Extreme Cold Brings Frostbite, Injury Risks For Kids: What Parents Should Know

LONG ISLAND, NY — With single-digit temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and snow blanketing much of Long Island and the Northeast, parents are being urged to take extra precautions to protect children during extreme winter weather.

According to Dr. Mike Patrick, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, winter storms bring two major categories of risk for kids: cold exposure and injuries.

“There are really two main categories we worry about in extreme cold — hypothermia and frostbite, and then injuries,” Patrick said.

Falls And Sledding Injuries Spike On Snow Days

One of the most common snow-day dangers comes from slipping on ice, which can lead to broken bones and head injuries. Sledding, while a winter favorite, can pose even more serious risks if safety precautions are ignored.

“We commonly see forearm fractures because kids instinctively put their arms out to catch themselves when they slip on ice,” Patrick said. “We also see head injuries, cuts, and concussions from falls. Sledding injuries can be quite serious. You want to make sure there are no obstacles like trees, poles, or streets at the end of the run.”

Patrick recommends choosing hills with a clear, flat runoff area, keeping space between sledders, and limiting rides to one person at a time. He also advises children to wear helmets while sledding, similar to biking or skateboarding.

“Double riders can bonk heads pretty easily,” he said. “Sledding involves a lot of speed, and a helmet can really help protect against head injuries."

Frostbite Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

Cold exposure is a major concern during extreme winter conditions, particularly frostbite. Early symptoms can be subtle and easy for children to ignore. Because kids may not notice or report symptoms while playing, Patrick says parents should check in frequently.

“Numbness and tingling, especially in the fingers, toes, or nose, are early warning signs parents should not ignore,” Patrick said. “If it’s particularly cold outside, parents should be touching base every half hour. If skin gets wet and then exposed to cold, frostbite can happen much faster."

Frostbite Can Develop Quickly In Extreme Conditions

In severe cold and wind, frostbite can occur rapidly. Rather than focusing on exact time limits outdoors, Patrick said parents should monitor how children feel and respond immediately to symptoms.

“When there’s a cold weather warning, frostbite can happen within minutes,” Patrick said. “Especially when wind chills are extremely low and skin is wet.”

When It’s Too Cold To Play Outside

Patrick advises families to take official weather alerts seriously.

“If there’s a cold weather warning in your area, that’s a day to stay inside,” he said.

On those days, he said parents should feel comfortable relaxing screen-time rules and encouraging safe indoor activity.

“These are great days to say, ‘It’s okay to watch TV or play video games,’” Patrick said. “Board games, family activities, or even a dance party are great ways for kids to stay active indoors.”

Preventing Illness During Indoor Snow Days

With families spending more time indoors together, Patrick said illness prevention is also critical. He recommends frequent handwashing, covering coughs with an elbow, and, in some cases, wearing masks indoors if isolation isn’t possible.

“If someone is sick, especially with a fever, isolating them in their own room can help prevent spread,” he said.

Flu Cases Rising This Winter

Patrick said he is currently seeing a significant number of flu cases, including influenza A and B. He said that flu vaccination remains strongly recommended and that it is not too late to get vaccinated.

“This year’s flu shot wasn’t a perfect match, but it still does a great job of keeping people out of the hospital and out of intensive care,” he said. “Even if you’ve already had the flu, you can get it again later in the season from a different strain."

The Bottom Line For Parents

Ultimately, Patrick said winter safety comes down to supervision.

“It really all comes down to parents supervising their kids — knowing where they are, how they’re dressed and how long they’re outside,” he said. “Checking in often and making sure they’re safe makes all the difference.”

Dr. Mike Patrick is an emergency medicine physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Ohio State, and a national child-health expert who hosts the award-winning PediaCast podcast. He is also spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.