Stay Safe in Kansas' Winter Wonderland

For many children, winter does not bring an end to outdoor fun. From sledding to skiing, snowmobiling to ice skating, children find lots to do when the snow starts to fall. Unfortunately, more than a quarter million children a year are injured while participating in winter sports. However, when children are properly prepared, they can enjoy a safe and fun-filled winter wonderland.

"The inviting snow draws children to ice-covered lakes and sledding slopes each winter, regardless of the frigid temperatures," says Jan Stegelman, Coordinator, Kansas SAFE KIDS. "Children participating in winter sports need to be dressed appropriately, be supervised at all times and stick to safe terrain. For many winter activities, protective headgear is also recommended. Parents and caregivers should inspect equipment and the environment for possible hazards before children engage in winter activities such as sledding, ice skating and skiing. Remind children not to push, shove or roughhouse while engaging in sports, and tell them always to wait their turn."

Kansas SAFE KIDS recommends the following tips to help keep your children safe:

Sledding

Roughly 3,000 kids a year suffer serious head injuries from sledding.

• Kids under 12 should wear a helmet while sledding.
• Don't go down a hill headfirst - always sit up and face forward.
• Make sure there's adult supervision.
• Make sure terrain is free of obstacles and snow-covered hazards.
• A good sledding hill does not lead to a street, a body of water or a crowded gathering place.
• Use equipment that is sturdy and safely constructed.
• Be sure to inspect sleds regularly for worn, damaged or loose parts that could break or snag at high speed.
• Never ride in a sled pulled by a motorized vehicle.

Ice Skating

In 2002, nearly 14,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for ice skating-related injuries.

• Keep in mind that beginners are likely to fall down a lot. Safety gear such as wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads will provide needed protection.
• In addition, helmets and mouth guards are a must for ice hockey.
• Skate only on ice that's approved for skating by the local recreation department or park authority.
• Teach children how to protect themselves if they do fall through the ice: stretch their arms out wide and kick as if swimming, shout for help and try to crawl backward onto solid ice.
• Never skate alone.

Snow Skiing and Snowboarding

In 2002, 18,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for snow skiing-related injuries, and nearly 23,000 were treated for snowboarding-related injuries. With a few safety precautions, skiing and snowboarding are sports that even young children can enjoy.

• Wear a ski helmet and eye protection. Buy or rent a ski helmet that is certified by the Snell Foundation or ASTM. Make sure that it fits correctly so it won't come loose at that critical moment. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, ski helmets could prevent or reduce the effects of 53% of the head injuries suffered by children while skiing or snowboarding, and they are warm and comfortable.
• Wear sun protection, even on cloudy days.
• Never ski alone.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiles can weigh up to 600 pounds and travel at speeds in excess of 90 mph.

• Children under 6 should not be riding a snowmobile at all.
• Children under 16 should never drive a snowmobile.
• All drivers and passengers should be wearing helmets designed for high-speed motor sports - a bicycle helmet is not sufficient for an off-road vehicle.

Basic health and comfort precautions can go a long way in preventing injury.

• Dress in layers.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Stay hydrated.
• Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Call children in periodically to warm up with drinks such as hot chocolate.

For more information about Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition, visit www.kansassafekids.org.

Kansas SAFE KIDS, Inc. is a nonprofit Coalition of 67 statewide organizations and businesses dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries to Kansas children ages 0-14. Local coalitions and chapters are located in Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Clay, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Meade, Montgomery, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Republic, Rice, Saline, Smith, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, and Woodson Counties, as well as Chanute, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Norton, Pittsburg, Wichita and the Metro Kansas City Area. Kansas SAFE KIDS is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury -- the number one killer of children ages 14 and under.

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