Seasonal Safety Tips

Most injuries are preventable. Incorporating these precautions into your daily life will help to avoid life-altering accidents.

During all seasons

• Use your seat belt all the time.
• Use appropriately sized and installed car seats.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Follow the speed limit.
• Do not drive in poor weather or when tired.
• Consider becoming CPR certified.

Concussions
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. Although concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head, even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. The following are a few of the common signs and symptoms of a concussion:

• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
• Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
• Dizziness or “seeing stars”
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue

Poison safety
While toxic substances are present in the home year-round, summer brings increased use of garden aids and exposure to products stored in the garage. More than half of all poison exposures occur among children younger than 6, according to the CDC. To prevent poison exposures, parents should follow guidelines similar to those used when storing and handling household chemicals:

• Keep all hazardous items in high cupboards, tall shelves or locked cabinets.
• If storing toxic substances in a container other than the one in which it was purchased, be sure to label it clearly with the word poison.
• Never store poisons in baby food bottles or other familiar food containers that children may mistake for food.

Skiing/Snowboarding

• Dress in layers. If you begin to sweat, remove layers as needed to stay dry. Wet clothes can cause your body to chill and can lead to hypothermia or frostbite. Add layers back as necessary. 
• Wear a helmet to protect your head from injury. 
• Use chemical heat packs to warm your hands and feet. 
• Protect skin from being exposed to harsh temperatures to avoid frostbite. Be especially careful with small areas of your body, such as your hands, feet and ears. 
• Be aware of weather conditions. Consider going inside if the temperature drops below 0 F (-17.8 C). 
• Know your limits. Many injuries occur when people attempt ski runs or tricks beyond their skill abilities. 
• Watch exposed skin and time outside with children. They are not aware of the dangers and their limitations. 
• Seek medical attention for frostbite or hypothermia.

Snow blower safety 

• Dress in layers, and be sure to cover your ears, fingers and toes to prevent hypothermia or frostbite. 
• Take frequent breaks. Go inside a warm building and let your body temperature rise. 
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware of any people or objects near your working area. 
• Never put your hand inside a snow blower while it is turned on or if it is clogged. Turn off the machine first, and use a stick or handle if you need to remove snow from the blower — never your hand! There are several sharp blades on the inside of a snow blower that can severely injure you once the snow clog is released. 
• Read the instruction manual before operating the snow blower. Do not tamper with any safety devices or shields. 
• If you notice any symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, return to a warm location immediately. Remove any wet clothing, cover up with blankets and drink a warm beverage to raise your body temperature. 
• Seek medical attention for frostbite or hypothermia.

Hypothermia prevention 

• Hypothermia is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms may include shivering, lack of coordination, confusion, drowsiness and slow, shallow breathing. It is caused by a person’s body temperature dropping below 95 F (35 C). 
• Dress in layers and wear weather appropriate clothing, including a hat and scarf to cover your head, face and neck, and mittens (not gloves) to keep your fingers warm. 
• Keep yourself dry. Wet clothing and cold weather can cause a quick drop in body temperature. Remove wet clothing as quick as possible. Be cautious of any winter activities that would cause you to sweat excessively. 
• Avoid alcohol use before participating in outdoor winter activities. 
• Keep your vehicle stocked with emergency supplies in case bad weather causes you to get stranded. Blankets, candles, matches, winter attire and a first aid kit would be helpful in an emergency. If possible, carry a mobile phone with you as you travel. If you’re traveling during bad weather, alert someone where you are going, your planned route and expected arrival time. 
• Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of hypothermia. As you wait for medical assistance, relocate to a warm location, remove any wet clothing and cover yourself with blankets or coats.

Frostbite

• Frostbite is a condition in which skin and body tissues freeze. Small areas of the body, such as your fingers, nose, toes and ears, are more vulnerable to frostbite. Symptoms include a cold or burning sensation, discoloration of the skin to red, white, pale or yellow, numbness and blistering. 
• Dress in layers and limit areas of exposed skin in cold weather. Keep ears covered with a hat, fingers protected in mittens, and toes concealed in boots and warm socks. 
• Do not drink alcohol as it can cause body temperature to drop more rapidly. 
• Be aware of frostbite symptoms. If you notice your skin turning red or becoming numb, move to a warmer location and protect yourself from further exposure. Use warm water or blankets to raise your body temperature. 
• Seek medical attention for frostbite or hypothermia.