Winter safety tips for families
Cold weather brings new risks for children. The Child Accident Prevention Trust's Winter Safety Guide has practical advice to help keep your children safe and prevent serious accidents this winter.
Tips include:
- Keep medicines out of children’s reach.
- Avoid steam inhalation; it can cause burns.
- Cough sweets can choke children under 6.
- Wear bright clothes so drivers can see you.
- Take extra care crossing roads and allow more time for journeys.
- Avoid bulky coats in car seats – they can affect the straps and safety.
- Store antifreeze safely out of reach.
- Teach children never to walk on frozen ponds or lakes.
- Use electric blankets correctly and check for damage.
- Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Keep hot drinks and hot water bottles out of the reach of children.
- Avoid hoods and head coverings indoors.
- Move cots away from radiators.
- Do not use novelty sleeping bags; they can be unsafe.