Canada's often harsh winter season poses a number of unique challenges and perils for its residents. As is true with summer/water safety, adopting the following simple tips can go a long way toward keeping you and members of your family safe year in and year out.

Snow Safety:

Climate and Clothing:

• Wear the proper clothing in winter months, including hat, gloves, boots and a coat. More than half of your body heat escapes from your head.
• Remember that parka hoods or hats can limit your ability to hear, so pay extra attention near roads

Tobogganing:

• Always check ice conditions on lakes and rivers before venturing out on them
• Don't slide down snow banks onto roadways. It is safer to use a toboggan hill.
• Assess toboggan hills before using them to ensure they are free from trees, rocks, poles fences and/or picnic tables
• Never hitch a toboggan to a car or snowmobile

Skiing:

• Take ski lessons on your first visit to the slopes
• Be sure to obey all the rules of the hill

Snowmobiling:

• Snow machines or off-road vehicles are not toys. Common sense, proper handling and regular maintenance will result in safe and enjoyable use.
• All motorized snow vehicles (MSVs) and off-road vehicles must be registered
• A person who drives anywhere, except on land occupied by the vehicle's owner, must carry liability insurance and produce evidence of said insurance if requested
• Know and obey the rules of the road when operating an MSV. Check municipal by-laws.
• Learn as much as possible about the mechanical operation of a machine before using it
• Regulation helmets must be worn by drivers, passengers and riders on towed conveyances
• Never allow children to operate vehicles alone
• Always obtain consent of private owners before riding on private lands
• When venturing out on an MSV, always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return
• Never travel alone
• Be sure to dress warmly. Cover all exposed skin areas to reduce the risk of serious frostbite or freezing. Check frequently for signs of frostbite.
• Always carry extra gasoline, tools and replacement parts for lengthy excursions
• Never check fuel levels or the battery by the light of a match or cigarette lighter
• Remember that the 50 km/hr speed limit applies on trails and on highways where car speed limits exceed 50 km/hr
• Know the ice conditions, thickness and underlying water currents for the areas in which you plan to travel
• Always watch for covered stumps, fallen trees and overhanging branches
• Avoid side hills or rough terrain
• Operating snowmobiles or off-road vehicles while under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and illegal. Do not drink and drive.

Snowbanks and Snowballs:

• Many tragic accidents have been caused by building tunnels or forts in snow banks. If trapped inside, you could suffocate or, worse yet, be injured or killed by a snow plough.
• Don't throw snowballs. You could blind someone or give them a concussion if you strike them in the head.

Road Hockey:

• Road hockey should only be played on dead-end streets, vacant school yards or emply parking lots
• Don't challenge cars when you go after a puck or move your nets. Cars are unable to stop quickly on ice or packed snow.

• Don't panic. The clothing you are wearing will trap air and keep you buoyant.
• Turn towards the direction you came from
• Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface
• Kick your feet and legs vigorously into an swimming position, then try pushing yourself forward on top of the broken ice on your stomach like a seal
• Once you are lying on the ice, don't stand up. Roll away from the break until you are on solid ice.