Chief Ed Warren reports that the East Kingston Fire Department and mutual aid partners responded Friday after a man and two dogs fell into a pond.
On Friday, Feb. 16, at approximately 2:52 p.m., the East Kingston Fire Department was called to Depot Road for a report that a man and two dogs had fallen through ice.
East Kingston Ambulance had responded to another call just minutes earlier, so Chief Warren requested mutual aid from Kingston Ambulance and the Brentwood Fire Department Ice Rescue Team.
Upon arrival, companies learned that the male subject who fell through the ice was able to get back out on his own, as were the dogs. The male declined medical transport.
“It’s been a mild winter and there really is no safe ice right now,” said Chief Warren. “I encourage everyone to stay off the ice, and to use extreme caution on ice even in colder weather.”
The East Kingston Fire Department would like to share the following safety tips for interacting with ice and frozen bodies of water:
- Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you from shore or go for help if you fall through the ice.
- Go out onto the ice prepared. Make sure to have a cell phone with you in case of emergency, as well as rope or ice picks to help you or someone you’re with should someone fall in.
- Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt a rescue. Call 911 instead.
- New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
- Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.
- Slush indicates that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
- Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally more dangerous and should be avoided.
- Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.
What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice:
- Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice, call 911. If you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help, but do not attempt to go out onto the ice to rescue them. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
- If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice. Once safe, find shelter and change out of your wet clothes. Seek medical assistance immediately.