Alaska’s heavy snowfalls and cold temperatures cause winter ice build up. Keep in mind that Alaskan winter activities are often accompanied by inherent hazards. When playing, fishing, or traveling over ice, it’s very important to consider possible risks. Be aware of the different thickness levels and types of ice in your area.

Understanding Ice Thickness

The strength associated with winter ice thickness varies between river, pond, and lake ice conditions. For example, river ice is 15% weaker than lake ice at the same thickness. Be wary of ice covered in slush. This could indicate the ice isn’t frozen completely through. Be sure the ice is solid, clear, blue, or black before walking out to test the thickness level.

According to the chart provided by Bethel Search and Rescue’s Ice Thickness Safety Information – ice must be at least 4 inches thick for a group of people to walk single file. Additionally, 7.5  to 10 inches of winter ice can support the weight of common vehicles.

Alaska winter ice fishing safety precautions are extremely important. Always check the ice levels surrounding the area you choose to fish. Test ice yourself using an ice chisel, auger or cordless drill with a long drill bit. Be cautious of cracks and holes in the ice and avoid going near them.

Be aware that ice doesn’t usually freeze uniformly, so while one area can be a foot thick, another spot nearby could be only a few inches thick. Keep in mind that new winter ice is generally stronger than old ice because older ice has likely warmed and cooled repeatedly and could have thin or weak areas throughout.

Keep Kids Safe On Winter Ice

Safe winter fun starts with planning and preparation. Be aware of weather conditions and review winter ice conditions before allowing children to skate or fish. Teach them how to safely walk and play on ice by distributing their weight appropriately and staying aware of their surroundings.

Help kids stay safe and warm. They should dress appropriately for winter weather activities. Children should wear layers to stay warm and dry. Appropriate protective gear should also be worn when playing in the snow or on winter ice. A helmet and mouth guard helps prevent injury from falls.

Adult supervision is very important when children are ice skating, playing hockey, or sledding, to help prevent injuries. Never leave children unattended when playing on winter ice.

Johnson Law encourages Alaskans to prioritize safety by planning, preparing, and monitoring all winter ice activities to help create a safer 2026. This includes following official guidelines and exercising caution, as no ice is ever 100% safe.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Alaska.org: Rod’s Alaska Guide Service

Passengers Are At Greater Risk

Unknown to many, head injuries are more common among family snowmachine passengers than drivers. It takes strength and stamina to be a passenger on a snowmachine. Passengers must hold on tightly for long periods of time. They are unable to see snowmachine shifts in advance. This is even more difficult when running over bumpy ground at a high speed.

Accidents occur more often when children double on youth snowmachines. Youth snowmachines are not designed as passenger machines. Passengers also distract drivers. All drivers, young and old, must pay close attention. No matter the ages of our passengers, drivers are responsible for very precious cargo. Even family snowmachines built for passengers increase risk of injuries. Passengers are often higher, making the snowmachine less stable.

Do The Family Snowmachines Fit Your Child?

It is important for young riders to be on the right size snowmachines. Riders who are too large overload the capability of a youth machine. Even more dangerous are riders who are too small for the horsepower and weight of family snowmachines intended for adults. They cannot reach the controls and have difficulty controlling the snowmachine. Their feet dangle above the running boards and foot wells. Without solid footing, children cannot shift body weight while riding. Riders who are too small cannot shift their weight to balance the sled.

Learn more about snowmachine safety for your entire family. Great sites such as: SnowTracks and Snoriders are entirely devoted to helping keep you and your loved ones safer while enjoying the great outdoors. In addition, sites dedicated to child safety and well-being, such as Caring for Kids provide great ideas for added safety while enjoying family snowmachines with your kids.

Family snowmachine safety will help you avoid an accident. Alaskan residents who suffer an injury on a snowmachine may want to investigate how the crash occurred. It’s possible you may have a claim for damages. If you want guidance in this process, schedule a free consultation with Johnson Law.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Image Source: Visit Anchorage Alaska

Alaskan Regulations On Car Restraints and Car Seats

The State of Alaska (SOA) regulates seat belt and child seat/ car seat use for children under Alaska Statute 28.05.095. Use of Seat Belts and Child Safety Devices Required. While the SOA does not require children to use back seats only, Alaskan regulation does require that car seats or restraints must be in place and used properly.

