Medicine Hat firefighters are warning Hatters again this year about ice safety. People are encouraged to be smart around ice and to make sure their pets are safe as well.--NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
The Medicine Hat Fire Service is urging Hatters to stay safe around ice this winter.
“With winter comes ice and we urge people to use designated ice surfaces,” said aquatics co-leader Rob Stock. “Anything less than four inches of ice, you need to ensure that you stay off of.
“If you’re going to go on ice you need to make sure you’re measuring how deep it is at various spots.”
Stock says it is important for people to use the buddy system when going out on ice.
“Never go alone,” he said. “If you’re going out, make sure you tell someone and give them your contact information.
“Make sure they know what time you’re supposed to be back and off the ice.”
Stock says everyone should avoid the South Saskatchewan River.
“The river is never safe,” he said. “The ice that builds on the side of the river is never safe – that ice is very unstable.
“With the moving water below, the ice can shift at any time.”
Flotation devices are important for people to have when venturing around ice, Stock says.
“Safety equipment is a must,” he said. “Wear warm clothes and make sure you have a plan on where you’re getting on the ice and where you’re getting off.”
Ice that is not suited for people should not be suited for pets, says Stock.
“Pets can go through ice just as easily as a person,” he said.
If someone falls in, the first thing anyone should do is phone 9-1-1.
“If someone goes in, it is important to call us,” he said. “Next, try to calm that person and remember that if one person went through, there’s a chance for more people to fall through.
“If you fall in, try to stay calm and keep your head clear. If you can’t get out, try and make it so your clothes freeze to the ice so you can continue to breath as help gets there.”
