What to do if you fall through the ice

I was surfing the Minot Daily News (seeing how life is in Seth's new stomping grounds) and I came across some useful information. I doubt they share this type of thing in the DR, and I want Big D and Lady Di to be prepared. Enjoy.

If you or a companion fall through the ice, keep a cool head

With the arrival of spring, the process of melting has begun on the ice covering the Mouse River.This presents greatly increased danger for the public, and the Minot Fire Department is reminding people to be aware of the thin ice.“With the temperatures reaching the upper 40s and lower 50s during the day, the ice is really starting to thaw and become dangerous,” said Ken Sisk, the department’s public education officer, in a press release. “Therefore, the Minot Fire Department Public Education division is offering tips on ice safety.”If you are on the ice with a companion and your companion should fall through, the most important thing to do is to remain calm.“Think of a solution,” the release said. “Don’t run up to the hole. You’ll probably break through and then there will be two victims.“Use some item on shore to throw or extend to the victim to pull them out of the water.”If the victim cannot be rescued immediately, 9-1-1 should be called to summon medical and emergency assistance.People who are subjected to cold water immersion seem fine after being rescued, but can suffer a condition called “after drop.” After drop occurs when cold blood that has pooled in the body’s extremities begins to circulate as the victim re-warms.If you are on the ice and you fall through yourself, calmness is again the key.“Try not to panic,” the release states. “Instead, remain calm and turn toward the direction you came from.“Place your hands and arms of the unbroken surface of the ice. Work forward on the ice by kicking your feet.”Should the ice break again, you should maintain the same direction and try the same procedure again. Once you have gotten out of the water and up onto the ice, do not stand up.“Roll away from the hole,” the release states. “That spreads out your weight until you are on solid ice.”These safety tips are effective in a crisis situation. However, even more effective is the common sense to avoid putting yourself in jeopardy in the first place. It is best to avoid moving out on thin ice in the first place.For more information on ice safety, contact the Minot Fire Department at 857-4740.