Stay Safe on the Ice
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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.