If you think your child has frostbite bring the child indoors and put the affected area in warm (not hot) water.

Signs of frostbite are pale, grey or blistered skin on the fingers, ears, nose, and toes. Offer plenty of water, and try giving them warm drinks and soup for extra appeal. In drier winter air kids lose more water through their breath. Saline nose drops can help keep their nose moist. If your child suffers from minor winter nosebleeds, use a cold-air humidifier in their room. And to avoid injuries, teach children how to do the activity safely. Children should wear helmets when snowboarding, skiing, sledding or playing ice hockey. If you’ve lost power or heat and are alternative heating methods like kerosene or electric heaters, be sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Use caution and put up protective gates when possible. Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and outdoor fire-pits are cozy but can present danger – especially to small children. Sun can reflect off the snow, so apply sunscreen to exposed areas. Children and adults can still get sunburned in the winter. They may want to continue playing outside even if they are wet or cold. Before kids head outside, tell them to come inside if they get wet or if they’re cold.

Scarves and hood strings can strangle smaller children so use other clothing to keep them warm. Visibility may be limited due to snowbanks and ice on the roads makes braking difficult. Even when roads are closed to traffic, it’s not safe to play or sled in the street. Dress babies and young children in one more layer than an adult would wear. Dress your child in several layers, and make sure their head, neck and hands are covered.

Layer up! Bitter cold and snow can cause frostbite.

Here are 10 Cold Weather Safety Tips to Protect Children:

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