COLORADO SPRINGS – With winter setting in, many local lakes and ponds are starting to freeze over.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department wants to warn citizens that even though ice make look solid, it’s probably not safe.
If you fall through ice, hypothermia can set in almost immediately. As the body struggles to maintain its core temperature, rapid breathing and limb failure can come quickly.
CSFD says the best advice is to just stay off the ice, because you really can’t tell if its safe.
“Ice this thick could have a lot of air and fractures and ruptures in it,” said Capt. Brian Vaughan. “It’s not totally determined on how thick it is every time, but it’s the type of ice as well. We have to be cognisant of both.”
Be sure to keep a close eye on your pets as well.