jacket back on and rebuckle. It may seem tight, but it will fit properly. 

Carbon Monoxide
Warm your vehicle by removing it from the garage. Never leave your vehicle running inside a garage to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Take a moment to check your exhaust to ensure snow has not blocked the pipe. Winter is also a great time to check carbon monoxide levels inside your home. 

Sleep Safety
As you tuck in your children during the cold months, remember to do this in a safe manner by using a tight-fitting crib sheet or wearable blanket. Extra blankets inside the crib may cause the baby’s airways to be blocked. 

Winter Sports
Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to keep kids moving in the winter. Be sure your child is fully equipped with a helmet or any other proper gear to keep them safe. With not getting as hot in the frigid temperature, kids often forget to drink water. Be sure to remind them to stay hydrated. 

Fire Safety
When using space heaters during these cold winter days/nights, be sure to place them out of the way from anything that can burn. A home fire escape plan is something important to have in place so your family knows what to do in case of an emergency. 

Have a fun and safe winter season.