Indiana DNR Urges Caution: No Ice Is Safe Ice This Winter

Winter is here and the temperatures across Indiana and beyond are expected to plummet as a major winter storm moves into the area. For those living near a body of water, this means taking extra precautions for yourself, your children, and your pets.

Winter Has Been Anything But Typical

The weather has been unusual this year. We saw temperatures reach 60° here in Southern Indiana the week between Christmas and New Years, and now the mercury is expected to dip into the single digits next week with windchills at sub-zero in some parts of the state.

Massive Winter Storm Expected In the Coming Days

In addition to falling temperatures, Indiana is expecting a massive winter storm that could bring more than 6 inches of snow to parts of the Hoosier State. According to the  National Weather Service out of Indianapolis, more than 6 inches of snowfall is possible. In the southern portion of the state, the NWS out of Paducah, Kentucky is calling for a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain with up to 4 inches of accumulation, and additional ice accumulations up to a quarter of an inch or more. Travel is expected to be heavily impacted across Indiana.

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Cold Temps and Snow Could Mean Icey Bodies of Water

Now that the cold is setting in, we need to be cautious when it comes to nearby bodies of water like lakes, streams, and ponds. Icy waterways can prove to be dangerous and life threatening.

Indiana DNR: "No Ice is Safe Ice"

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources reminds Hoosiers that "no ice is safe ice." The Department of Natural Resources also encourages parents to remind their children of the dangers of playing on or near icy bodies of water, especially without supervision.

Prevent Drowning on Indiana Waterways

Every year, drownings happen from falling through ice. As the temperatures in the state drop below freezing, bodies of water like lakes, streams, and ponds - even the Ohio River - can start to have a layer of ice form over the top.

Exploring the Ice May Be Exciting But It Can Be Deadly

That ice can bring with it the thrill and excitement of recreational activities but as fun as they may seem, those same activities can be incredibly dangerous. According to the Indiana DNR, activities like "ice fishing, skating, hiking, or just sliding around for fun" while ordinarily enjoyable and exciting, have the potential to be deadly. Indiana DNR says that "no ice is safe ice."

Never Go Onto Ice Alone

They advise that adults should avoid going out onto ice alone and if you do venture onto the ice, you should be sure you are properly prepared with a life jacket and ice hooks.

Children Should Never Be Left Unsupervised on Ice

You should also be certain that your children know these safety tips before being allowed to play on any frozen body of water. Of course, this kind of winter play should always include adult supervision. Do not leave your children unattended - even on a small body of water.

How Deep is Deep Enough for Ice to Hold Weight?

If you are unfamiliar with exploring iced bodies of water, the Indiana DNR outlines how thick the ice needs to be for various activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling. Did you know that anything less than 4 inches of ice that is "clear like you get out of your freezer" just isn't thick enough?

• One inch of ice =  Stay Off!!!
• Four inches of ice =  Needed for safe ice fishing
• Five inches of ice =  Needed for snowmobiling
• Eight inches of ice = Needed to support the weight of a car or light truck
• Ten inches of ice = Needed to support a medium weight truck

[Source: In.gov/DNR; NSW]