As temperatures dip into the teens this week, Wake County would like to remind all people to prepare for winter weather and that iced-over ponds and lakes are not safe to walk and play on. In most situations, the ice on any frozen body of water must be at least four inches thick to support a person or large animal. Ponds across central North Carolina do not have sufficient ice to support people.

“According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in our area have not been cold long enough to create the proper ice thickness to support people or pets,” said Wake County Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) Assistant Chief Jon Olson. “If a person or animal falls into bitterly cold water, like we have in our area right now, hypothermia will develop within fifteen minutes. Just a few minutes in cold water makes it very difficult to swim, or even stay afloat.”

“In addition, a sudden, unexpected entry into cold water may cause a reflexive ‘gasp’ that allows water to enter the lungs,” said Myers. “Drowning can be almost instantaneous.”

Wake County residents are reminded to immediately call 9-1-1 if they see someone who has fallen through ice. People should not go up close to the victim, as they might easily fall into the water, too. Instead, citizens are urged to reassure the victim that help is on the way, and prepare to show emergency responders exactly where the victim is.

Tips for preparing for winter weather, items to include in an emergency kit and how to call for non-emergency assistance in Wake County are available anytime at www.WakeGOV.com/ReadyWake. A video covering all of this information is available on the Wake County YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/WakeGOV.

People interested in receiving the latest updates on emergencies in Wake County, including winter weather, can sign up to receive ReadyWake! Tweets at www.Twitter.com/ReadyWake.

Weather related closure information for Wake County government at available at www.WakeGOV.com.