The cold temperatures and biting winds are the most obvious hazards when children play in the snow. Children who are not prepared for winter climates can suffer frostbite, hypothermia and severe chills that can lead to illness, poor judgment and even permanent injury.

• Dress in multiple layers to play outside, including extra layers for legs, feet and hands.
• Always wear hats and gloves when playing outdoors in cold weather.
• Limit the amount of time spent playing outdoors to safe intervals, and bring children inside periodically to warm up.
• Remove all wet clothing immediately and change to dry clothes if going back outdoors.
• Wear sunscreen on all exposed skin to guard against burns from bright sunlight and snow glare.
• Do not permit children to play outdoors in poor weather such as snowstorms, extreme cold or high winds.
• Wear brightly colored outer clothing that is easily seen from a distance.
• Do not dress children in winter wear with drawstrings - they can cut off circulation and make frostbite a greater threat, and loose drawstrings may present a strangulation hazard.
• Teach children to avoid playing near snowplow areas.
• Do not permit children to dig snow tunnels or forts that may collapse and bury them.
• Avoid snowball fights that can lead to injuries from dangerous projectiles.
• Keep roofs, gutters and awnings free from snow and icicle buildup that could collapse and injure a child. Similarly, do not permit children to pull icicles from the roof.
• Teach children never to touch or lick exposed metal (fences, flagpoles, etc.) in winter.
• Do not allow children to eat snow. It may contain pollutants, dirt, fecal matter or other contaminants, and the cold snow can chill a young child's body to dangerous levels.
• Regularly de-ice or sand sidewalks, driveways, patios and other areas where children may play.