Fellow Wisconsinites, the cold and snowy weather is upon us! Here you’ll find some tips on how to stay warm and how to stay busy this winter season!
WINTER SAFETY
At Home
- Change batteries on smoke detectors
- Check your furnace for the status of your filter
- Ensure that all vents outside are clear of ice and snow
- Create and Emergency Kit
- Water
- Nonperishable Foods
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Plan for power outages
- Charge your phone
- Plan a place you can go
In the Car
- Essentials to store in your car
- Ice scraper
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Cell phone charger
- Water
- Snacks
- Blankets, mittens, socks, hats, and hand warmers
- Ensure your tires are cleared to handle snow and get them changed if not
- Get your brakes checked and if you start to slide, remember to pump brakes in quick spurts rather than slam down on them.
- Drive slowly and give yourself space
- Warm up your engine before heading out
- Wear gloves to prevent frost bite from holding your steering wheel
Winter Gear
- When outside, all children need
- Winter coat
- Winter hat
- Winter gloves or mittens
- Socks and shoes
- When traveling in the car
- Heat your car before you leave
- Dress your child in a fleece
- Carry your child out to the car in a winter jacket but take it off before buckling in their car seat (this prevents overheating and is snugger for the seatbelt)
- For infants, you can use a cover which rests over the buckles and does not interfere with the 5 point harness
WINTER BUCKET LIST
- Decorate the Christmas tree
- Go sledding
- Go ice skating
- Have a snowball fight
- Go thrifting for cozy sweaters
- Have a Christmas movie night
- Make a waffle and hot cocoa breakfast
- Build a snowman
- Sing Christmas carols together
- Bake cookies
- Go to Betty Brinn Children’s Museum (Family free days on third Thursday of each month)
- Take a mall walk and window shop
- Build an indoor fort and read books together
- Make Christmas cards for family that lives far away (and mail them!)
- Have a pajama day
- Make paper snowflakes and hang them in your home
- Have a family game night
- Visit Milwaukee Public Museum (free on the first Thursday of the month)
- Go to your local library for story hour
- Drive down Candy Cane Lane to see Christmas lights
- Bundle up and take a Winter Nature Walk (make a list of things you want to spot while you’re out)
- Deliver a treat to your neighbors
- Play hide and seek
- Clean out your clothes and donate what you don’t use
- Take a trip to the Milwaukee Zoo’s indoor exhibits (and keep an eye out for family free days)
