Dear fellow Hanoverians:
In case you have not already heard, Hanover Schools are dismissing early
tomorrow, Tuesday, February 1st. Please consult your child’s school if you
are unsure of the early release time as they all are different due to the
bus schedules.
I have truthfully lost track of how many big snowstorms we have had this
year – and it is only January 31st! With more snow in this week’s forecast,
and with thanks to our Hanover Fire Department members who are concerned
about us, I am forwarding along some timely snow safety tips:
Dress Children for Safety:
* Dress children in many layers of clothing – clothing traps warm air
next to the body, and multiple layers increase the amount of warm air
trapped. Because most of our body heat is lost through our heads, a head
covering will not only provide warmth but also prevent heat loss. Protect
ears with a scarf or earmuffs. Mittens tend to keep hands warmer than
gloves.
* Clothing should be free of long drawstrings, especially if they have
toggles attached, as they can get stuck and cause serious injury. Shorter
scarves where the ends can be stuffed into a child’s jacket will be less
likely to get caught or tangled in winter sports equipment, such as sleds.
While at Snow Play:
* Children should be discouraged from making snow tunnels or forts
because they could collapse and cause suffocation. Snow can weigh more than
20 pounds per cubic foot! Building a fort with snow walls and using an old
sheet for a roof is a fun and safe alternative.
* To avoid injury that could result from a snowplow, children should
not play near the road on snow piles.
When Sledding:
* Look for shallow slopes in an area free of obstacles, such as trees
or fences, and away from streets, parking lots, or bodies of flowing or
frozen water.
* The surface should be packed snow (not ice), allowing better control
of the sled.
* Proper position on the sled, sitting up with feet forward, will
decrease the chance of head or abdominal injuries.
* It is recommended that children wear a multi-sport or bicycle helmet
for protection.
* Never ride in a sled that is being pulled by a motorized vehicle.
* Use the sled in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
for the number of children to be riding on it.
When Skating:
* Shallow, flooded fields are ideal places for ice-skating and present
less of a threat than skating on bodies of frozen water.
* Always have at least one other person present. Never skate alone.
An adult should be present to provide supervision.
* Children should learn to fall on their behinds, not on their hands.
For "Around Town on the Web",
Cathy H-B
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