Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department — which serves Freeport, Gilpin Township and​ Ford City — urged residents to stay off frozen bodies of water as the temperature changes this week.

As the temperature ticks up and away from the frigid teens and single digits we’ve dealt with recently, ice over bodies of water has begun to thin and become dangerous.

Temps look like they’ll stay above freezing during the day this week, but dip back down again overnight. Rivers, lakes and streams can be solid one day and extremely dangerous the next.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers several tips and warnings about ice, especially for those who enjoy natural water resources year round.

Ice forms when the surface water temperature gets low enough, but it doesn’t get strong until those cold days turn into longer periods of cold weather. Harsh winds and sunlight erode the strength of ice. Snowstorms create porous granular ice because snow acts as an insulator, slowing down the freezing process. Snow can also hide the signs of weakened ice, the commission said.

One way to stay safer is to check for signs of weak or rotting ice before venturing out onto its surface. Warmer temperatures are obviously a warning sign, but standing water or slush are signs of melting, too.

Ice closest to shore tends to be weaker because it’s less deep and the water temperature fluctuates more. Watch out for ice under bridges, which can be weakened by falling rock salt from the roads above.

The biggest piece of advice the commission can offer is very simple — never assume ice is safe. Check with local authorities for information on how thick the ice is in various areas. The state offers such resources for ice fishing, among other things.

When on the ice, wearing a life jacket can be the difference between an accident and a tragedy. The commission also recommends those who use ice for recreation carry coiled rope and ice awls — handheld ice picks for personal rescue. If someone falls through the ice, they can use ice awls to get a grip on the ice and haul themselves out. The commission has instructions on how to make homemade versions on its website.

Whether it’s children playing, teens skating or adults fishing, one thing is clear. It’s safest to be cautious as the weather turns warmer and being safe doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.

— KL