Firefighters want everyone to stay off ice
January 16, 2010
Wentzville, MO
The firefighters with the Wentzville Fire Protection District are asking their citizens to be very careful around the frozen streams, lakes, ponds and retention areas in the fire district. The latest cold spell lasted over two weeks.
With the recent sub-zero temperatures during that time, lakes and ponds and even flowing streams have frozen over. This presents a new problem as the weather forecast is for temperatures breaking 40 degrees by Saturday, January 16, 2010.
The ice will start to melt and its strength will degrade rapidly. The firefighters are asking that everyone stay off of this ice. The safest place for ice skating ice hockey is an ice rink or public ice arena.
Falling through the ice into the frigid water without the appropriate clothing is a serious life-threatening situation for both the pets and people. Hypothermia (low temperature) can occur rapidly in the cold water and winter weather. This sudden loss of body heat causes a person to have muscle cramps, exhaustion and unconsciousness in a short period of time. For example: if the frozen lake water was 32 degrees or lower, the survivability of the patient is approximately 15 to 45 minutes. Therefore, it is extremely important that the 9-1-1 system be notified as quickly as possible to get help on its way.
The firefighters of the Wentzville Fire Protection District have Ice Rescue suits and the training to affect a rescue. At NO time should anyone not fully trained or equipped for an ice rescue or water rescue go out onto the thin or cracking ice. Do not become another victim. Always make sure that someone is out at the roadway to flag down the responding units as many ponds and lakes are located away from the roads and streets. Remember to keep watch over young children and steer them away from danger.
The Wentzville Fire District covers 88 square miles of Western St. Charles County and includes the cities of Wentzville, Foristell, Flint Hill, and Josephville; as well as large portions of Lake Saint Louis, Dardenne Prairie and O’Fallon.
From the Wentzville Fire District
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