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Tips for staying safe around the ice during the winter

Our crazy weather is making ice conditions particularly dangerous this year.

Frozen lakes offer a cure for cabin fever, but you should always use extreme caution.

The experts agree: "No ice is safe ice."

New Franklin Fire Lt. Don Burroughs and Ohio Division of Wildlife fisheries biologist Matt Wolfe know their ice, and they know our crazy weather isn't helping the ice form this year.

"The problem that we've had this winter is ice, thaw, ice, snow, thaw and the ice actually develops layers which decreases the stability of the ice," Burroughs said.

"Unfortunately, with the 45 degree temperatures [Wednesday] and maybe a half inch of rain, it's going to create havoc out there with the ice," Wolfe added.

New Franklin Fire serves the Portage Lakes. They've already been out doing rescue training, and have all the gear needed to effect a rescue. There are even PFDs and ice rescue boards at the state ramp. The message is patience: Respect the ice.

"You can't be overly safe," Burroughs stated. "You can't be overly cautious."

"I know it's been an overly mild Winter so far," Wolfe said, "but we strongly advise people to hold off on their ice activities."

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