Norton Children’s Hospital discusses outdoor winter safety

BOWLING GREEN, KY.- What all started with snow has officially turned to ice in most areas, and many people want to get out and enjoy activities like sledding, snowball fights, or getting some fresh air. But health experts say it’s important to remain cautious while you enjoy any activity that’s outside.

“Sledding on ice is a little more dangerous,” Jenna Tarter, a nurse practitioner at Norton Children’s Hospital, said. “We see sleds go a little faster. And, you know, obviously, with any sledding, we want to make sure that the environment is clean, that we are not sledding in an area where there are fences or rocks or vehicles that they could crash into or be hit by. It’s a little more pertinent with the ice because the speed of those sleds is traveling a little faster.”

These safety tips aren’t just for kids who want to have fun; the slick ice can impact anyone.

“Obviously, the cold weather that we have, but also falls on the ice, you know, we have parents that are carrying kids or helping kids down steps that are icy, or down sidewalks that may be slippery,” Tarter said. “It’s really important to clear those pathways that are frequently use making sure that steps and sidewalks, are accessible for not just kids, but adults too.

“Experiencing the ice is one thing, but another safety precaution you should take is staying as warm as possible. The main risks to worry about are exposure. With the bitter cold temperatures and with injuries from sledding and falls on the ice outside. You know, we want kids to go outside and have a great time. We want them to be able to enjoy their snow days and play and make memories. But the the risk, of exposure in these bitter cold and potentially even subzero temperatures is pretty great.”