AAAhhh, fresh powder! One of the joys of living in the North is playing in the freshly fallen snow! As you or your children head out to enjoy the wintery outdoors, here are some ways you can play safe.
Skiing, Snowboarding and Sledding
Always wear a helmet! For skiing or snowboarding, use a ski or snowboard helmet and for sledding, use a hockey, ski or snowboard helmet. Bicycle helmets are not appropriate for winter sports.
Everyone taking part in downhill sports should know how to slow themselves down, turn and/or stop in order to avoid a collision.
Make sure children (and adults) get proper instruction when learning a new activity or skill.
Choose a sledding hill that is free of trees, rocks and fences and has a safe place to end the run, away from streets, roads or vehicles.
Skating
Always wear a CSA approved hockey helmet when skating.
If skating on lakes or ponds, make sure the ice is a minimum of 10 cm (4 inches) deep.
Never skate near open water and stay off ice that has formed over moving water, such as small streams or rivers.
Never skate alone.
Snowmobiling
Wear a helmet; don't drink and ride; ride in designated snowmobile areas; tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back; carry an emergency kit; and take avalanche training if snowmobiling in areas with avalanche risk.
Holiday Safety
Holiday lights, Christmas trees, decorations, candles...even some of the gifts we give may carry a risk of injury if used incorrectly. For more on these topics, refer to Health Canada's Fun and Safe Holiday Season pamphlet.
Northern Health Resources
Winter Safety (Handout)
Winter Safety (Display)
Other Resources
Winter Sports Safety (Health Canada)
Tips for Winter Driving (BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation)
Prepare for Winter Driving (BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation)