This page provides winter safety resources that we hope will be of value to you, your family, and your school community from our Safe Kids New Hampshire program.
Ice safety and falling
Checking ice for safety on ponds and lakes is critical to prevent winter drownings. Visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game website for more information on what to do before venturing out.
During winter, impact-absorbing surfaces on playgrounds lose effectiveness, increasing the risk of serious injury from falls. A fall from a structure in cold conditions can be much more damaging. Is your playground prepared with a winter safety policy to help protect children during colder months?
Learn about increasing safety on playgrounds.
Winter sports safety tips
Whether your child is skiing, skating, snowboarding, or sledding, a few simple precautions can help keep them safe and smiling all season long:
- Gear up: Use properly-fitted helmets and protective gear.
- Dress warmly and protect your skin: Layer up with insulated clothing and apply sunscreen to exposed skin.
Winter Sports Safety Tips for Your Kids - Safe Kids Worldwide
Indoor heating and fire safety
Heating your home safely in winter is important. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire, such as curtains or blankets. Never cover it up or put it near anything that could catch on fire. Plug them straight into the wall—never into a power strip—and turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Carbon monoxide is a gas you can’t see or smell, but it can be dangerous. If you use fuel-burning appliances, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. Test them once a month to make sure they work.
If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have your chimney cleaned once a year to prevent buildup that can cause fires.
Resources
- Space Heater Safety
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- NH Division of Fire and Safety
- Home Fire Campaign
- Northern NE Red Cross
Sidewalk plowing
Work with your community’s public works department to prioritize plowing and treating sidewalks along school routes commonly used by children. When snowbanks block sidewalks, children may be forced to walk in the road, which is dangerous. Encourage the use of high-visibility clothing to ensure they are seen at all times.