It’s December, and that means frosty days and even chillier nights! Snow and ice are just frozen water and, as our readers know, we’re all about water safety! As the colder weather blows through, it’s time to start discussing some cold weather and snow safety tips.

Snow Safety Tips

If you live in a chilly climate, you’ll likely end up dealing with snow during this time of year. This can be a pain, but it can also be hazardous to your health. Throughout this article, we’ll share some snow safety tips that can keep you as warm and safe as possible.

Dress to Impress

Above all, a person should always dress for the weather. During colder times, it pays to wear layers of warm clothes. Not unlike the layers of protection we often refer to for drowning safety, your outfit shouldn’t rely on a single layer of cloth. Instead, bundle up!

Wearing multiple layers is among the best ways to defend against the elements. When combined with a hat that covers the ears and a scarf, a person is much better protected against the frigid air. For kids, be sure to invest in snow pants.

Keep the Water Out

Additionally, your boots and gloves should be waterproof. Like we said, snow and ice are just frozen water. Over time, cloth that isn’t waterproof can get awfully sloshy and wet. This is a recipe for discomfort and frostbite. Instead, be sure to protect extremities from the elements with properly sealed waterproof gear.

Avoiding Frostbite

When it comes to cold weather and snow safety tips, frostbite is public enemy number one. Let’s take a moment to talk about frostbite. According to the Mayo Clinic:

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. First your skin becomes very cold and red, then numb, hard and pale. Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Exposed skin in cold, windy weather is most vulnerable to frostbite. But frostbite can occur on skin covered by gloves or other clothing.

So how do you avoid frostbite? Well, there are a number of precautions we can all take. As we mentioned above, dressing in warm layers can help to keep the cold away. Unfortunately, that won’t work forever.

Spending too much time outside during the cold weather can wear down your defenses, no matter what you’re wearing. If you are having trouble feeling your face, ears or extremities, it can be a warning sign of frostbite. Take frequent breaks to avoid overexposure.

In some situations, body parts affected by frostbite may hurt or feel stiffer than usual when touched. The affected skin may appear pale and shiny. If you notice any of these signs, you should seek immediate medical attention. Frostbite is not a laughing matter.

Don’t Use Heat!

Contrary to what many people believe, applied heat is not a cure for frostbite. Under no circumstances should you run your injured body under hot water or put anything hot against the affected area. Wait for proper medical advice from a doctor. You see, heat can greatly increase the damage done by frostbite. Instead, try to wiggle the potentially frostbitten areas as much as possible. The goal is to help keep your blood circulating.

Stay Away from The Pool Area

Before we wrap up, we can’t forget the pool. Even though the snow is falling, there’s often still a swimming pool in the backyard. That’s a tempting hazard for playing children and even adults.

During the colder months, there typically won’t be any reason for people to be wandering around the pool area. In fact, we’ve written a full post dedicated to closing your pool for the winter. A properly installed and locked pool fence should help to keep people away from a potential drowning hazard.

Beyond a pool fence, installing a strong pool cover will provide extra protection. It should be able to support a person’s full weight and prevent someone from accidentally falling into the water. Combined, all of these precautions should keep you safer around the pool area.