Ice Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

With winter in full swing, and temperatures resting in the lower tens, many folks are starting to go about their favorite activities. And while we may be looking for some fun outdoors, it's important to remember that the cold brings challenges for safety — particularly when it comes to ice. No matter what you're planning, it's always a good idea to implement proper safety measures to make sure everyone gets home safe. Not sure what that means? Well, we tossed together a guide to navigating winter ice safely and responsibly! First things first; before ever stepping onto or driving over a frozen body of water, such as a lake or pond, it's crucial to assess the ice thickness. Whether you're ice skating, fishing or ripping the sled, these different activities require varying levels of ice stability. Here is a quick list of ice thickness and what is safe to do but keep in mind that these numbers may vary based on daily temperatures and ice thickness can vary across the surface of the water, so test ice regularly with a chisel or auger as you proceed. Ice less than 4 inches: Unsafe for any activity. Period. Stop. 4 inches: Safe for walking, skating, and ice fishing. 5 to 7 inches: Suitable for snowmobiles and ATVs. 8 to 12 inches: Can support cars or small trucks. 12 to 15 inches: Strong enough for medium-sized trucks. Additionally, clear blue ice is typically stronger than opaque, white ice. That being said, ice thickness isn't the only indicator of safety; factors such as currents, temperature fluctuations and snow cover can affect ice stability. Moving water, including areas near inlets and outlets, can prevent ice from forming uniformly. Snow can also insulate ice, slowing its formation and hiding weak spots, making these areas particularly hazardous. With that in mind, it's always good to trust your judgment for different activities. If you are ice fishing, always test the ice as you move, avoiding cracks or ridges. Set up in areas known to be safe and steer clear of thin spots near structures or flowing water. Ice skating should ideally be done in designated areas where the ice is regularly monitored – especially on natural ice. If you have to drive on ice ensure the ice is at least eight inches thick and remember to drive slowly, keep your windows down and unbuckle your seatbelt to allow for a quick exit if needed. Even with these precautions, emergencies can occur and ruin a good time. If you happen to fall through the ice, the important thing is to keep a cool head and stay calm. Try to pull yourself out by kicking your legs while gripping the edge of the ice. Once on the surface, roll away from the hole to distribute your weight evenly. If you're assisting someone else who has fallen in, avoid walking directly toward them to prevent breaking the ice further. Instead, lie flat and use a pole or rope to reach them from a safe distance. Now that we've talked about what to do when seeking out the ice, let's touch on the less desirable side of things — walkways, driveways, and stairs, oh my! Pretty much ice on any surface can pose significant slip hazards, especially when you don't see it. To manage and prevent ice buildup, start by pre-treating surfaces with de-icing agents before a storm. This creates a barrier that prevents ice from bonding to the ground. If possible, shovel snow promptly to reduce the risk of compacted ice forming. For existing ice, apply de-icers such as rock salt, calcium chloride or magnesium chloride or use sand to provide traction without harming concrete surfaces. Obviously, in situations like driving on icy roads, it's difficult to follow those prevention methods. But one way to keep yourself out of danger is to simply not drive during poor conditions. Stay informed about weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out, and consider delaying travel if roads are particularly hazardous. If you do have to drive, however, prepping your vehicle is the next best thing — equipping it with winter tires and keeping brakes, lights and windshield wipers in top condition. Always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, a flashlight, food, water and a first-aid kit. And don't forget, the car isn't the only thing that will keep you from sliding. It's important to drive cautiously by reducing speed, increasing following distances and avoiding sudden maneuvers. By following these safety guidelines, managing ice around your home and exercising caution on roads, you can keep yourself and everyone around you safe minimizing danger. And remember — when in doubt, err on the side of caution; it's always better to be safe than sorry!