Winter Safety Tips

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January 2021

winter safety tips

Winter Safety Tips from Dr.STITCH and Long Island Plastic Surgical Group

Winter doesn’t always top the list of favorite seasons, but there is something magical about clean, crisp air, fluffy, fresh snow, and curling up with hot chocolate after a day of ice skating. Since safety is our top priority, we must point out that there are also a number of risks specific to the winter months. Because most of us will be spending more time than usual at home this season, it is important to safely plan activities that keep us and our families entertained.

Enjoy all that winter has to offer while keeping your loved ones safe with these Winter Safety Tips from the experts at Dr.STITCH.

Take Fire Safety Seriously

When temperatures drop outside, it’s time to get cozy inside. However, before you start a fire in the fireplace or wood stove, or even light your favorite scented candle, make sure to address fire safety with the entire family:

Children should be kept away from any flames
Candles should be on stable surfaces away from flammable fabrics or paper
Safety grates should always be used with fireplaces or wood stoves
Make sure your home is equipped with up-to-date smoke alarms and fire extinguishers

Take advantage of the extra time at home this year to review your family’s fire safety plan, including practicing your fire and emergency exit and meetup plan, which the U.S. Fire Administration advises doing twice a year.¹

Play Safe

The childhood call of winter is “snowball fight!” Be sure to teach your kids to toss around only soft powdery snow. Icy or hard packed snow balls can cause painful and dangerous facial cuts and lacerations.

If sledding is your idea of winter outdoor fun, make sure to choose a spot that is not too steep and ends in a flat runoff far away from cars. Always sled feet first and of course, be sure to bundle up!

Work Safe

Avoid slips and falls by keeping all walkways and stairs cleared of snow and properly treated with ice melt (look for pet-safe ice melt to protect your four-legged friends.) When using a snowblower, follow all instructions and never try to manually clear clogs while the machine is on.

Be Mindful With Electricity

When there is a chill in the air, many of us rely on space heaters or electric blankets to warm up. Follow these electricity safety guidelines:

Never fall asleep with an electric blanket on
Keep space heaters away from flammable items and out of reach of children
Never leave a space heater on while unattended
If you have an older space heater or electric blanket, consider purchasing newer models that have safety features such as automatic shut-off
If you spot downed power lines after a winter storm, call the fire department and electric company immediately and do not let anyone approach the area

Download Our Contact Card

We wish you and your family a safe and cozy winter season. Dr.STITCH is Long Island Plastic Surgical Group’s on call service for immediate and urgent treatment of lacerations, burns, complex wounds, facial trauma, and hand injuries. We hope you never need us, but if accidents happen, we’re just a phone call away.Download our Contact Card.

¹ U.S. Fire Administration. Fire Safety Checklist. Available: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/fief/up_in_smoke_home_checklist.pdf Accessed December 28, 2020.