Winter is a hard season for families with children. Things get messy quickly. Think wet snowsuits and smelly footwear! Regular hazards are also all the more intimidating when you have children to worry about, and they’re out playing in the snow, ice, high winds, and difficult conditions. As fun and exciting as the season is, there are some winter best practices to ensure everyone’s safe and prepared for the climate conditions they could encounter.
Here are the winter best practices for families:
Take Full Advantage of Winter
Winter brings with it so many fun, family-friendly activities. Please make the most of it, whether sledding, building snowmen, ice skating, or anything else. Take full advantage of what’s available to make memories with your family and maximize quality time.
Educate Your Kids on Winter Safety
There are many hazards in winter that children are either unaware of or don’t realize how risky they are. Be sure to teach kids about black ice, frostbite, reflective gear, snowplows, and simple acts such as crossing the street, which can prove challenging during tough weather.
Have Extras of All Winter Essentials
Your family should have winter coats, boots, gloves, scarves, and extras. Winter coats can tear, boots can be ripped apart by wear, and gloves can be lost. Keep a second pair of your outfit waiting in the wings for when you need it most.
Apply a De-Icing Product On the Stairs
If you have stairs, this is an obvious hazard come winter. After you clear snow from your property’s stairs, add bulk magnesium chloride or a similar product to eliminate ice buildup. This is essential to prevent a slip or fall.
Have Your Vehicle Inspected
Prepare your vehicle for winter. Equip it with winter tires. Ensure your wipers, scraper, and brush are working, your heat is working, and your brakes are properly configured. Keep your car comfortable and safe for driving in winter conditions that will present major hazards.
Check Fire Alarms
Ensure you have fire alarms installed on every level of your home and outside of every bedroom. All fire alarms should have working batteries and the capacity to measure carbon monoxide in the air.
Optimize Your Home’s Heating
Check your home’s heating to ensure it evenly powers the entire property. Clear vents, replace air filters and seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent heat loss. Lastly, consider insulating blankets or curtains to keep warm on colder days of the year.
Keep a Winter Emergency Kit
Set up a winter emergency kit you and your family can access during a power outage. Include non-perishable food, water, flashlight batteries, medications, pet supplies, and even a couple of games for the kids. Tailor your home’s emergency kit to your family’s needs.
Have a Snow Removal Plan
Understand how to clear snow from your driveway, walkways, and sidewalks when it snows. If you tackle it with a shovel, take regular breaks. Use the right technique to scoop and dump.
Lay Down Liquid De-Icer
It’s easy to end up with a ton of ice on your property, a major hazard for children, seniors, mail carriers, and anyone who walks up to your home. Use liquid de-icer to manage this ice. Increase family safety with a non-toxic, eco-friendly liquid de-icer doing the heavy lifting.
Keep a Winter Emergency Kit In The Car
When you leave the home during winter, carry emergency supplies such as water, snacks, and blankets. This way, your family is set in case you end up somewhere you didn’t expect or are caught in a blizzard.
Monitor Indoor Air
Air in winter is different from air in warmer weather. Winter air can be dry so that you may need a humidifier. Use a dehumidifier or risk developing mould in a space with high humidity. Ensure heating systems are functioning adequately and airflow is maintained in the home.
Plan a Safe School Commute
Talk to your kids about how to walk to school safely in winter conditions. Ensure they’re using icy sidewalks correctly, taking their time to identify hazards and navigate around them, and walking to school carefully with an understanding that real risks are involved.
Have a Plan for Snow Days
Snow days will occur. They’re an inevitability. As a parent, be ready. Have indoor activities planned, whether board games, baking, crafting, or something else. Keep your kids engaged. When you send them outside to play, ensure they are in a safe area to avoid injuries.
Protect Your Pets During Winter
Make sure your pets have safe, warm spaces inside your home. Avoid exposing them to traditional rock salt, which can irritate their paws. Limit outdoor time in general, especially during freezing weather. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort your pet is exhibiting. Protect your pets.
