ice safety

Gloucester Firefighters Rescue Deer that Fell Through Ice at Fernwood Lake

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Gloucester Fire Department
Eric Smith, Fire Chief
8 School St.
Gloucester, MA 01930

For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Gloucester Firefighters Rescue Deer that Fell Through Ice at Fernwood Lake

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith reports that Gloucester firefighters rescued a deer that fell through the ice at Fernwood Lake this morning.

On Thursday, March 14 at 8:14 a.m. firefighters were called to Fernwood Lake for a report of a deer that had fallen through the ice. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a deer struggling in water, dozens of feet away from shore.

Multiple crews from the Gloucester Fire Department collaborated on the rescue, including West Gloucester’s Engine 2 Crew of Firefighter Darrel Dench and Lt. Doug MacArther, and the Gloucester Fire Department Headquarters Ladder 1 crew of Acting Lieutenant Randy Silva and Firefighters Bob Grover, Andrew Pierce, and Jak Letien.

No one was injured and the deer was able to return to its natural habitat Thursday.

In light of this incident, the Gloucester Fire Department wishes to remind residents that it is not safe to step or walk on the ice. In the event a person or animal falls through the ice residents should always call the Gloucester Fire Department for help.

If someone does fall through the ice, and you cannot reach them from the shore, throw something like a rope, jumper cables, or tree branch to try and pull that person out. If the situation is too dangerous, however, residents should never put themselves in danger and instead wait for help to arrive or go find help.

“Thankfully, our firefighters were able to utilize extensive training and equipment to rescue this deer, and no one was injured in the process,” Chief Smith said. “The ice is not safe to walk across or step on, especially as temperatures begin to fluctuate as we head into spring. Residents shouldn’t be on the ice, and should never attempt such a rescue themselves.

Ice Safety Tips

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife offers several ice safety tips, and also warns that there is never a guarantee that ice is safe to walk on and won’t crack or buckle.

If you fall through the ice:

  • Don’t panic.
  • Call for help.
  • Don’t remove winter clothing; air trapped in your clothing may provide warmth and help keep you afloat.
  • Turn the direction you came from–the ice you previously walked on will likely be the safest.
  • Place your hands and arms on an unbroken surface of the ice and kick your legs. Once your torso is on solid ice, roll toward thicker ice to distribute your weight.
  • Once you are out of the water and off the ice, find shelter and warm your body. Change out of wet clothing and find warm, dry clothing. Get to a car or house. If you’re in a remote location, start a campfire.

If someone else falls through the ice:

  • Call 911.
  • Shout to the victim to let them know help is on the way.
  • If you can reach them from the shore safely, extend an object such as a rope, tree branch, or ladder that they can grab hold of.
  • Toss one end of a rope or a similar object that will float to the victim.
  • If you cannot safely help, call 911 or go find help.
  • If a pet falls through the ice, call 911 for help or go find help. It is too dangerous to attempt to save a pet yourself. Always keep a pet leashed while walking on ice or near ice.

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Whitman Fire Department Warns Residents About Unsafe Ice Conditions

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Whitman Fire Department
Timothy J. Grenno, Fire Chief
56 Temple St.
Whitman, MA 02382

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Whitman Fire Department Warns Residents About Unsafe Ice Conditions

WHITMAN — With multiple ice rescues in the state yesterday, Chief Timothy Grenno would like to warn Whitman residents to avoid unsafe ice conditions and remind people that ice rinks are the only places considered safe to skate.

Though temperatures have been on the colder side recently, Whitman officials warn that at this time it has not been cold enough for long enough to make it safe to walk, skate or fish on the ice in any waterway in Whitman.

As a policy, the Whitman Fire Department does not certify whether any bodies of water are safe to use for recreational purposes. Those who do choose to go out on ice should stay away from all ice in the area of open water, flowing water or where the ice looks slushy or thin. 

