Public Service Announcement - Ice Safety

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FALL FREEZE-UP & ICE SAFETY As temperatures continue to drop across the North Slope, residents are reminded to use extreme caution around newly forming ice, particularly on lagoons, ponds, rivers, and coastal areas. During freeze-up, ice conditions can change quickly. Ice that appears solid may be thin, unstable, or unsafe for travel. Residents are reminded to: • Avoid walking, playing, or traveling on newly formed ice unless conditions have been confirmed safe. • Use extreme caution when traveling by ATV, four-wheeler, snowmachine, or other equipment near lagoons, rivers, and coastal areas. • Never assume ice is safe simply because it appears frozen or others have recently traveled on it. • Be especially cautious near moving water, shorelines, and areas where ice may be thinner. • Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with children and young people about the dangers of fall freeze-up and thin ice. Freeze-up can create hazardous conditions quickly as ice forms unevenly across the region. Please stay alert, use caution, and look out for one another as winter conditions begin to set in.