Groundhod day was February 2 and according to the predictions winter is here to stay for at least six more weeks. Here are some Cold Weather Safety tips from SECA.

Bundle Up!

Dress children adequately for outdoor play. Layers are a must in snowy conditions. Young children should be

dressed in long johns, turtlenecks, one or two shirts, pants, a sweater, coat, warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens,

and a hat. When the outer layer of clothing gets wet, simply ‘peel it off’ and replace it with new garments.

Check often to make sure the child's clothes are dry; immediately remove and replace any wet clothing.

Dress older infants and young children in one more layer of clothing than would be worn by an adult in the same conditions.

Put babies to sleep in warm one-piece sleepers instead of using blankets, which create the risk of Sudden Infant

Death Syndrome. If a blanket must be used to keep the infant warm, it should reach no higher than the baby's chest

and should be tucked securely around the crib mattress.

Beware of winter-related health concerns.

If you notice that your child is suffering from frequent winter nosebleeds, try using a cold air humidifier in the child’s

room at night. Saline nose drops may also help prevent nosebleeds. If severe or persistent nosebleeds occur, contact

your doctor.

Keep skin moisturized. Many pediatricians recommend bathing infants only 2-3 times per week during their first year.

More frequent baths can dry the skin, especially in the winter.

Help keep cold and flu cases to a minimum with frequent hand washing and by teaching children to sneeze or cough

into the bend of his elbow if a tissue is not available. Children over 6 months should be immunized against the flu virus

each year.

Be on the lookout for frostbite.

Frostbite tends to affect extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and nose.

Affected body parts may become pale, gray, and blistered and the child may complain that his skin burns or has become

numb.

If you suspect frostbite has occurred, bring your child inside and place frostbitten areas in warm (NOT hot) water.

Warm washcloths may be used for frostbitten nose, ears, and lips.

DO NOT rub the frozen areas.

After a few minutes, dry your child, cover him with warm clothing and blankets, and give him something warm to drink.

If numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.