Winter safety tips- Canadian Red Cross

Winter safety tips

With harsh winter weather affecting many regions of the country, Canadian Red Cross offers some tips to keep you safe.

Put safety first this winter

Winter does not just bring snow and cold, it also brings enjoyable activities such as skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, ice fishing and snowshoeing. While these activities creating lasting winter memories, they have the potential for injury. Red Cross asks you to take the proper safety precautions when you enjoy any winter activity.

Avoid injuries this winter:

Wear the gear. Avoid frostbite and hypothermia by dressing in layers and keeping your head, ears and hands covered.
Be smart! Always wear your helmet when participating in winter activities such as snowmobiling, skiing and skating.
Alcohol and winter activities don’t mix. Stay sober while participating in any winter activities.
Test the thickness of ice before venturing out on it. Ice must be at least 10 cm or 4 inches for walking or skating alone, 20 cm or 8 inches for skating parties and/or games and 25 cm or 10 inches before it is safe for snowmobiles.
Avoid hazards. Survey the area and identify the potential danger spots.
Supervise children. Adult supervision is the best protection for children.

Get trained. Take first aid training from Red Cross or another reputable agency, so that you know what to do in an emergency situation.

Snowmobile safety tips

Each winter tragic and avoidable snowmobile deaths occur across Canada.

Red Cross wants everyone to know the risks associated with snowmobile activities and to ensure they take the proper safety precautions during this fun winter activity.

How to avoid snowmobile-related injuries:

Know your terrain. Do a survey of the area you are riding in and identify the potential danger spots.
Be smart! Always wear your helmet when riding on a snowmobile.
Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix. Stay sober while operating your snowmobile.
Test the thickness of ice before venturing out on it. Ice must be at least 25 cm, or 10 inches, thick before it’s safe for snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Supervision of child riders is key. Adult supervision – and a properly-fitted safety helmet - is the best protection for children.

Prevent the spread of disease

The winter season presents a number of occasions for infections, such as the flu, to spread.

Reduce the risk of spreading disease:

Cover you mouth and nose when you sneeze, using a disposable tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Eat well and get enough exercise and sleep.
Treat all blood and other body fluids as infectious materials.
Get a flu shot.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

Choking hazards during the holiday season

For many, the holiday season goes hand in hand with festive dinners, spending time with family and children enjoying their newest toys. These events are often remembered fondly from year to year. What is often forgotten is the risk for emergencies.

Decrease the risk of choking in adults:

Chew food well before swallowing.
Eat slowly and take small bites.
Do not drink too much alcohol before or during meals.
Do not talk, laugh or do physical activity with food in your mouth.

Decrease the risk of choking in children:

Purchase toys with safety in mind. Follow the age recommendations on toy packaging.
Feed babies and young children appropriate soft foods in small pieces.
Do not let young children move around with food in their hands or mouth. Constantly watch children when they are eating.
Keep holiday decorations, such as tinsel, tacks, and ornaments as well as any small objects out of reach.

Get trained. Take first aid training from an agency such as Red Cross, so that you know what to do in the event of an emergency situation.