Winter Safety Tips: Keeping Kids and Teens Safe in Minnesota During Cold Weather

Winter in Minnesota means snow and ice, but also lots of fun outside. However, with that fun comes safety concerns, especially for children and teens. At Child & Teen Medical Center, we want your family to enjoy the season, while making sure they stay safe. Here are some winter safety tips for kids and teens that focus on cold-weather health, injury prevention, and winter gear essentials. Let’s go over how to protect your children from common winter hazards, including those involved with risky activities like snowmobiles and other motorized winter sports equipment.

  1. Dress in Layers to Avoid Cold-Weather Illnesses: Winter dressing for kids and teens should prioritize warmth and protection. Make sure your child is dressed in layers:
    • Moisture-wicking base layer: Keeps skin dry.
    • Insulating middle layer: Traps body heat.
    • Waterproof outer layer: Shields from wind, snow, and rain.
    • Don’t forget winter hats, gloves or mittens, and insulated boots. This strategy helps prevent frostbite and hypothermia, two common winter dangers. Be alert for signs like numbness, pale skin, and shivering. If these appear, get them indoors quickly.
  2. Prevent Slips and Falls on Ice: Icy surfaces are a big concern in Minnesota winters. Slipping on ice can lead to serious injuries, especially for children. Here’s how to reduce the risk:
    • Shoes with good traction: Rubber-soled boots offer better grip.
    • Clear ice from sidewalks and driveways: Use sand or salt to make surfaces safer.
    • Teach safe walking techniques: Encourage kids to take small, penguin-like steps on icy surfaces.
    • Always monitor children for signs of injury after a fall, particularly in their heads and wrists.
  3. Sledding and Snowmobiling Safety Tips: Winter activities like sledding and snowmobiling are popular, but they can also lead to injuries if safety isn’t prioritized. Follow these tips:
    • Sledding Safety:
      1. Supervise sledding activities: Choose gentle, obstacle-free slopes.
      2. Use steering sleds: These provide better control and reduce collision risks.
      3. Helmets are a must: Protect your child’s head, especially younger kids
      4. Encourage sledding feet-first and avoiding steep hills. Make sure sleds are in good condition and watch your children closely.
    • Snowmobile Safety: Snowmobiling can be exciting, but it carries serious risks, particularly for teens and children. Consider these tips:
      1. Age restrictions: Ensure kids under 16 do not operate snowmobiles alone. In Minnesota, snowmobile operators must complete safety training and follow state regulations.
      2. Helmets are essential: Ensure they wear a properly fitted, DOT-approved helmet at all times.
      3. Follow speed limits: Teach teens to drive at safe speeds, especially in low-visibility or icy conditions.
      4. Stay on trails: Stick to designated trails and avoid areas where hidden obstacles may be buried under snow.
      5. Always supervise children and ensure they ride safely, whether as passengers or under adult supervision.
  4. Winter Sports Gear: Essential for Injury Prevention: For kids and teens involved in winter sports like snowboarding, ice skating, or skiing, having the right gear is crucial:
    • Helmets: These are essential to prevent head injuries.
    • Well-maintained equipment: Check that skates, skis, and snowboards are in good condition and properly fitted.
    • Wrist guards: Help prevent fractures from falls during snowboarding or skiing.
    • Encourage frequent breaks during winter activities, and remind them to stay hydrated, as cold weather can lead to dehydration.
  5. Recognizing Frostbite and Hypothermia: Frostbite and hypothermia are serious winter risks in Minnesota. Frostbite often affects fingers, toes, ears, and noses, while hypothermia impacts the body’s core. Be on the lookout for these signs:
    • Frostbite symptoms: Numbness, white or grayish skin, and a waxy feeling.
    • Hypothermia symptoms: Shivering, slurred speech, and confusion.
    • If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately. Reduce exposure to extreme cold and keep kids indoors on particularly cold days.
  6. Safe Driving Tips for Teen Drivers in Winter: Teens driving in winter need to be extra cautious on icy roads. Equip your teen with these tips:
    • Drive slowly and increase following distances to avoid accidents.
    • Winterize the car: Ensure tires, battery, and windshield fluid are in good condition. Keep an emergency kit with blankets and non-perishable food.
    • Avoid distractions: Texting or using a phone while driving is especially dangerous in winter conditions.
    • Encourage teens to stay off the roads during hazardous conditions and to always drive cautiously.
  7. Carbon Monoxide Safety: A Silent Winter Danger: Carbon monoxide poisoning is a greater risk in winter when homes are sealed tightly for warmth. Protect your family by:
    • Installing carbon monoxide detectors: Place them near sleeping areas and test them regularly.
    • Avoiding idling vehicles in garages: Even with doors open, this can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
    • Properly vent heating appliances: Ensure fireplaces, wood stoves, and gas appliances are correctly vented.
    • If you notice symptoms like dizziness or nausea in your child, get them into fresh air immediately and contact emergency services.
  8. Cold and Flu Prevention During Winter: Winter is often accompanied by an increase in cold and flu cases. Keep your kids healthy with these measures:
    • Get a flu shot: Vaccination is the best defense.
    • Encourage frequent handwashing: Regular handwashing is key to stopping the spread of germs.
    • Keep sick children at home: This helps prevent illness from spreading at school or in public places.
    • At Child & Teen Medical Center, we can provide flu shots and medical advice to keep your children healthy all season long.

Winter Safety in Minnesota: Trust Child & Teen Medical Center

Winter can be a magical season, but it’s important to remain vigilant about winter safety for kids and teens. Following these tips will help protect your children from winter risks like frostbite, hypothermia, and injuries from icy conditions, winter sports, snowmobiling, or sledding. At Child & Teen Medical Center, we’re here to support your family’s health. Contact us for more tips on staying safe and healthy throughout the winter.