Dear Parents:

At this time of year, it is a good idea to talk with your children and teens about cold weather safety.  Extra care is needed, especially in younger children, to be sure that cold injury or illness does not occur. 

• It is important to check your children’s clothing every day during extreme weather conditions.  Warm jackets, hats, scarves, boots, and an extra pair of dry gloves in their pocket will protect them during extremely cold temperatures.
  
  
• Make a “Cold Weather Plan” in case you are not home before the bus comes.  

Explain danger signs and risks that mean the need to seek help:

• the child gets cold or wet, especially wet inside boots or gloves;
  
  
• the child feels pain or numbness anywhere especially hands, feet, ears, or nose;
  
  
• the child senses she/he waited longer than five minutes, especially when it is windy and you have told them that temperatures have dipped into the teens. 
  
  
• Frostbite behaves like a burn and requires medical attention.

Teach your child about your cold weather plan even if you are not there to help them. Be sure they know:

• The danger signs and risks of extreme cold weather,
  
  
• How long to wait outside in extreme weather,
  
  
• When to ask for help,
  
  
• Where to find safe shelter when the bus does not come or in an emergency,  and
  
  
• How to protect him/herself with proper winter clothing.

Stay warm and safe.  Happy winter!