For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan. 5, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

**Maynard Police and Fire Alert**

Ice is NOT Yet Safe to Walk on

Mill Pond and the Assabet River and Other Local Ponds and Waterways are Not Yet Frozen Enough for Walking or Skating

MAYNARD — Police Chief Mark W. Dubois, Fire Chief Anthony Stowers, and the Maynard Police and Fire Departments report that waterways in town are NOT currently frozen to the point where they would be considered safe for walking, skating, or ice fishing. Residents are warned not to venture out at this time, and parents are strongly urged to discuss this with their children.

“Our primary focus is on public safety, and we want everyone to understand the risks of potentially venturing out on thin ice,” Chief Dubois said. “Parents, please remind your children about this vital issue.”

The Mill Pond and Assabet River have seen scattered icing, but public safety officials warn that the ice is certainly not thick enough to walk on at this time. Even as temperatures fall this week, residents are reminded that the high temperature today in Boston was 50 degrees at midnight!

“Our fire crews train on ice and winter water rescues constantly, but our goal is always to have zero rescues every year by properly and effectively educating the public on the dangers of thin ice,” Chief Stowers said. “Be safe, and be patient. Winters are usually long around here, so there will be plenty of time for fun on the ice, when it is safe.”

General Ice and Cold Water Safety

• Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you fall through the ice.
• Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, go for help.
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
• Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak, or open ice.
• Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
• Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15 percent weaker.
• Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice

• Reach-Throw-Go. If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
• If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

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