MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release

Pickering Fire Services Warns Residents of Ice Hazards

Pickering, ON, January 19, 2012 - Pickering Fire Services is warning the public that lakes and streams are not completely frozen and are not safe to travel on even with recent cold weather.

It is extremely important that all residents supervise their children around bodies of water and educate their kids as to the danger of playing on ice. Activities such as pond hockey, ice fishing, snowmobiling can be great fun but also very dangerous. Currently the ice in Pickering is unstable, making it hazardous to venture out in any circumstance.

Anyone enjoying recreational activities near a body of water must make their personal safety a top priority. Residents must make smart, educated choices about water safety. This can greatly reduce the possibility of accidents that put both you and responding emergency services personnel in danger. Remember, no ice or body of water is ever entirely safe.

The following are a few tips that can help keep you safe this winter:

• If you are not sure if the ice is thick enough, stay off it. Take into consideration the recent changes the weather may have had.
• Go with a buddy and tell someone your plans, where you are going and what time you are expected back.
• Carry a cell phone to report emergencies.

• Call for help.
• Resist the immediate urge to climb back out where you fell in. The ice is weak in this area.
• Use the air trapped in your clothing to get into a floating position on your stomach.
• Reach forward onto the broken ice without pushing down. Kick your legs to push your torso on the ice.
• When you are back on the ice, crawl on your stomach or roll away from the open area with your arms and legs spread out as far as possible to evenly distribute your body weight. Do not stand up! Look for shore and make sure you are going in the right direction.

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As the gateway city to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet.  Pickering is an affluent community that is steeped in history, natural beauty and small town charm with all the amenities and services that a big city has to offer.  The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment; and offers a wealth of sports, leisure and recreation opportunities to its residents.  Pickering has been recognized by Profit magazine as one of the ten best cities in Canada for growth companies and received the 2008 FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Planning Award. 

Media Contact:

Name               Julie Ineson
Title                  Fire Inspector
Email address   jineson@pickering.ca
Phone number  905.420.4660 ext 8517
TTY                 905.420.1739