Staying Safe in the Parks this Winter

Photo by Joyce Keough

The onset of cold weather can transform the outdoors into a winter wonderland, full of opportunities for you to enjoy skiing, ice skating, sledding, ice fishing and snowshoeing. While creating lasting winter memories, be sure to take proper safety precautions.

Make a plan. Always make sure that someone knows where you are. Inform a friend or relative if you are going out and when you plan to return.

Check the weather report. Heed precautions and advisories. If weather warnings suggest a severe wind chill or extremely low temperatures, consider avoiding outdoor

activities until the weather improves.

Wear the gear. Avoid frostbite and hypothermia by dressing in loose, comfortable layers, wearing proper footwear and keeping your head, ears and hands covered

(wind and water resistant fabrics provide the best protection). Don’t forget your sunglasses!

Supervise children. Adult supervision is the best protection for children. Be sure to watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Avoid hazards. Survey the area and identify the potential danger spots; deep snow can camouflage obstacles and water features. Be extremely cautious on ice!

Protect what counts. Always wear your helmet and/or protective goggles when participating in winter activities like snowmobiling, skiing and skating.

Take a break. During any extended outdoor winter activity, be sure to come inside for regular breaks and stay hydrated. Give yourself a chance to warm up every

couple of hours with a cup of hot cocoa or other warm drink.

Alcohol and winter activities don’t mix. Stay sober while participating in any winter activities.

Limit winter travel. If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is stocked with emergency equipment, the gas tank is at least half-full and be prepared to handle the slick road conditions. Keep all of your vehicle’s windows, mirrors and lights clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a key to good driving.

Sled safe.

Don’t sled in parking areas, roadways, rivers or lakes. Always ride sitting and facing forward (going down head first increases the chance of head and spinal injuries). Sledding equipment should be in good repair without sharp edges. Avoid “jumps” that send a rider airborne—the higher they fly, the harder they fall. The building of such “jumps” is a violation of Park Rule 5.1(e) and the offender can be cited. Watch for other sledders and walk up the side when returning to the top of the hill.

Enjoy sledding at four hills throughout Lake Metroparks:

Chagrin River Park | 3100 Reeves Rd., Willoughby

•   Moderate hill located off the Riverwood Trail

Chapin Forest Reservation | 10381 Hobart Rd., Kirtland

•   Small hill used primarily by cross-country skiers to practice control skills

Hidden Valley Park | 4880 Klasen Rd., Madison Twp.

•   Moderate sledding hill located next to parking lot

Riverview Park | 4895 Bailey Rd., Madison Twp.

•   Hill steeper than Hidden Valley hill—located next to parking lot

Watch the ice.

Ice conditions are highly variable and can change quickly due to weather conditions and water currents. Please use extreme caution and ensure ice is thick enough and safe before you venture onto any ice.

Please note the following:

•   Lake Metroparks does not monitor ice conditions.

•   Whenever you are in doubt of the ice condition, stay off the ice.

•   Children should never be on the ice without adult supervision.

•   You should not travel alone on the ice.

•   Beware of thin ice in and around partially  submerged structures, embankments, vegetation and along dams or spillways.

•   Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas, moving water and darker areas that may signify thin ice.

Don't make your vehicle a target!

Misfortune can strike anyone anywhere. Thefts from a vehicle can happen while you are at work, at the park, at the store, and even at your own home. If the vehicle is forcibly entered, you will have to pay for repairs or insurance fees in addition to the loss of the stolen items. One of the best ways not to become a victim is to plan ahead carefully and follow some commonsense safety precautions in your daily routine:

• Lock your car doors, even when parked in your own driveway.
• If you know you are just going to the park to walk or exercise leave unnecessary items like electronics, important  identification, mail, unneeded cash, credit cards, etc. at home.
• Do not leave valuables (or things that look of value) such as  purses/tote bags, wallets, laptops, tools or cell phones in plain view. If you know you are going to be driving somewhere and  parking your car, put valuables in the trunk before you leave as not to draw attention to your car.
• Keep detailed lists (in a safe location at home) of the items  you frequently carry, such as account numbers, credit cards, gas cards, etc. and the proper contact numbers to call to cancel your account. Also list the make, model and serial numbers for electronics such as cell phones, digital cameras, laptops and portable music players.
• Park somewhere you feel comfortable, like a busy, highly visible area.
• Remember your pets are valuable too. Do not leave pets in parked cars even for short periods if the temperature is in the 60s or higher. Rolling down a window doesn’t guarantee protection either, pets could escape, be taken from the vehicle or passer-bys could be bitten.
• Have your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle and lock the doors once you’re inside.
• Be aware of park closure times which vary at some locations.

Report suspicious people or activities as they occur to the local police. If visiting a park, contact the Ranger Department at 440-354-3434, or 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency