CFD: The only ‘safe’ ice is at the rink

The Canton Fire Department would like to remind everyone of the dangers of unsafe ice. With the holiday break upon us, there is an increase in outdoor activity, especially with children. It is important to keep in mind that while ponds and streams have started to freeze over, they all remain unsafe. The temperature fluctuating above and below freezing makes ice conditions very uncertain. The Canton Fire Department believes the only safe ice is at the ice rink and does not endorse the safety of ice on lakes, ponds or streams.

If you should find yourself around ice this winter please keep these safety tips in mind.

• Never go around or onto the ice alone.

• Keep your pet on a leash when around ice.

• Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks and weak and open ice.

• Slush is a dangerous sign, indicating the ice is no longer freezing from below.

• Ice on moving water is generally 15 percent weaker than ice on still water.

• Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. Ice can be one foot thick in one area and one inch thick less than 10 feet away.

If you find yourself in a situation where someone has fallen through some ice, call 911 immediately! Canton firefighters are properly trained and equipped to respond. It is important to fight the urge to go out on the ice and help. In most cases the rescuer will also fall through the weakened ice, becoming another victim and making the situation worse. Attempt to reach the victim with a rope or branch to help pull him to safety while staying onshore. If you fall through ice, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction from which you came.  Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

The Canton Fire Department hopes these tips help you all to have a very happy and safe New Year.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Dec 30 2010. Filed under News, Police & Fire. Both comments and pings are currently closed.