Winter is back!

As low temperatures set in, an ice cover forms on water bodies, attracting both children and adults. However, they do not fully appreciate the danger that ice poses!

Water bodies freeze unevenly, in parts: first near the shore, in shallow areas, and then in the middle. Ice appears on lakes and ponds earlier than on rivers. Ice at least 7 cm thick is considered safe for a person, and 12 cm for a group of people. If the air temperature above 0 degrees Celsius persists for more than 3 days, the strength of the ice can decrease by 25%. The strength of the ice can be determined visually. If the ice is blue, it is strong; white ice is half as strong, and opaque white or yellowish ice is dangerous.

Under no circumstances should you go out on the ice at night or in poor visibility (fog, snowfall, rain). Before stepping from the shore onto the ice, you must carefully look around, plan your route, and a possible way back to the shore. Beware of places where the ice is covered with snow. It can happen that the thickness of the open ice across the entire water body is more than 10 cm, but under the snow – only 3 cm.

Do not walk on the ice in a crowd or with heavy loads. It is best not to go out on the ice unless necessary. If the ice cracks or water appears on its surface, immediately return to the shore. A person can die from hypothermia 15-20 minutes after falling into the water.

The Verkhnedvinsk District Emergency Department urges you to remember the rules of conduct on winter water bodies. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.