With snow on the ground, public safety and health officials are urging parents to help and protect their children as they play outside.
“If the kids have been out for a long time, check on them,” said Capt. Nate Sachs, with the Marysville Division of Police Community Services Bureau. “Make sure they are where they are supposed to be, doing what they are supposed to be doing. Also, check to make sure they are still wearing their coat and their hat and mittens or gloves.”
He said children often go outside in the cold, exert themselves, get warm and take off a coat or gloves.
“It probably feels good for a while, but when it is cold out, they really need to be protected from the elements,” Sachs said.
He said that when they are sledding, obstacles pose as big a risk as the elements. Sachs said the most common sledding injuries involve “hitting a stationary object.”
The new head of the Police Community Services Bureau said sledders need to “look out for” trees, vehicles, fences and even rocky hills.
“And be sure to sled feet first,” Sachs said. “Obviously, a head injury is one of the most damaging things that can happen.”
Sachs said head and neck injuries are common among children 6 years old and younger, according to information provided by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
He recommended children wear a helmet when they sled, though he acknowledged that can be difficult.
Lt. James Hill of the Richwood Police Department said sledding accidents are rare in the village.
“We really don’t get a lot of sledding because the terrain is pretty flat,” Hill said. “If you’re going to sled, it’s recommended to stay on your own property.”
Hill advised residents to sled on their own properties because they are likely more aware of the ground’s conditions.
He recommends families only go sledding when there is “enough snow to ensure that you don’t hit dry spots.”
He also said not to sled into piles of snow in the intersections of roadways to avoid injuries.
As of Tuesday morning, the police department has not been called about any sledding accidents.
“We get a lot of complaints in the winter time for playing on the ice (at Richwood Lake),” Hill said.
He added that “it is not permissible” to ice skate or sled on the frozen lake at any time because the ice may not be thick enough to support the weight of people.
“We recommend if anyone sees anyone playing on the lake to immediately call the police, regardless of the age,” Hill said.
To report activity on the lake, call the Richwood Police Department at 740-943-2422.
Sachs said water of any sort can be dangerous in the freezing temperatures.
“Whether it is a pond or the reservoir or a creek at the bottom of a hill, be careful about the water,” Sachs said.
He also warned that vehicles can be dangerous for a variety of reasons. Sachs said it is important not to sled on or toward roads or driveways. He cautioned drivers not only to watch out for sledders, but also not to let them hitch a ride behind the car.
“There is a lot going on when you are being pulled by any motorized vehicle, whether it is a car or truck or ATV,” Sachs said.