Winter in Indiana can be a magical time for children: making snowmen and sledding, decorating the house, visiting extended family and learning old traditions. It is also a time of year with its own set of safety hazards. Here are a few tips to help keep your family safe during this cold, festive time of year.

Bundle Up

A warm winter jacket is a must, but don’t forget the smaller things, too, like gloves, hats, and scarves. What is under the outfit is almost as important as outerwear. Add an extra pair of socks, leggings, and thermal shirt on days that temperatures fall near or below freezing. Take extra care with negative-degree temperatures and keep the children inside to avoid the risk of frostbite.

Avoid Fire Hazards

House fires occur more in the winter and there are a few things you can do to avoid them.

• Nix the candles. Choose flameless candles for a pleasant, warm glow and try potpourri if you’re going for a nice scent like sugar cookies or evergreen.

• Be careful with space heaters. Buy space heaters with an automatic shut off, keep them a few feet away from anything flammable, and make sure kids know that they are off limits. Plug space heaters directly into the wall outlet instead of a power strip or extension cord.

• Arrange holiday decorations safely, keeping flammable items away from electrical outlets, heaters, and lights. And try to keep everything away from the fireplace. There should be a gap of several feet around the fireplace and a safety screen in front of it can help.

Carbon Monoxide

Be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector and check the batteries frequently. It can be easy to forget when other winter chores need to be taken care of but it is crucial for your family’s safety.