Ice & Cold Weather Safety Tips |
January 15, 2022 | |
Each year, many residents are injured during the winter months as a result of pedestrian accidents and from exposure in cold water incidents. Skaters fall through the ice; boaters and canoeists overturn their crafts; and pedestrians are struck walking in roadways because sidewalks are snow covered. Here are a few general guidelines for use by winter recreation enthusiasts to lessen their chances for an icy dip or worse. It's impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance, thickness, daily temperature, or snow cover alone. Ice strength is also dependent on water depth under the ice, the size of the water and water chemistry, currents, and distribution of the load on the ice. THE ONLY "SAFE" ICE IS AT A SKATING ARENA! WHAT DO YOU DO IF SOMEONE FALLS THROUGH THE ICE? Act quickly and call 9-1-1 for help immediately. Make sure properly trained and equipped rescue personnel are alerted to respond. HOW COLD IS COLD WATER? Any water that is cooler than normal body temperature (98.6 degrees F) is by definition "cold water" WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA? Hypothermia is the excessive lowering of body temperature. A drop in core temperature below 95 degrees F., causes shivering, confusion, loss of muscle strength, and if not treated and reversed leads to unconsciousness and death. PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Slippery driveways and sidewalks can be particularly hazardous in the winter. Keep them well shoveled, and apply materials such as rock salt or sand to improve traction. |
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