Canton Fire Department issues ice safety alert

The Canton Fire Department would like to remind the public, especially children, about the danger of unsafe ice.

According to Fire Lt. John Hutchinson, not one of Canton’s lakes or ponds is safe right now. They have started to freeze over but remain unsafe. The temperature fluctuating above and below freezing makes ice conditions very uncertain.

Ice on moving rivers, streams and brooks is never safe. The thickness of ice on ponds and lakes depends upon water current or springs, depths, and natural objects such as tree stumps or rocks. Daily temperature changes cause the ice to expand and contract, which affects its strength. Because of these factors, no one can declare ice to be absolutely “safe.” Because of the uncertainty of ice conditions, the Fire Department will not endorse the safety of lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers.

Ice Safety Tips

* Never go onto the ice alone. Always keep your pet on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue. Go for help.

* Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it cold, but can also keep it from freezing.

* Slush is a danger sign, indicating that the ice is no longer freezing from below.

* Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick less than 10 feet away.

What to do if someone falls through the ice:

* Act quickly and call 911 for help. Canton firefighters are properly trained and equipped to respond.

* Do not go on the ice. Many would-be rescuers become victims themselves.

* Reach-Throw-Go: If a companion falls through the ice, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help before you become a victim.

* Get medical attention for the victim immediately.

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