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Winter Safety

5 July 2024

Adherence to safety guidelines at home and outside can help ensure the safety of children during the winter season.

At home

  • Heat the house using secure heating measures like radiators and air conditioning and avoid gas or spiral stoves that could cause a fire.
  • Ventilate heated rooms.
  • Adjust infants and children’s clothing to the weather at home and outside.
  • Take off hats before bedtime, all through the day and night.
  • Install a smoke detector in the house.

Outside the house

  • Avoid going on trips in severe weather.
  • Stay clear of torn electric wires, trees, or unstable poles that may fall.
  • Ensure both children and adults are dressed in appropriate clothing and closed top shoes.
  • Stay hydrated by consuming enough liquids, even when not thirsty, and encourage children to do the same.
  • Be cautious when walking on slippery paths.

Driving in the winter

Remove the children’s coats before buckling them into car seats, as a heavy coat creates space between the straps and the child’s body. In the event of an accident, the straps may come loose, and the child can be thrown forward with great force. Put on their coats above the seat belts.

As winter approaches, bringing with it puddles, rain, cold weather, and clouds, it is essential to embrace safety guidelines for meeting the challenges of the cold season. These rules will help maintain the safety of the children, both indoors and outdoors, during the winter.

Safe home environment

It is advised to use secure heating methods such as radiators and air conditioning while avoiding potentially hazardous options like spiral or gas stoves and fan heaters, which can pose fire risks and cause burns. Locate the heating appliances at a safe distance from the infant’s bed, as well as away from combustible items such as blankets, curtains, and sofas, to prevent potential fire hazards.

Read about room heating and cooling

Most burns and hospitalizations of infants and children occur at home, particularly in the kitchen. Occasionally, adult inattention or a lack of supervision can contribute to these accidents. One of the most common accidents occurs when a parent or another adult holds a cup of hot coffee or tea, soup, or even hot plates while carrying a baby in their arms. Therefore, it is advisable to place hot beverage cups and hot plates on elevated tables, positioned in the center and away from the edges, particularly ensuring they are out of reach for children.

During the winter, people are sick more often; therefore, there are typically more medicines at home. Make sure to return medications to their proper place immediately after use and keep them in a high place, out of the reach and sight of children. Do not leave them on a table, a dresser, or in your bag.

Read about proper medicine storage and poisoning prevention

Up to the age of two months, infants are unable to regulate body temperature. During this period, infants should typically wear one more layer than adults, including socks. Beyond two months, infants need at least two layers of clothing – a first layer of a long tank top and footed leggings, and a second layer on top, such as an overall that covers the entire body. When going outdoors, it is recommended to add a blanket and a hat, although the hat should be removed during bedtime and naps.

It is important to note: be mindful of the external temperature and dress your infant accordingly, including socks and gloves. Covering the infant's hands with sleeves or socks is also a practical measure.

Read about dressing babies in the winter

When turning on a heating appliance, always ensure there's a slight opening in a window to promote room ventilation when the heating is on. It is advisable to take the infant out of the room at least once a day to allow for proper airing.

When using heating, consider placing a bowl of water or damp towel, preferably away from the heater, to maintain adequate moisture. Avoid placing any items, including water containers, directly on the heater.

It is essential to avoid drying clothes on heating appliances, as it may lead to a fire.

It is recommended to install smoke detectors around the house, especially in the living room and bedrooms. A smoke detector is a cheap device that can save lives. If, God forbid, a fire breaks out, the smoke detector will alert in real time, allowing you to escape the fire or put it out.

Outside the house

During a storm

  • During a storm or turbulent weather, electric wires may be torn or damaged by falling trees or branches. If you come across torn electric wires, fallen trees, or unstable pillars, it is crucial to leave the area and ensure that children do not touch them.
  • If you identify any hazards, it is essential to report them to the local hotline on 106 or the electricity company.

Winter nature walks

During the winter, nature is filled with beautiful blooms. To fully enjoy it during a walk, it is advisable to have the proper equipment and adhere to the following safety rules:

  • Equipment: be prepared with appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes for you and your infants and children.
  • Sufficient beverages: in the winter, you may feel less thirsty, but it is essential to hydrate the body to avoid dehydration. Encourage children to drink even when they do not feel thirsty.
  • Caution! In the winter, the roads may be slippery due to humidity and water. Therefore, it is crucial to be particularly cautious, especially when walking.
  • Weather: check the forecast before going on a trip and pay attention to flood-related weather reports. Avoid visiting places that have been warned about hazardous conditions.

Safe walking during the winter

  • In the winter, it gets dark early, so it is recommended to dress the children in light clothes, preferably with reflectors. Using transparent umbrellas can help visibility during the evening. Remind children to always cross the street at a crosswalk.
  • Remember: children under the age of 9 never cross the road by themselves.
  • If the sidewalks are wet, remind the children to be careful not to run and trip, especially when crossing the road.

Driving in the winter

  • It is important to remove the children’s coats before buckling them into car seats because, when wearing a heavy coat, seat belts may not be tight enough to be as safe as required. The reason is that a heavy coat creates space between the straps and the child’s body. In the event of an accident, the straps may come loose, and the child can be thrown forward with great force. Put on their coats after securely fastening their seat belts.
  • This is the time to remind parents that infants and children should always ride in a car seat that is appropriate for the child’s age and weight.

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