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Stay Safe on the Ice

Door County’s ice will get some attention in the next year, as TV producer Nick Oram puts together a show about ice fishing in Northeast Wisconsin. Read more about the show, called Ice Wars, here>>

If you get out to enjoy the ice this winter, make sure to stay safe. The Department of Natural Resources put together a list of 13 ice safety tips for this season. Check them out:

• Always remember that ice is never completely safe under any conditions.

• Fish or walk with a friend. It’s safer and more fun.

• Contact local sport shops to ask about ice conditions on the lake or river you want to fish.

• Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.

• Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss.

• Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.

• Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.

• Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.

• Do not travel in unfamiliar areas — or at night.

• Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have currents that can thin the ice.

• Look for clear ice. Clear ice is generally stronger than ice with air bubbles in it or with snow on it.

• Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water.

• Take extra mittens or gloves so you always have a dry pair.

• Driving on ice is always a risk. Use good judgment and consider alternatives.