| It seemed so simple and routine. All Thad had | | | | |
| to do was walk down his short driveway | | | | Sledding |
| incline and get the morning newspaper. | | | | |
| However, during the night a winter storm had | | | | * Sled on spacious, gently sloping hills. |
| blanketed the world in a sheet of ice. | | | | Avoid sledding on overcrowded hills. |
| | | | |
| Thad slipped and slid down the hill, but try | | | | * Check slopes for bare spots, holes, and |
| as he might he could not climb, or even | | | | other obstructions that could cause injury, |
| crawl, back up the small incline. He called | | | | especially hazards that might be hidden by |
| for help, and eventually his teenaged son | | | | snow. |
| came to his rescue, wearing golf cleats and | | | | |
| lugging a garden hose. | | | | * Avoid slopes near streets and roads where |
| | | | your momentum could carry you into traffic. |
| Thad only suffered a bruised ego that | | | | |
| morning. Mrs. Burns next door was not so | | | | * Be sure there is a level run-off at the end |
| lucky. She fell and broke her arm. | | | | of the slide path so the sled can glide |
| | | | safely to a halt. |
| There is nothing prettier than a frozen world | | | | |
| twinkling in the sun, but there are also few | | | | * Do not sled at night unless the run is well |
| things more treacherous. | | | | lighted. |
| | | | |
| Staying On Your Feet | | | | * Ride a sled sitting, or lying down with |
| | | | your head to the rear. Snow disks and plastic |
| * Plan ahead. If you can, shop before the | | | | sliders are designed for upright use. |
| winter storm hits. After the storm, don't buy | | | | |
| more than you can easily carry. | | | | * Always wear a helmet. |
| | | | |
| * Stay inside when there is ice on the | | | | * If a spill is unavoidable, roll off the |
| ground. Most people fall while getting the | | | | sled. Remember, don't collide head first! |
| mail, picking up the paper, or taking out the | | | | |
| trash. | | | | * After the ride down, get off the slope and |
| | | | use a safe path to go up. |
| * Be very cautious with your first step onto | | | | |
| slick surfaces. Sometimes it's hard to detect | | | | Ice Skating |
| slippery surfaces, particularly at night. Use | | | | |
| a flashlight. | | | | When playing on the ice, follow these general |
| | | | guidelines: |
| * Walking on snow or ice, take it slow. Keep | | | | |
| your body position slightly forward and put | | | | * Skate in special, designated areas, such as |
| your feet down flat, not on the heels. Bend | | | | indoor and outdoor rinks, or frozen, shallow |
| your knees and take short, slow steps. Or, | | | | ponds. |
| move your feet forward without lifting them | | | | |
| from the ground. | | | | * The Canadian Red Cross recommends eight |
| | | | inches of ice thickness for skating groups. |
| * Always wear shoes with good traction. (Thad | | | | |
| had on his house slippers.) Snow boots, | | | | * Never skate alone. Carry a cell phone for |
| hiking boots, and tennis shoes are the best | | | | emergencies. |
| choices. Some people prefer strap-on ice | | | | |
| cleats, or cleated golf shoes. | | | | * Stay off the ice during thawing periods. |
| | | | |
| * If possible, walk on the grass. | | | | * When in doubt, check with local |
| | | | authorities. If you can't get a ruling, stay |
| * If you must walk in the streets, be careful | | | | off the ice. Have a bonfire. |
| around intersections; cars might slide | | | | |
| through them. | | | | * Make sure their skates fit children now. |
| | | | Kids lose control in skates that are too big. |
| * Keep looking ahead to avoid slick spots. | | | | |
| | | | * Keep blades properly sharpened. |
| Sliding And Gliding | | | | |
| | | | * Always wear a helmet. Children should also |
| The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission | | | | wear knee pads and wrist guards. |
| estimates there are over 35,000 sled injuries | | | | |
| and 50,000 ice skating injuries each year, | | | | * Try not to break a fall with your hands, |
| including many serious head injuries and some | | | | which could shatter a bone. Instead, try to |
| fatalities. | | | | land on your backside. |