In plain language:

• Infants 1-year-old or younger must be in a rear-facing child seat.
• Toddlers 4 years or younger must use a child restraint.
• Children between 4 to 15 years of age or shorter than 57 inches must use a booster seat.

Failure to Follow Alaska Regulations

The CDC found that 72 percent of booster seats in vehicles were installed or used improperly. Errors during installation and use could cause harm to a child in a motor vehicle crash. Consequently, absent a crash, adults who fail to follow state-mandated child restraint regulations face fines. Therefore, the CDC encourages parents to follow state regulations and ensure car seats, booster seats, and child restraints are used correctly.

Even correctly installed car seats and properly used car restraint systems may not prevent serious injuries to a child in an auto accident. When a child is injured in a motor vehicle crash, the child’s family should file a claim. They may also need to file a personal injury lawsuit. When filing a claim or facing litigation, families benefit through speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney.  A good personal injury attorney protects the child’s rights. When you need guidance through a claim or litigation, contact Johnson Law. We’re here to serve you.

Keep kids safer while driving Alaska roads by using car restraints correctly. Child safety is always a first priority, Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Information Sources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Alaska Statutes

Image Source: Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

Be Aware of Hazards

Kitchens hold many potential hazards, such as sharp utensils, hot stove tops and ovens, heavy objects like canned goods or kitchen appliances, as well as toxic cleaning supplies. There are many opportunities for injuries while working in the kitchen, especially with children.

Common injuries and emergencies that happen on Thanksgiving include lacerations from kitchen knives, burns from cooking-related incidents, and kitchen fires. Be prepared by keeping sharp objects out of reach and inaccessible to children. Cover hot stove burners and use the back burners as much as possible. Never allow kids in the kitchen unsupervised. If necessary, have a gate or barrier to keep children out of harms way.

Part of Child Kitchen Safety is Being Prepared

Prepare your home for company before having family and friends over for the holidays. Clear hazards from all living areas and close doors to any rooms that guests shouldn’t enter. Unplug toasters, blenders, coffee makers, food processors, and other small appliances when not in use and store them out of the reach of children.

Check your first aid kit and ensure all commonly used supplies are available. Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of unexpected flames.

In the event someone ingests a poisonous substance, call the Alaska Department of Health’s Poison Help number: 1-800-222-1222 immediately.

Practice child kitchen safety and keep kids safer this for a Happy Thanksgiving and joyful holiday season. Child safety is always a first priority, Alaska.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: University of Alaska, Anchorage

The Holiday Season is Upon Us 

Halloween has passed, and November brings us into a month of remembering the many reasons we are thankful. Children… the children in our lives make us thankful. Whether your own, your step-child, your foster child, your nieces or nephews, your grandchildren, or the children you count as neighbors and friends, children bring with them hope, love and wonder.  Perhaps November is traditionally recognized as Child Safety Month for that very reason.

Child Safety Month

This month, Johnson Law is scouring the Internet for sources of good information which we hope will help parents, teachers, families, and friends see the world from a child’s perspective, making sure our children enjoy life while keeping kids safe.

While Johnson Law dedicates its practice to personal injury claims, we embrace all aspects of child safety and welfare, November will be dedicated to sharing resources to enhance your child’s safety – from automobiles to playgrounds to the Internet. All through the month of November, Johnson Law will share these ideas and resources with you, hoping you, in turn, share with those you love.

We are Thankful for Alaska’s Children

Child Safety is an important part of our everyday lives requiring engagement and vigilance. Groups such as Safe Kids Worldwide help increase your knowledge of preventing serious accidents, injuries or loss before they happen. 

We hope your list of reasons to be thankful this November includes: Ways We Keep Our Kids Safe.  Do this for yourself and others by implementing measures of extra care into all areas that enhance your children’s lives. Let us help you with ideas useful to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and teachers. In short, we are stewards of our communities. It is each and every adult’s responsibility to keep our kids safe. 

