Buffalo Grove FD Reminds Residents to Stay Off the Ice!

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department would like to remind area residents to stay off the ice to avoid potential tragedies this winter season. Please view the accompanying graphic that illustrates the ice thickness and what objects can safely be on top of them during winter temperatures.

While the official start of winter has not yet arrived (winter begins December 21, 2019), ponds, lakes and other bodies of water have already begun to freeze, and area residents may want to go walking on, skating on, or fishing on them. This presents real dangers and the possibility for a tragedy to occur if someone were to fall through the ice.

As temperatures drop, the stability of the ice will increase, but until it is thick enough, the surface may look stable while there are unseen dangers waiting for them if they take the wrong step. Water temperatures are cold enough now, and can cause hypothermia to set in, which would make a self-rescue nearly impossible.

If you witness someone go through the ice, call 9-1-1 immediately! DO NOT TRY TO RESCUE ANYONE WHO HAS FALLEN THROUGH THE ICE BY GOING IN AFTER THEM. Adding another person into this incredibly dangerous situation is only going to make matters worse.

Instead, throw the individual something that floats, or a rope or boat line. Another option is to push a ladder or other long object out onto the surface for them to grab onto – but be sure to stay far away from them. If the ice is too weak, you could go through the ice too, and complicate a rescue by first responders once they arrive. If the person goes under the water, stay where you are and line up their location with a fixed object to relay information to emergency crews so they can locate the person. Mere seconds can be the difference between life and death when someone falls through the ice. Please also remember to keep pets off the ice as well.

For any questions, please contact the Buffalo Grove Fire Department Education Division at 847-777-6110.