Time to Review Winter Safety Tips

School children across the province will refresh their winter safety skills as the 8th annual Winter Safety Day campaign kicks off on Monday, Nov. 22.

Staff from the Department of Transportation and Public Works will be visiting elementary schools to talk to children about winter safety.

"We promote Winter Safety Day to raise children's awareness of safety during the entire winter season," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Information passed to children directly from snowplow drivers gives them a first- hand defence, helping them to stay safe during the winter months."

Winter Safety Day is an opportunity for schools to host demonstrations about winter safety and for snowplow operators to talk directly to students. Snowplows are sometimes brought to the schools so that children can see one up close and recognize them when they see one on the road.

"The children always look forward to us visiting their schools," said Paul Spicer, a supervisor with the department's office in Berwick. "As part of our presentation, we bring the safety equipment from the plow into the school and show the children. We dress the principal or a teacher in the safety equipment -- hard hat, safety vest and gloves. The children really enjoy that part."

Coxheath Elementary School in Coxheath, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, is one of the many schools visited each year by the department's snowplow operators.

"It's important for the children to know about safety on the roads at this time of year," said Ann Sajatovich, principal of the school. "Having the plow operators come out and talk directly to the students reinforces how dangerous winter weather can be."

Along with talking to the children, staff distribute Winter Safety Day colouring books that have helpful tips about staying safe. Children can also pass along winter safety tips to their parents, since adults can do their part, too. Adults are reminded to avoid shovelling snow on the road, to park vehicles off the road, and to keep a safe distance when driving behind a plow.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works highways division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia. It maintains 4,100 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Staff provide services from district offices in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.

Note:
The following is a list of winter safety tips for children:

• Build snowforts well away from the road;
• Don't slide, climb, or walk on snowbanks close to the road;
• Stay well back from plows and trucks -- rocks, wood and other hard objects can fly off a snowplow;
• Wear bright, reflective clothing when playing outdoors so snowplow drivers and other motorists can see you;
• Toboggan in a safe place well away from the road;
• Don't push or shove your friends onto the road;
• Stand back off the road when waiting for a school bus;
• Don't walk up behind a snowplow, or climb one, even when it's parked;
• Do not throw snowballs at snowplows or other vehicles;
• Cross the road at intersections after making sure drivers see you;
• If a snowplow is coming and you have to get out of the way, don't panic -- find a driveway or someplace safe to move out of the way.