Toledo Hearth and Rescue Division finest practices for ice security

It’s the time of year to have fun around frozen ponds, rivers, and lakes. But it’s important to keep an eye on security and know what to do if someone fails.

TOLEDO, Ohio – We have reached the winter point where ponds, rivers and lakes freeze.

If you are tempted to test the ice, local security experts say, think twice before taking this first step.

While the colder weather has created more ice lately, most may not be safe to walk. That’s because so much ice is still forming that it is constantly moving and shifting even when you can’t see it.

And the thickest ice cream? It can’t be where you’d think.

“One would think that as an ice creature that forms, the ice closest to the shore would be strongest. But when it covers the surface of the water, the ice continues to expand. There is nowhere to go to take it.” back out, “said Toledo Greg Yiengling, fire department safety officer. “You think the strongest is on the bank, but that’s the weakest.”

When the ice fails and someone fails, your instincts may be to run after them. But Yiengling warns that you should stay safe and call 911 immediately instead.

“The worst thing you can do when you see someone falling through the ice is run after them. If they fail, so will you. The best thing you can do is call 911 right away,” Yiengling said. “The sooner you call us, the faster we can answer. And we have equipment at seven stations along the lake.”

If you venture out on the ice, experts recommend that you wait until there is at least 4 inches of ice to maintain your body weight. And if you plan to use an ATV, the safest amount of ice for all-wheel drive fun is 8 to 10 inches.