A safe winter break is a successful winter break! Prepare your child properly for the trip so that they come home with nothing but good memories. And if you’re travelling together, read our tips on how to travel safely during the winter school break (ferie).
Rules for a safe winter break — what to keep in mind
Whether you’re heading off on the winter break together with your child or sending them on an organised trip with supervisors or to a day camp, you need to keep safety in mind and teach them how to look after it themselves. Go through the most important rules with your child to help them do that:
- Your own safety always comes first.
- To call for help, dial the emergency number 112 or the Fire Service on 998.
- Always let your parents or supervisors know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
- Always listen carefully to the instructions of your supervisors or other parents.
- Never wander away from the group during an outing.
- Remember to wear reflective elements on your outer clothing.
- When walking near a road, be careful and never run across the street. In winter, a car’s braking distance is much longer and visibility is limited, so the driver won’t always have time to react!
- Never throw snowballs at people, animals or cars! It can put lives and health at risk!
- Don’t slide on pavements or pedestrian crossings – it can make the surface even more slippery, making it harder for others to get around and even causing an accident!
- Never pull down or knock off hanging icicles, and don’t play in places where they are hanging!
Also remember to give the trip supervisors all the key information about your child, including a list of any medication they take and contact details for both parents. You, too, should have the details of the trip supervisors, as well as the name and address of the accommodation along with its contact information.
It’s also worth agreeing a set time or time of day when your child will get in touch with you, or you with them. Of course, remember not to panic unnecessarily if your child doesn’t answer your call the first time. In this situation, it also helps to equip your child with the notiOne go! PLUS Bluetooth tracker, which lets you check their current location on your smartphone.
A safe winter — the basics of safety
If your child is going to the mountains for the winter break, you also need to talk to them about some additional safety rules:
Stay away from frozen lakes, rivers and ponds. Only use properly prepared ice rinks. If you see someone else out on the ice, talk them out of it.
A frozen lake — how to stay safe
Never keep your hands in your pockets once you’re out on a frozen lake, river or pond. It can make a rescue attempt harder if the ice gives way!
If a child does end up on the ice and hears it cracking, they should turn back towards the shore as quickly as possible and warn others of the danger.
If the ice starts to break, spread your weight as much as possible and move towards the shore lying flat.
Avoid secluded spots, because if your child needs help, there may be no one around to hear them.
How to dress your child for a winter break in the mountains
When heading to the mountains for the winter break, remember to prepare your little one properly, especially as the weather conditions at this time of year can be harsh. Kit them out with a thermos flask, warm thermal clothing, proper trekking boots and winter accessories such as goggles, a neck warmer, gloves and a scarf.
Pack a spare set of winter clothes for your child too, because clothes can easily get soaked while playing in the snow, and wearing wet things for a long time in low temperatures can lead to a cold!
Winter break at home — safety rules
If you’re not going anywhere with your child, don’t worry! You can have a great time during the winter break at home as well. You can try out new activities, catch up on reading or films together, or even explore your local area.
It’s also worth reminding your child of a few safety rules for going sledging on their own in the neighbourhood:
- Only choose safe places for sledging, well away from road traffic, junctions and other thoroughfares.
- Before sledging down a hill, check the run for dangerous objects such as stones, broken glass, tree branches and the like.
- Check the condition of your child’s sledge to make sure it isn’t damaged, rusty or broken. Otherwise your child could hurt themselves on the way down!
- Never organise a sleigh-ride convoy on your own or in a group of children. This may only be done under adult supervision.
- Never attach a sledge to a car! It can end in tragedy!
- While playing in the snow, keep an eye on your valuables: your wallet, house keys and phone. Luckily, the notiOne go! PLUS can help here.
Going away for the winter break with your child — how to travel safely
When going away for the winter break together with your child, you should think about:
- Preparing the car for the trip – ideally, have it checked at a garage to make sure it’s in full working order. You should also take snow-clearing accessories, spare fluids, de-icing products, a first-aid kit and, if you’re going abroad, the equipment that is mandatory in the country you’re visiting.
- Taking out additional insurance – a good idea for trips both at home and abroad. An extra policy will protect your health and belongings and cover you against other unpleasant situations.
- Protecting your luggage – you can do this by packing a notiOne tracker inside, which will help you find your bags if they get lost, for example at the airport.
- Planning your route – if you’re driving, don’t forget to build in stops for a rest, a toilet break or a meal.
- Taking any essential medication – especially if your child suffers from travel sickness, make sure the journey is as comfortable as possible for them.
- Choosing the right place to stay – pick a reputable resort close to the main attractions. Check reviews from other visitors and verify all the facilities in advance to avoid any nasty surprises.
