Don't get caught on thin ice: Du Quoin firefighters well-trained for the unthinkable
The DuQuoin Fire Department would like to take this time to remind everyone to stay off frozen bodies of water, this comes as temperatures are well below freezing and people often think that the ice is safe to go on while this practice is very unsafe, according to Capt. Adam Hill.
The DuQuoin Fire Department is both trained and have the proper equipment for ice rescue should the situation occur. If someone does fall through ice, the best way to help them is to immediately call 9-1-1 so rescue personnel can be on their way.
Do not go out on the ice after them, if the ice did not support them, it won't support you, either, says Hill.
If you have a rope or long stick you can try and reach them to pull them to safety. The following are some facts about ice and some characteristics to help the public understand why Ice is never 100% safe.
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly-formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially-thawed ice may not.
• Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
• Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.
• The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.
• Booming and cracking ice isn't necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.
• Schools of fish or flocks of waterfowl can also adversely affect the relative safety of ice. The movement offish can bring warm water up from the bottom of the lake. In the past, this has opened holes in the ice causing snowmobiles and cars to break through.