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Snow on Christmas Day brought plenty of old-fashioned fun for families: Snowball
battles, sled rides, football games in the snow, snow tag, and much more. The Christ
mas snow was ideal for building snowmen, snow forts, and snow sculptures.
Sledding
Safety:
LEESPORT (Berks Co.)
Swooshing downhill atop
a crisp, new snow can be an
irresistible temptation for
people of all ages. You will
find equipment ranging
from toboggans to snow
di^ks.
Keep in mind, however,
that all sledding equipment
is designed to be used in a
certain position either
lying down or sitting up
right. To help keep snow
play safe, follow these sim
ple safety reminders.
• A sledder should ride
lying down. Snow disks and
plastic sliders are designed
for upright use. No one
should ever ride while
standing up.
• Children ages 5 to 9
are the most susceptible to
sledding injuries, and par
ents of young children
should not let them sled
alone.
• Make sure the sledding
path does not cross traffic
and is free of hazards, such
as large trees, fences, rocks,
wire or bare spots. Check to
see that the incline is not
too steep or icy, and that
there is a level run-off at
the end so that the sled can
come to a halt safely. Teach
older children to check for
hazards.
• Do not sled on or
around frozen lakes,
streams or ponds. The best
place to toboggan is a sled
ding hill in a park.
• Sledders should wear
protective head gear, thick
gloves or mittens, and pro
tective boots. If you sled
downhill head first, you
greatly increase the risk of
head injury.
• NEVER hitch a ride
behind a moving vehicle
while on sledding equip
ment. The results can be
deadly.
This sledding safety tip
comes courtesy of the Uni
versity of Missouri TASK
(Teaching Agricultural
Safety to Kids) project.
/Mlaas-lagi
Find your way down the hill —but don't ski into the
walls!
38
Mi hm M
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These two snowmen are having a conversation.
Make up the words they are saying to tell a story
of your own.
* Korney
*
V
Readers, if you have a sharp photo of your kids or
family having winter fun, send It to Lancaster Farming,
Attn: Lou Ann Good, P.O. Box 609, Ephrata, PA 17522.
Please identify people and activity pictured In the photo
to be reprinted on Kids Komer page during upcoming is
sues. Include your name and complete address so that
the photo can be returned to you.
Frostbite Do’s And Don’ts
LEESPORT (Berks Co.) Prolonged exposure to cold, wind
and moisture can increase the risk of frostbite when skin and
underlaying tissues freeze, turning skin pale, numb, glossy and
hard to the touch. Frostbite primarily affects the cheeks, feet,
nose and ears.
To Prevent Frostbite:
• DON’T stay outdoors if the temperature approaches 5°F
and O°F windchUl.
• DO dress in layers of natural fibers, making sure especially
that hands, ears, feet and faces are covered.
Choose waterproof mittens over warm gloves if your child is
playing in the snow. Lace plastic bags over socks and under
shoes or boots to keep dry.
• DO drink plenty of fluids, eat a hearty meal or snack before
going outside.
• DO know the warning signs of frostbite and come indoors if
wet or at the first sign of numbness.
• DO bring a child indoors for a change of clothes immedi
ately if child gets wet.
Warning Signs of Frostbite:
• Ice crystals form on the skin.
• Sufferer feels pain and burning sensation as skin begins to
thaw.
• Skin turns red, pale or white.
• Skin blisters and/or dark patches form under the skin.
To Treat Frostbite:
• DO come indoors at once. Do cover the affected areas with
extra clothing, a warm, wet washcloth or blankets. As re-warm
ing occurs, you should feel a tingling and burning sensation and
the skin should turn red.
• DO seek medical attention if the skin blisters, if you see
dark blue or black areas under the skin or if the skin remains
numb and/or painful after 15 minutes of warming.
• DO dry the affected areas. Wrap in sterile dry dressings,
separating fingers and toes if you can’t see a doctor right away.
• DON’T apply heat from heating pads, which could burn
numb skin.
• DON’T rub sensitive frostbitten skin, which can cause fur
ther damage.