Ready - Set - Sled!

With more snow predicted in the Memphis area tomorrow, schools will be closed and it will be time to get out your sleds. Sledding is a great way for kids to enjoy the snow and get some exercise during the cold weather, but an injury can land you a trip to the hospital if you don't practice safety. Here are some tips from Safe Kids Mid-South, led by Le Bonheur, for safe sledding and outdoor fun.

Choose the Right Hill
When hills get coated with snow, they can look like great locations for sledding, but not all hills are safe. Choose yours carefully:
? Select a hill that is not too steep and has a long flat area at the bottom for you to glide to a stop.
? Avoid hillsides that end near a street or parking lot.
? Avoid hillsides that end near ponds, trees, fences or other hazards.
? Make sure the hill is free of obstacles such as rocks or trees before you begin.
? Choose hills that are snowy rather than icy. If you fall off your sled, icy slopes make for hard landings.
? Sled only during the daytime, when visibility is better.

Dress for Cold Temperatures
Chances are it's going to be cold outside. Frostbite and even hypothermia are potential dangers. Be sure to wear the proper clothing to stay warm and safe:
? Wear sensible winter clothing ? hats, gloves or mittens, snow pants, winter jacket, snow boots ? that is waterproof and warm, and change into something dry if your clothes get wet.
? Avoid wearing scarves or any clothing that can get caught in a sled.
? Wear a helmet (this is particularly true for kids 12 or under). There is no such thing as a sledding helmet, so choose a helmet designed for high-speed impacts. Ski helmets work best, but if you don't have one, at least wear a bike helmet or something similar.

Get the Right Kind of Sled
The best sleds can be steered by their riders and have brakes to slow them down. Avoid sleds that can't be steered, such as saucers or plastic toboggans, and never use a sled substitute like an inner tube, lunch tray, or cardboard box. Good sleds are relatively cheap to buy and are well worth the extra money.

Follow these rules to keep yourself and other sledders safe:
? Designate a go-to adult. In the event someone gets injured, you'll want an adult on hand to administer first aid and, if necessary, take the injured sledder to the emergency department.
? Always sit face-forward on your sled. Never sled down a hill backwards or while standing, and don't go down the hill face-first, as this greatly increases the risk of a head injury.
? Young children (age 5 and under) should sled with an adult, and children under age 12 should be actively watched at all times.
? Go down the hill one at a time and with only one person per sled (except for adults with young children). Piling more than one person on a sled just means there are more things on the hill that you can collide with.
? Never build an artificial jump or obstacle on a sledding hill.
? Keep your arms and legs within the sled at all times, and if you fall off the sled, move out of the way. If you find yourself on a sled that won't stop, roll off it and get away from it.
? Walk up the side of the hill and leave the middle open for other sledders.
? Never ride a sled that is being pulled by a moving vehicle.

"Just take a little extra time to dress properly and make sure you're following these safety guidelines and you'll have a better time knowing you have less to worry about. Sledding is supposed to be fun-- stay safe and warm, and you'll ensure that it is," reminds Susan A. Helms, R.N., M.A.LS, Director of Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Mid-South at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.