Stay Off The Ice And Slush

Because a basic understanding of what temperature water freezes is lacking with some folks, NH Fish and Game had to release a Public Service Announcement.

According to NH Fish and Game, a good rule of thumb concerning ice thickness is that:

There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel, and eight to ten inches of hard ice for snow machine or All-Terrain Vehicle travel.

Fish and Game also have some helpful suggestions.

Tips for staying safe on the ice include:

• Stay off the ice along the shoreline if it is cracked or squishy. Don’t go on the ice during thaws.
• Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and ice may also indicate weak spots.
• Small bodies of water tend to freeze thicker. Rivers and lakes are more prone to wind, currents and wave action that weaken ice.
• Don’t gather in large groups or drive large vehicles onto the ice.
• If you do break through the ice, don’t panic. Move or swim back to where you fell in, where you know the ice was solid. Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. A set of ice picks can help you pull yourself out if you do fall through the ice; wear them around your neck or put them in an easily accessible pocket. Once out of the water, roll away from the hole until you reach solid ice.

So let's use our heads. When was the last time it was below freezing for any length of time around here? It's been a while.

And keep an eye on your dogs. Don't let them get to close to any body of water without the ability to pull them back. I hate seeing dogs, or any pet trapped on ice when it can be avoided.