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Maine Warden Service: Storms Will Thin Ice; Be Safe

Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

AUGUSTA, Maine –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Maine Warden Service is urging people to check any ice before venturing out as spring-like conditions, with warm temperatures, substantial rainfall and heavy winds, are weakening ice throughout the state.

According to the National Weather Service, between one to three inches of rain is expected today (Jan. 25, 2010), and temperatures near or above freezing are expected for most of the week.

Significant snow melt is likely, with possible flooding.

The heavy rains either will open the water, thin existing ice or create slush, according to Maine Warden Service Major Gregory Sanborn. Inlets and outlets will be dangerous due to runoff from rivers and streams.

“January ‘thaws’ are not unusual,” said Major Sanborn. “However, most of Maine has not had a consistent stretch of sub-freezing temperatures this winter to provide a thick layer of ice that can withstand this wet, warm spell. What may have been moderately safe ice this past weekend may be extremely treacherous this week.”

The Maine Warden Service offers these tips for ice safety:

• Never guess the thickness of the ice – Check it! Check the ice in several different places using an auger or some other means to make a test hole and determine the thickness. Make several, beginning at the shore, and continuing as you go out.
  Check the ice with a partner, so if something does happen, someone is there to help you. If you are doing it alone, wear a lifejacket.
• If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off! Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots.
  Avoid areas with currents, around bridges and pressure ridges. Wind and currents can break ice.
• Parents should alert children of unsafe ice in their area, and make sure that they stay off the ice. If they insist on using their new skates, suggest an indoor skating rink.

If you break through the ice, remember:

• Don’t panic.
• Don’t try to climb out immediately – you will probably break the ice again. Reach for solid ice.
• Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. Once on the ice, roll, DON’T WALK, to safety.
• To help someone who has fallen through the ice, lie down flat and reach with a branch, plank or rope or form a human chain. Don’t stand. After securing the victim, wiggle backwards to the solid ice.

DID YOU KNOW: All proceeds from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses stay at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife? Not planning to hunt or fish? Consider buying a license as a way to support our fish and wildlife management efforts. Please go to: http://www.informe.org/moses/ Thank you for your continued support!

IF&W: We are stewards of Maine’s fish and wildlife, protecting and preserving Maine’s natural resources, quality of place and economic future

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Maine Warden Service Says Stay Off The Ice

Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

AUGUSTA, Maine – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Maine Warden Service is urging people to not venture out onto any ice that may be covering Maine’s waterways.

Throughout Maine, the state’s lakes and ponds may appear to be frozen in parts or their entirety, but safe ice conditions cannot be assumed even though temperatures have been below freezing in recent days and at night.

Also, any snow covering thin layers of ice acts as insulation and slows the freezing process.

“There are no safe ice conditions anywhere in the state right now,” said Col. Joel Wilkinson, chief warden of the Maine Warden Service. “I understand that people are anxious to begin winter activities, such as ice fishing and snowmobiling. But don’t risk your life or the lives of others by traveling onto thin ice.”

As the temperatures continue to fall in the coming weeks, and the ice begins to thicken, the Maine Warden Service is recommending that people check the thickness of any ice before venturing out for any activity on frozen water.

If you must go on the ice this winter, the Maine Warden Service offers these tips for ice safety:

• Never guess the thickness of the ice – Check it! Check the ice in several different places using an auger or some other means to make a test hole and determine the thickness. Make several, beginning at the shore, and continuing as you go out.
• Check the ice with a partner, so if something does happen, someone is there to help you. If you are doing it alone, wear a lifejacket.
• If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off! Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots.
• Avoid areas with currents, around bridges and pressure ridges. Wind and currents can break ice.
• Parents should alert children of unsafe ice in their area, and make sure that they stay off the ice. If they insist on using their new skates, suggest an indoor skating rink.
• If you break through the ice, remember:
• Don’t panic.
• Don’t try to climb out immediately – you will probably break the ice again. Reach for solid ice.
• Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. Once on the ice, roll, DON’T WALK, to safety.
• To help someone who has fallen through the ice, lie down flat and reach with a branch, plank or rope or form a human chain. Don’t stand. After securing the victim, wiggle backwards to the solid ice.

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IF&W: We are stewards of Maine’s fish and wildlife, protecting and preserving Maine’s natural resources, quality of place and economic future.

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