What To Do If You Fall Through Ice: Troy Fire Department

TROY, MI — What would be your first instinct if you fell through ice? It's something we should all be prepared for - especially considering the recent mild weather which has made for iffy ice conditions, according to a new press release from the Troy Fire Department.

The Troy Fire Department recently honed their own ice safety skills in an intense ice water rescue training at Sylvan Glenn Lake. Firefighters wore submersion suits - which are designed to keep you warm and dry - and took turns rescuing a “victim,” who was also in a submersion suit. Firefighters rehearsed different rescue techniques ranging from utilizing a harness to pull a victim to shore and using a rescue sled, which helps rescuers move over thinner ice.

While the Troy Fire Department is prepped for ice disasters, are you? Below are a few of their top ice safety tips:

- Pet owners, be on guard. The Troy Fire Department reports that most of their rescues involve dogs falling through ice, only for their owners to subsequently crash through the ice while going after their dogs. So, keep your pup leashed by open waterways to prevent them from dashing off on potential ice spots in the first place.

- If your pet does fall through the ice, don't embark on your own rescue mission. The most likely outcome is you'll get trapped, while your dog will free themselves. Instead, call 9-1-1 and maintain sight of your dog. Call their name - from a distance - until the fire department is on the scene.

- If you do fall through the ice, don't remove your clothing. Some people do this thinking their clothes are weighing them down but clothing can actually help you stay afloat since air gets trapped in it. Move your extremities as much as possible to keep them warm and blood flowing. Pivot to where you just came from - that's where the ice was strong enough to hold you - and pull yourself onto the ice or drape as much of yourself as possible over the ice - while spreading your arms wide and calling for help.

Photos courtesy of the Troy Fire Department