The snow is a beautiful thing and people love to play in it. However, we must also clear our driveways of the fluff for our safety and to remove snow off the cars before driving. There are a lot of important tips to keep in mind before leaving your home in this cold weather. The most important thing is your health and the safety of you and others.

The cold weather will be going through the weekend and be in the low double digits, so keep these safety tips in mind!

Winter Car Safety

• If you find yourself skidding on the roads, reconsider if you should be driving.
• You need to clear all snow off of your car, even the top. The snow on the top of your car can slid onto your windshield as you are driving or hit a car behind you. 
• Be sure to have your emergency roadside assistance information in your car or on your phone, just in case.
• Generally, be cautious! There is not shame in driving slowly.

Keep You and Your Kids Warm

The biggest concern when dealing with winter weather is preventing hypothermia and frostbite. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips to help prevent you from becoming ill. 

• Dress  warmly for outdoor activities.  Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
• The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions. 
• Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen.  They may become pale, gray and blistered. The skin may feel like it is burning or numb.
• If frostbite occurs, go indoors and place the frostbitten parts of his or her body in warm (not hot) water.  104° Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tubs) is recommended. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips. Do not rub the frozen areas.
• If there is a worry about hypothermia or frostbite, please consult your doctor.

• Call 911 for emergencies only
• Lose Power? PSEG-LI online, Text "OUT" to 773454, or call 1-800-490-0075

• Build a snowman
• Go Sledding
• Stay indoors and try some of these activities

How will you keep warm? How do you and your families have winter fun? Tell us in the comments below!

Sources: CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics