Don't let the cold weather stop kids from exercising and walking to school this winter. Walking to school is one of the easiest ways for children to stay active, but during the wintertime extra precautions need to be taken to make sure children are safe from any potential dangerous weather conditions. Make sure to take some time and go over basic pedestrian safety tips with children. Read over these tips with your child so together we can improve walking in the winter.
- Before children walk to school make sure to look over the weather report. If weather warnings suggest a severe wind chill or extremely low temperatures, consider avoiding outdoor activities until the weather improves.
- Make sure children wear boots that aren't too tight and a warm coat. Make sure to dress children in many thin layers to keep them dry and warm. Clothing with retro-reflective material while walking in snowy conditions will help a child be easily spotted against the white snow.
- Never let children play in the street or other places where cars go such as; parking lots, driveways, etc. Designate a spot where they can play in the snow such as a backyard or a playground.
- Children 10 and younger shouldn’t cross streets by themselves. Remind children 10 and older the rules of pedestrian safety such as using sidewalks.
- Parents should always keep their sidewalks and driveways shoveled and use rock salt to improve traction.
- Skin can become sunburned in the winter because the sun’s rays are reflected off of the snow. Make sure to use sunblock on exposed skin while children are playing/walking outside.
- Take extra precautions when dusk or evening approaches as a result of reduced visibility of drivers, etc. Make sure you and your child have a schedule of when they are leaving and coming home from school.
- Pack an extra pair of gloves and scarf for your child in their backpack for “just in case.” You may never know if your child will lose or forget one or more of their gloves at home or at school. This is always a good choice in keeping your child safe in the wintertime.