Below freezing and negative temperatures are expected across Alaska for Halloween this year. If your family plans on trick-or-treating this weekend, or even just going out to play in the snow, think ahead of how to keep everyone warm and well hydrated. Reduce the risk of your family experiencing hypothermia or frostbite during cold weather months.
Make A Plan To Stay Safe
Make a plan of where your kids will be and how long you’ll be out for. If your group is wanting to spend a lot of time outdoors, incorporate breaks to come indoors and warm up before going back outside. If multiple groups are going out make a plan to check-in periodically to ensure everyone is staying safe and having fun.
Be sure everyone has eaten and had a glass of water before leaving the house. Take breaks from spending long periods of time outdoors to get warm indoors and refuel and rehydrate.
Keep Kids Warm
There’s an increased risk to children during winter to experience frost bite or hypothermia. Their smaller bodies not only burn energy more quickly, requiring more frequent snacks and drinks, but kids also lose body heat more easily.
Dress in layers to better control body temperature when staying out for long periods. Avoid cotton based clothing for base layers because cotton retains moisture which could lower body temperature. Wear a middle layer that keeps the body well insulated, like wool or down clothing. Outer layers should be weather appropriate to protect from snow, wind, rain, or extreme temperatures.
Keep all areas of the body warm by having all winter gear available when leaving the house. A hat, face mask, gloves or mittens, a scarf or neck warmer, warm socks, and weather resistant boots will ensure extremities are kept warm and dry.
Take Extra Precautions as a pedestrian
It’s important to be visible so that other people and cars are able to see you, especially after it gets dark out. Sunset in Alaska is coming earlier every day, leaving many pedestrians in the dark. Wear reflective gear or add reflective tape to the outermost layer of clothing to ensure you’re seen by drivers.
Teach children to stay to the side of roadways and to also wear reflective clothing. Carrying a flashlight also helps drivers see where other people are. Pedestrians on halloween should be prepared to keep warm and stay safe despite the weather conditions. Talk to your family about how to make Halloween safe and fun during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: “How To Prevent Frostbite And Hypothermia” by MedlinePlus | Photo
