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Chill Out for Winter Safety

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  • Preventing Winter Injuries
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    • Preventing Winter Injuries

    Adult and child dressed for winter activity, wearing helmetsHelmet Safety Clinics

    Meet Beary Careful and learn how to protect your young ones this winter at a free helmet safety clinic. The Chill Out Team will be slopeside at recreation areas throughout northern Michigan to share information about choosing the right type of helmet and ensuring a proper fit. Stop by at any time during the clinic; a fitting will take just a few minutes.

    Need a helmet? Free children's helmets will be provided, while supplies last. 

    2024 dates to be determined.

     

    Frostbite/Hypothermia

    • Wear warm clothing and dress in layers.
    • Keep clothing dry.
    • Go indoors at regular intervals.
    • Do not go out in cold weather when wet.
    • Keep your hands and head covered with mittens/hats.

    Ice 

    Sledding

    • Always wear a helmet (ski, multisport, or bike).
    • Sit (not lay) facing forward, feet first.
    • Find an obstacle-free course.
    • Sleds with runners and steering mechanisms are best (no disks or tubes).
    • Roll off a sled that won’t stop or you can’t control.
    • Parents should supervise children.

    Skating/Hockey

    • Wear helmets and appropriate gear when playing hockey or skating.
    • Make sure your skates fit properly and provide good ankle support.
    • Skate only where ice has been checked for safety.
    • Learn basic skating skills (how to stop and fall properly).
    • Never skate alone.
    • Always check for cracks, holes, or debris.
    • When playing or practicing hockey, make sure you wear the appropriate gear every time.
    • Make sure your gear fits properly.

    Skiing/Snowboarding

    • Take lessons first
    • Make sure equipment is in good condition and has been properly fitted to you.
    • Wear a helmet that is designed for skiing or snowboarding.
    • Never ski or snowboard alone.
    • Dress in several light layers.
    • Only ski or snowboard in areas that match your ability.
    • Know the Responsibility Codes.
    • Snowboarders should wear wrist guards and knee pads.

    Snow Plows

    • Stay away from the road. Snow is thrown a long way from the plow, so it is very difficult for the driver to see people.
    • Stay away from the snow spray. Often the snow being thrown by a plow contains ice, rocks, and other debris.

    Snowmobiling

    • Always wear a helmet, goggles, and gloves.
    • Slow down – high speed almost always factors into fatalities.
    • Avoid crossing frozen bodies of water whenever possible.
    • If you are between 12-17 years old, you must have a Snowmobile Safety Certificate.
    • Children should be supervised by an adult.
    • Make sure your machine is in good condition.