As the days begin to shorten, all over California, families are beginning to head out to the mountains to enjoy the natural beauty and majestic wonder of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada bluffs. While there are tons of fun things to do in the great outdoors, there are a variety of risks and hazards that come along with frozen conditions. How do you protect your family from these dangers? Read on for some practical snow safety tips to help keep your loved ones safe all winter long.

Easy Does It

When it comes to snow safety and icy conditions, being calculated and deliberate with your movements can prevent a lot of unnecessary injuries. There are nearly 1.5 million non-fatal injuries due to falls each year according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Many of these injuries are a direct result of ice and slippery weather conditions. Playing in snow can also be a lot of fun and if a snowball fight breaks out, make sure your children know how to make snowballs rather ice balls that can cause some serious damage. You and your kids should also be aware of icicles and the dangers they pose.

Avoid Frozen Bodies of Water

The thought of ice skating on a frozen pond or lake may seem like a wonderful memory waiting to be made but is a major problem for ice and snow safety. While frozen bodies of water may look completely stable from the shore, it is not uncommon for them to be unable to support a child’s weight. Should someone fall into the frozen body of water, it can quickly become a life or death situation. With all the risks involved, we recommend you stick with a controlled ice skating rink instead.

Play with Friends

The best thing you can teach your children about snow safety is always to have plenty of friends and family around while you are out playing in the snow. More friends equal more fun, but it also means more sets of eyes to look out for potential hazards. Additionally, if something does happen while they are out playing there are multiple people who can get an adult or call for help.