The epic mountains of snow are quickly melting away and police are urging caution as a February thaw hits the region.
OPP said the ‘bone-chilling runoff’, can pose a serious safety issue.
Police advise staying away from slippery banks of icy creeks and rivers. The rapidly-flowing water is barely above the freezing point, meaning anyone that falls in is in danger of life-threatening hypothermia.
Keep your pets away from the frigid water, too.
Lake and river ice is also melting quickly, so it’s essential to think twice before venturing out onto any frozen body of water.
Remember: “No ice is safe ice”, and walking onto unsafe ice puts your life and the lives of first responders at risk.
Here are some tips that will help keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Check ice thickness – ice must be at least 10 cm thick to be safe for the weight of a person. Make sure to check the ice thickness frequently as you move further onto the ice.
- Have proper safety gear – bring a personal flotation device, an ice pick and a whistle.
- Never go alone – If you do go out alone, tell someone where you’ll be and how long you’ll be there.
- Always supervise children and pets– never allow children or pets on or near ice covered bodies of water unless they are supervised by an experienced and attentive adult.
Click here for more ice safety tips to help ensure you enjoy the outdoors safely.
