Snow Fort Dangers
One cubic foot of snow weighs approximately five pounds. If a snow cave or snow fort is six feet under the snow, a collapse could place approximately 1,000 pounds of snow on top of a child. In addition, children should not play in areas where snow removal or clearing are taking place.
Ice Safety
There is no such thing as completely safe when dealing with ice. Always exercise caution when enjoying Barrie's frozen lakes.
Tips
Be suspicious. You cannot tell the strength of the ice by its appearance. Temperature, thickness, snow cover, water depth, size of water body, currents and distribution of the load on top of the ice are all factors affecting ice safety.
Always check ice thickness before venturing out. Snowmobiles require at least five inches of clear solid ice and autos at least eight inches to a foot of clear solid ice.
Check reported conditions. Before you head onto any ice, check with a local bait shop operator or resort owner for known ice conditions, thin ice areas or dangerous open water conditions.
Avoid travelling on ice at night. Clear, hard ice is the only kind of ice recommended for travel; keep away from unfamiliar paths or unknown ice.
Suit up. If you must venture onto the ice, wear a thermal protection buoyant suit to increase your chances of survival if you fall through. If you do not have one, wear a lifejacket/PFD over an ordinary snowmobile suit or layered winter clothing.
Avoid:
- slushy ice
- thawed ice that has recently refrozen
- layered or rotten ice caused by sudden temperature changes
- ice near moving water (i.e., rivers or currents)
Never go on the ice alone. A buddy may be able to rescue you or go for help if you get into difficulty.
Inform someone. Before you leave shore, inform someone of your destination and expected time of return.
Assemble a kit. Assemble a small personal safety kit no larger than the size of a man's wallet to carry with you. The kit should include a lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium fire starter, pocketknife, compass and whistle. You should also carry ice picks, an ice staff, a rope and a cellular phone.
Know what to do if you hear the ice crack:
- Lay down on the ice
- Call for help loudly and clearly
- Crawl or roll back to land
Self-rescue steps:
- Float on your stomach facing the shore
- Reach forward onto the ice; do not push down on it
- Kick your legs to slowly push your torso onto the ice
- Crawl or roll away from the hole
- If you can’t climb onto the ice, float in the water and call for help loudly and clearly
- Get medical help immediately
Assisting someone who has fallen through the ice:
- Do not attempt to go on the ice
- Push or throw a stick, branch, rope or floating aid to the victim
- It is important to get help fast
- Call 9-1-1 for expert assistance
Remember reach, throw…but do not go!