SLEDDING SAFETY

Many cold weather-related emergencies that occur during this time of year can be avoided. Use the following tips from your local Red Cross to sled safely. As always with emergencies, prevention and preparedness are key.

• Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speeds can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low.
• Sledder should wear protective headgear, thick gloves or mittens and protective boots. If you sled downhill head first, you greatly increase the risk of head injury.
• No one should ever ride while standing up. A sledder should ride lying down. Snow disks and plastic sliders are designed for upright use.
• Children ages 5 to 9 are the most susceptible to sledding injuries; parents of young children should not let them sled alone.
• Make sure the sledding path does not cross traffic and is free of hazards, such as trees, fences, rocks, wire or bare spots. Check to see that the incline is not too steep or icy and that there is a level run-off at the end so that the sled can come to a halt safely. Do not sled on or around frozen lakes, streams or ponds. Teach older children to check for hazards.
• NEVER hitch sledding equipment behind a moving vehicle.
• Recognize the symptoms of cold weather illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Warning signs of frostbite include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration. Both are serious, so if any of these conditions are present, seek medical attention immediately.