In many areas, the winter months are a time of bitter cold and numbing wetness, which in many cases can lead to hypothermia or frostbite; however, both of these are easily avoidable. To avoid these, make sure everyone in your family, whether it be you, your kids, aging loved ones or your pets, stays safe this winter. Continue reading to learn some tips on how you can keep everyone safe.
Kids
It is important to keep kids safe during the winter as they like to go outside and play in the freshly fallen snow. The first thing you can do to make sure they stay safe is to have them wear layers when going outside. The cold and snow can cause frostbite so dress your child appropriately by making sure their head, neck and hands are covered. Another way to keep kids safe this winter is to tell them to come inside if they are wet or getting cold. This will ensure they do not get hypothermia. Make sure you check on them as well, since they may not want to stop playing and come inside regardless of the temperatures. The last tip is hydration. In drier winter air, kids will lose more water through their breath so be sure to go out and offer them some while they are playing.
Seniors
Just like kids, seniors should put on layers to go outside, even if it is just for a few minutes. Not putting on layers could increase their risk of hypothermia. Other ways for seniors to stay safe during the winter include wearing a scarf and hat as heat can escape from your body easily through your head and neck. Also, changing out of wet or damp clothes right away will help seniors stay safe this winter as it will reduce their risk of staying cold for too long.
Pets
The best way to keep your pets safe this winter is to keep them inside with you. Pet cats should especially not be left outside, even if they roam around outside during other seasons. Dogs are the happiest when they are taken outside for walks and exercise, but they should be kept inside otherwise.
If your dog spends most of their time outdoors, then they should be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that has enough space for them to move about but is small enough to retain heat. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, they will also need more food as well because keeping warm depletes their energy. Check on their water bowl frequently to ensure it is fresh and not frozen. Using plastic water bowls during the winter can be a good idea as their tongue can stick to the metal when trying to use it.
It is important to keep people of all ages and their pets safe this winter in order to reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Take these tips into consideration as the winter months are approaching. Be smart, safe and enjoy the winter!