Learn More: Child Car Safety; Car Seats; Child Vehicle Safety;

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Alaska Family Engagement Center

Teach Safety And Prevent Injuries

Review the posted rules with your child when you arrive at a playground. Walk around the playground together to look for potential hazards, as well as equipment that is, and is not, age-appropriate for your child.

Teach children to use playground equipment appropriately. Review how to properly play on swings, slides, monkey-bars, and climbing equipment as needed. Remind children to look out for others and to take turns so everyone can safely enjoy the playground.

Setting Standards For Better Playground Safety

Safe playgrounds start with guardians and caretakers advocating for reasonable safety precautions and considerations. When exploring an unfamiliar playground, consider “S.A.F.E.” standards:

• Supervision – appropriate adult supervision of children. Even when using backyard play equipment, it’s important to supervise children at all times in case of an accident.
• Age-appropriate – ensure the playground equipment is appropriate for specific age groups.
• Fall surfacing – inspect the surfaces beneath and surrounding playground equipment to ensure adequate protection from falls.
• Equipment – survey the playground equipment for adequate maintenance and overall safety hazards. Report any concerns to the group responsible for the playground.

Avoid playground accidents by remaining aware of potential hazards and risks. If you notice damaged or unsafe equipment or surfaces, report concerns immediately to the overseeing group. Many playgrounds have signs posted that provide not only rules and regulations, but also contact information to make safety reports.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Safe At Play; Playground Guardian

Image Source: Premier Park & Play

Holiday Events

Many businesses and organizations have holiday events like making decorations, gift exchanges, and holiday parties. There are also many community events, such as public markets and craft fairs. Keep children safe. Be sure to confirm plans with your family of when and where to meet up if you divide the group in a public area. Remind kids to never leave with a stranger.

Be especially careful when gift-giving. Buy only safe toys and gifts.

Be aware of potentially harmful situations, such as dangerous decorations, unstable rides or attractions, slippery walkways, and ice hanging over building entrances. Many young children enjoy climbing onto things, even when told not to. Keep children safe. Warn children of the danger for severe injuries from falls or from objects falling onto them. While most places take care of their sidewalks and entryways, it’s good to show children to be aware of where they are walking and to be cautious of icy conditions.

Keep Children Safe During Outdoor Activities

Winter break is the perfect opportunity for kids to spend time outdoors with friends. Snowball fights, building snowmen and forts, making snow angels, and winter sports are all waiting outside. Keep children safe. Before they run out the door, ensure they’re wearing appropriate clothing and gear. Wearing properly fitting boots, coats, snow-pants, gloves, and hats keep children warm and dry while enjoying the snow.

Also, know your kids’ plan before they leave. Make sure you know who they’re with, what they’re doing, where they’re going, and when they’ll be home.

When participating in winter sports, be sure your child is equipped with protective gear. Keep children safe. Remind your child to always wear a helmet when snowboarding and downhill skiing. Bring children indoors to regularly warm-up after playing outside in the winter to avoid sickness and cold related injuries.

Monitor Temperatures

Children are some of the most at-risk individuals during winter. They love being outside, but with outdoor activities comes danger. While parents generally put their children’s needs first, that is not always the case when children are with others. For instance, at school children should be monitored to ensure they do not get hurt.

In winter, it is even more important to watch children, since temperatures can drop dramatically resulting in hypothermia or frostbite. Keep children safe. It is always a good idea to keep your children in warm areas or near warm areas when they’re playing.

Keep Children Safe From Snowplow Dangers

Another risk to children in the winter is use of snowplows. Alaska’s snowplow operators work hard to make the roads you travel on as safe as possible. Make sure children understand the dangers of snow plows and how to play more safely.

Remind your child to stay away from the roads on days when they are home from school. Keep children safe by ensuring they dress in bright colors and reflective gear to help drivers see them. If they play in the roadways or in snow berms, it’s possible they could be hit by a snowplow.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Secondary Source: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; Mayo Clinic Health System

Image Source: Pack More Into Life