| Group Detroit U.S. Coast Guard |
|
|
| Press Release |
Date: March 2, 2004 Contact: (313) 568-9520 |
|
COAST GUARD REMINDS THE PUBLIC THAT SPRING THAWING CONDITIONS HAS MADE THE ICE UNSTABLE DETROIT – U.S. Coast Guard Group Detroit is advising the public that with warming weather forecasts of 40-50 degrees and constantly shifting winds, local ice conditions on Lake Huron, St Clair and Erie have become extremely unstable and hazardous. The local area will see signs of ice thaw, including slush and ice floe break offs. Coast Guard Group Detroit has received reports of cars driving onto Anchor Bay and getting stuck in the slush. If you choose to venture onto the ice-covered lakes or rivers, please consider the following Safety Tips: 1. Ensure you pack a VHF-FM radio, rope, whistle, flashlight, compass and flares. 2. Dress in layers and bright colors. Wear a personal flotation device, life jacket or float coat; however, a Mustang suit is the best. 3. Ensure you notify family or relatives of where you will launch, your destination, who is with you, when you will return and your cell phone number if you have one. 4. Take some type of “ice awls” and have them attached to your body. They are used as spikes to pull yourself up on the ice if you break through. 5. Know what you are standing on. Test and be aware of the ice conditions and thickness. You never know when you are standing on a soft spot. 6. Be weather wise. Be aware of the temperature, wind direction for a few days before you venture out, as well as the day’s forecast. Strong winds in any direction breaks up the ice. Beware of “green” ice. 7. Do not go on the ice alone. If you do, stay in the area of other people. 8. Do not cross a pressure crack or open water, you could end up on an ice floe. 9. Avoid walking side by side, you increase your weight in a small area. 10. Clear ice is stronger than cloudy ice.
U.S. Coast Guard Group Detroit would like to remind the public “no ice is safe ice”. Please heed the above safety precautions and for a questions or reports of search and rescue or ice rescue you can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Group Detroit Operations Center 24-hours a day at 313-568-9524.
|
printer friendly