West Metro Fire Rescue reminds the community that it is time to review ice safety guidelines. With the constant changing weather of snowstorms and freezing temperatures one day followed by a warm sunny day the next it sets up the perfect conditions for unstable ice. This puts anyone on the ice at risk for injury. Please keep the following tips in mind this winter:

-Stay off the ice if there is any question about its thickness. If the ice is cloudy or slushy avoid it.

-Always have a buddy with you. Never go out on ice alone.

-Always wear a life jacket on the ice. Apply the same safety rules to ice as you do for the water during the summer.

- Keep your pets on a leash. Never attempt to rescue a pet that has run onto the ice or has fallen through the ice. Call 9-1-1 for assistance.

-If someone falls through the ice call 9-1-1 and then use the Reach, Throw and Go technique.

The Reach, Throw and Go technique should be used when a person falls into the ice. The first step is always calling 9-1-1 to get emergency assistance on the way, then:

Reach out to the victim. Use anything you can to reach the victim without getting too close. Anything that extends your reach will work: skis, ski poles, snow brush, tree limb.

Throw something to the victim and pull him or her out. You can purchase a throw rope for your emergency pack. Everyday items that are found in most cars or around the home that you can use are jumper cables, tow ropes, or a garden hose. You can also throw the person something that will help them float like a spare tire or a cooler.

Go. If nothing is working go get help.