Don’t Find Yourself on Thin Ice! Never Walk on Frozen Waterways go.usa.gov/tfMe Loudoun County, VA- The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management are reminding residents to never walk on frozen streams, rivers and ponds. The region has experienced unseasonably cold temperatures in the past week causing many waterways to freeze. Although it may seem the ice is thick enough to walk on, the actual strength of the ice may be far less than it appears particularly when temperatures exceed the freezing mark. “It is especially important for parents to speak with their children about the dangers of walking and playing on frozen ponds and rivers,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “If you live near a waterway, we ask that you remain watchful for children attempting to venture onto the ice,” Sheriff Chapman added. Many communities in Loudoun County strictly prohibit ice skating on frozen ponds. If you should find yourself in a situation where a person has fallen through the ice, Loudoun emergency personnel ask that you do not panic and encourage the victim to keep calm. Call 911 immediately. “Do not attempt to enter the water. Extend an object, such as a tree branch or rope,” said Loudoun County Fire Chief W. Keith Brower. “Bystanders should never enter the water or go onto the ice in an attempt to rescue a person or animal – a bystander attempting a rescue could become a victim themselves in a matter of seconds. If a dog or another animal falls through the ice, do not go to its rescue. If the ice did not support the animal it will not take your weight,” Chief Brower added. More winter safety and preparedness tips can be found at loudoun.gov/winter.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:15:49 +0000
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