Enjoy the Winter Months Safely

 

Nova Scotian winters provide numerous options to celebrate, have fun and stay active with your friends and family. Here are some tips to help make sure you stay safe and healthy while you enjoy your winter and holiday activities.

 

 

 

 

Preparing for Flu Season

The seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine is free for all Nova Scotians this year (2011/2012). This vaccine will protect against three strains of the seasonal influenza that are predicted to circulate this season, including H1N1.Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve

Flu season comes hand in hand with the winter Holiday season. You can help prevent  your hands  from spreading  the flu virus to your family, friends and peers by following these easy steps.

Follow these tips to prevent the spread of germs:

  • Wash your hands frequently, using regular soap and warm water for 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a 70-90% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • When you cough or sneeze raise your arm up to your face and aim for your sleeve. If you cough or sneeze into a tissue remember to throw it out immediately and wash your hands.
  • Don’t share your drinking glass, eating utensils, food items, water bottles or cosmetics.
  • Already sick? Stay home!

More Resources...

 

Up

 

Winter Activities

There are lots of great ways to stay active and have fun in Nova Scotia during the winter. To get the most out of winter sports, be sure to follow these health and safety tips.

A child skiing on Cape Smokey

  • Dress in warm, loose fitting layers with a water-resistant outer layer, a hat, boots and mittens. Wool or wool-blend socks are better than cotton, because cotton socks don’t provide much insulation when they get wet.
  • Although winter sports are fun, they should never be done alone. Make sure children are always supervised when they enjoy outdoor winter activities.
  • Make sure that skates provide firm ankle support and fit snugly. Skating and hockey helmets should be CSA-approved and need to be replaced every five years.
  • Always make sure ice conditions are safe. Ice thickness should be:
    • 15 cm (6 inches) for walking or skating alone
    • 20 cm (8 inches) for skating parties or games
    • 25 cm (10 inches) for snowmobiles
  • When sledding or tobogganing, pick a hill that isn’t too steep, and that is clear of hazards like trees, rocks, bumps, roads, railroads, rivers, lakes, bare patches, or ice. It is also recommended that helmets are worn while sledding or tobogganing to help prevent head injuries.
  • When skiing or snowboarding, wear an American or European standard helmet. A ski helmet can help reduce the risk of a potential head/brain injury by 60%.

For more information:

 

Up

 

Indoor Child Safety

During your holiday get-togethers, take a few extra precautions to keep the children in attendance safe. This will make sure everybody can enjoy themselves!

  • Make sure someone is in charge of watching the children. Don’t assume that because your child is a in a room with adults that someone is keeping an eye on them.
  • Ensure Christmas trees are in a secure stand, and that decorations are out of reach of toddlers and preschool children. Also, make sure that any ornaments you use are not breakable, and that any lights are in good repair.
  • Festive plants like holly and mistletoe are poisonous, and can cause stomach upset if eaten. Place these plants out of reach to prevent children from taking a bite.
  • If candles are essential to your get-together,  keep them away from flammable objects (such as curtains) and make sure they are completely extinguished before you leave the room.
  • There are many choking hazards during the holidays. Avoid putting bowls of nuts and candies out for guests that a child can reach, be cautious with battery operated toys, and gift wrap.  Also, make sure to buy age appropriate toys. Age recommendations are about safety, not the ability of your child.
  • Check for product recalls on Health Canada’s Consumer Product Safety Website or by calling 1-866-662-0666. If your toy comes with a warranty card, send it in. If the toy is recalled, you will be contacted.

More Resources...

 

Up

 

Outdoor Child Safety

  • Children should be dressed in warm, loose fitting layers with a water-resistant outer layer, a hat, boots and mittens. 
  • Hats should be close-fitting and cover the earlobes, and boots should be dry and not too tight.
  • Wool or wool-blend socks are better than cotton, because cotton socks don’t provide much insulation when they get wet. Also, don’t wear two pairs at once, it limits circulation.
  • Be careful with drawstrings, cords and scarves. These items can cause strangulation. Instead, use a tubular neck warmer.
  • Children should remain indoors if the weather outside is below -25C (-13F). Below this temperature, exposed skin can freeze in just a few minutes.

 

More Resources...

 

Up

 

Winter Driving

Driving in the winter can be stressful. Motorists are faced with difficult weather, increased traffic and must share the roads with snowplows. Please keep your safety and the safety of other motorists in mind when you head out on the roads this winter.

  • Keep up to date with road conditions. Call 511 to check highway conditions, or 1-888-432-3233 for local road conditions.
  • Watch out for black ice, and adjust your speed based on weather conditions. Slow down and arrive safely.
  • Never pass a snowplow that is clearing  a road.

More Resources...

 

Up

 

Shoveling Snow Safety

Shoveling snow can be a strenuous physical activity. If you have back or heart problems, are older, overweight, or not in good physical shape don’t be afraid to ask for help. Or, consider using a snow blower. If you are going to do your own snow shoveling, be sure to follow these tips.

  • Dress is warm, loose layers that don’t interfere with your movement. Thermal underwear makes a great first layer, and your outer layer should be waterproof.
  • Make sure you wear a close-fitting hat that covers your ear lobes, and that your hands and face and protected from the cold.
  • Boots should be water-resistant and provide good traction on ice and snow.
  • Don’t shovel if the temperature drops below -40°C, or below -25° to -30°C when it’s windy.

 

More resources…

 

Up

 

Snow Blower Safety

Using a snow blower to clear snow can be lot less strenuous than shoveling, but also poses a threat of injury.  That is why it’s imperative to be cautious when operating a snow blower.  Keep yourself and bystanders safe by following the following safety tips:

  • Dress appropriately with warm winter clothes and wear non-slip boots.  Avoid wearing loose fitting clothes, or anything that can get caught in moving parts.
  • Read and become familiar with the owner’s manual.
  • Be aware of any objects or debris that could cause injury or damage the snow blower.
  • Do not clear snow out of the auger with your hand.  To avoid injury, use a stick or hard object instead.
  • Make sure the engine is turned off when filling up with fuel.
  • Always push the snow blower. 
  • Always keep protective guards in place.
  • Never leave a running snow blower unattended.

 

More Resources…

 

Up

 

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poison

While it’s always important to remember hazards surrounding carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, it’s especially important to consider during the winter months when heating up the car and your home.    CO is a colourless, odorless, tasteless poisonous gas that when breathed can cause brain damage or death. CO is often produced when fuel burning appliances are not properly inspected or installed.

CO poisoning symptoms include: headaches, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and loss of co-ordination or judgment.  Follow these simple and effective safety measures to protect yourself and your family from CO poisoning. 

  • Know what to look for and how to use your fuel-burning appliances.  For example, the flame on your natural gas furnace, water heater or stove should be a clear blue, sometimes having yellow tips.
  • Have your fuel-burning appliances checked by a qualified professional every year.
  • Have your chimney cleaned every year by a professional.
  • Make sure your appliances are properly ventilated.
  •  Make sure all temporary gas space heaters or wood-burning stoves and fireplaces have a fresh-air supply.
  • Do not leave your vehicle running in an enclosed spaced. 
  • In addition to following these safety precautions, install a CO alarm in bedrooms and rooms that contain a fuel-burning appliance. 
  • If you suspect CO in your home, leave immediately, call 911 or your local fire department and seek medical attention.  

More Resources…

For more safety tips on how to protect yourself from CO poisoning, visiting the following websites:

 

Up

 

Crown copyright 2011, Province of Nova Scotia, all rights reserved.

Page last updated 2011-12-21.