With March 20 the first day of spring fast approaching, temperatures have started to increase but so has the risk posed by melting ice and high water levels around rivers and creeks in Rocky View County.
The Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) has put out a list of ice safety tips and is advising residents of Rocky View County to take care and be aware of the dangers of ice.
“With the fluctuating temperatures, ice gets very dangerous,” said Deputy Chief Linda Masson, AFD.
“When we get around the freezing mark (0°C) ice becomes unstable and can collapse even though it may look solid.”
Masson advises that while the ice may appear solid in certain areas, because of the way it melts, it dramatically weakens even as it retains its thickness.
Ice that could support a truck in the middle of winter can collapse under the weight of a child when temperatures hover around freezing.
The AFD advises keeping all children and pets away from melting ice and the banks of rivers and creeks.
“When the ice is melting, the water levels are changing and the flow of water can soften the edges of banks,” said Masson.
“The water may also be much deeper and faster flowing than usual at this time of year.”
In the event that a person or pet falls through the ice, Masson said that your first reaction should be to call 9-1-1 and yell out for help, and if at all possible stay off the ice yourself.
“Look for a tree branch, or use your belt or scarf or something that the person can grab on to that you can use to pull them out,” said Masson. “Encourage the person to kick up on to the ice as if they’re swimming as you pull them toward you.”
If you are already on the ice when someone goes through, lie down flat to distribute your weight evenly and try to keep your distance from where the ice collapsed and either crawl or roll to move away.
When you pull someone out of the water who has fallen in, try to keep them as warm as possible by wrapping them in a jacket or sweater until help arrives.
Masson’s No. 1 tip for ice safety, however, is to just avoid it if possible.
For more tips from the Airdrie Fire Department visit www.airdrie.ca/index.cfm?serviceID=606
