Fire Officials Urge Caution Near Lakes, Rivers

ALGONQUIN-LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL - From McHenry Township Fire Protection District: The McHenry Township Fire Protection District (MTFPD) today reminded residents that with the recent wave of early Arctic air enveloping Illinois, caution still needs to be taken around outdoor water bodies as the bitter air doesn’t necessarily mean safe ice conditions on rivers and lakes.

“Despite the cold temperatures, the ice on ponds and rivers is not yet safe for many of the winter
activities we all enjoy,” said MTFPD Fire Chief Tony Huemann. “Currently we have no safe ice
conditions and residents should not be tempted to step out on the glass-like glazed over ponds and lakes here in McHenry County.”

Several factors determine the safety of outdoor frozen water bodies including the thickness of the
ice; visual clues can suggest potential dangers including cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy
areas or dark areas; and the color of the ice can also indicate if air or snow is trapped inside and
weaken the ice.

“It takes a prolonged period of below freezing temperatures for the ice to reach the minimum
thickness criteria,” said Chief Huemann. “Parents are reminded to talk to their children and stress
to them to stay away from the partially frozen lakes and ponds. We ask you to remind your kids
not to use a shortcut across an icy water body and never assume that the ice is safe.”

The MTFPD urges the community members to know the rescue protocols should they witness
anyone fall through the ice – call 9-1-1 immediately and stay on the shore to direct the rescuers to
the victim when they arrive; do not try to rescue the victim or go out on the ice after them.

For more information regarding ice safety, please contact the MTFPD at 815-385-0075 or visit
the website at www.mtfpd.org.

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