Chief Grenno and the Whitman Fire Department offer the following general ice safety guidelines to all residents:

Thin Ice:

The Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs says ice should always be measured in multiple places before testing it with your weight. Ice 2 inches thick or less should be avoided completely.

Ice with a depth of 4 inches or more is considered safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot. Five inches of ice is recommended for snowmobiles or ATVs. Eight to 12 inches is necessary for a small car, while 12 to 15 inches of ice is necessary for trucks.

General Ice and Cold Water Safety:

  • Never go onto 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 a rescue. Call 911 instead.
  • New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, 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.
  • 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 weaker than pond ice.
  • Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only 1 inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice:

  • Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, try to throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.) If this does not work, call 911 and get away from the ice 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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Taunton Fire Department Warns Residents About Unsafe Ice Conditions

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Taunton Fire Department
Timothy J. Bradshaw, Fire Chief
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Taunton Fire Department Warns Residents About Unsafe Ice Conditions

TAUNTON — With multiple ice rescues in the state yesterday, Chief Timothy Bradshaw would like to warn Taunton residents to avoid unsafe ice conditions and remind people that ice rinks are the only places considered safe to skate.

Though temperatures have been on the colder side recently, Taunton officials warn that at this time it has not been cold enough for long enough to make it safe to walk, skate or fish on the ice in any waterway in Taunton.

As a policy, the Taunton Fire Department does not certify whether any bodies of water are safe to use for recreational purposes. Those who do choose to go out on ice should stay away from all ice in the area of open water, flowing water or where the ice looks slushy or thin.

Aleixo Arena, 150 Honorable Gordon M. Owen Riverway, Taunton, offers open skating to the public at certain times. Their schedule can be found on their website here.

Chief Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department offer the following general ice safety guidelines to all residents:

Thin Ice:

The Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs says ice should always be measured in multiple places before testing it with your weight. Ice 2 inches thick or less should be avoided completely.

Ice with a depth of 4 inches or more is considered safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot. Five inches of ice is recommended for snowmobiles or ATVs. Eight to 12 inches is necessary for a small car, while 12 to 15 inches of ice is necessary for trucks.

General Ice and Cold Water Safety:

  • Never go onto 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 a rescue. Call 911 instead.
  • New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, 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.
  • 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 weaker than pond ice.
  • Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only 1 inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice:

  • Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, try to throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.) If this does not work, call 911 and get away from the ice 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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Canton Fire Department Warns Residents About Unsafe Ice Conditions

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Canton Fire Department
Chief Charles E. Doody
99 Revere St.
Canton, MA 02021

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Canton Fire Department Warns Residents About Unsafe Ice Conditions

CANTON — With multiple ice rescues in the state yesterday, Chief Charles E. Doody would like to warn Canton residents to avoid unsafe ice conditions and remind people that ice rinks are the only places considered safe to skate.

Though temperatures have been on the colder side recently, Canton officials warn that at this time it has not been cold enough for long enough to make it safe to walk, skate or fish on the ice in any waterway in Canton.

As a policy, the Canton Fire Department does not certify whether any bodies of water are safe to use for recreational purposes. Those who do choose to go out on ice, like on Reservoir Pond, should stay away from all ice in the area of open water, flowing water or where the ice looks slushy or thin. 

Chief Doody and the Canton Fire Department offer the following general ice safety guidelines to all residents:

Thin Ice:

The Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs says ice should always be measured in multiple places before testing it with your weight. Ice 2 inches thick or less should be avoided completely.

Ice with a depth of 4 inches or more is considered safe for ice fishing or other activities on foot. Five inches of ice is recommended for snowmobiles or ATVs. Eight to 12 inches is necessary for a small car, while 12 to 15 inches of ice is necessary for trucks.

General Ice and Cold Water Safety:

  • Never go onto 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 a rescue. Call 911 instead.
  • New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, 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.
  • 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 weaker than pond ice.
  • Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only 1 inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice:

  • Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, try to throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.) If this does not work, call 911 and get away from the ice 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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