Western Wayne County
Fire Department Mutual Aid Association
  • March 28, 2024


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  • When is it safe to venture out on the ice?
    Posted On: Jan 24, 2017

    The Farmington Hills Fire Department wants all residents to know that, when it comes to judging whether a frozen pond or lake is safe, there really is no sure answer.  You can't judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all of these factors, plus the depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, water chemistry and currents, the distribution of the load on the ice and local climatic conditions.

    Cold facts about ice 

    New ice is usually stronger than old ice.  Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially?thawed ice may not. Ice formed by melted and refrozen snow appears milky, is porous and is very weak.

    Ice seldom freezes uniformly.  It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two thick just a few feet away.

    Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous.  This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts.  Also, the ice on the wider side of a river bend is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.  Ice near the shore can be weaker than ice that is further out from the shore.

    The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.  The extra weight of the snow also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support, hence the ice should be considered unsafe.

    Booming and cracking ice isn't necessarily dangerous.  It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.

    Checking ice thickness

    Ice thickness should be checked prior to beginning any activity.  If you have not done so, consider yourself in harm’s way.  Checking ice thickness can be done easily by using any of the following tools: i.e. chisel, ice auger, cordless drill, tape measure.

    For new, clear, solid ice, the following general guidelines may be used:

    • Two inches or less: stay off
    • Four inches: ice fishing or other activities on foot
    • Eight inches: snowmobile or ATV

    Final considerations

    Never venture onto the ice alone or without telling your plans to a responsible adult. Avoid crossing frozen bodies of water in a single file. Look for large cracks or depressions in the ice.

    Never drive a car or truck on the ice. Avoid standing or walking in areas with a group of people. Always wear a life jacket when you’re out on the frozen surface of a lake or river.

    Learn and practice rescue techniques by using ropes, boats, ladders, etc. Consider carrying a pair of ice picks.  These are designed for a self-rescue and are two handles with a nail device in one end attached to each other by a length of rope.

    Remember — clear ice is the strongest.

    If your pet falls through the ice, do not attempt to rescue it.  Call 9-1-1.

    Do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone else is in need of help. Firefighters are trained utilizing special equipment for ice rescue.

    Administrative Staff Lt. James Neufeld is a fire and safety educator with the Farmington Hills Fire Department.  Contact him at 248-871-2811 or
  • Western Wayne Co. Fire Dept Mutual Aid Assoc.

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