Coast Guard: Warmer Weather Means Iffy Ice
ST. CLAIR SHORES (WWJ) - The weather is expected to stay above freezing for most of the week -- and that can make any ice activities more dangerous than usual.
Lt. Justin Westmiller with the Coast Guard says those going out on the ice should follow certain safety precautions.
"Anytime that they're going to be going out on any ice that could be unsafe, or any ice whatsoever, please try not to go out alone," Westmiller told WWJ Newsradio 950.
"Instead of just taking your cell phones out, take out a VHF/FM marine band radio, and contact the Coast Guard on Channel 16 if they need any assistance. Take a whistle or some other sound-producing device ... and take a flashlight, and anything else that could attract attention," he said.
Westmiller says local ice fisherman and snowmobilers have often found themselves stranded without a signal.
"A lot of times, cellular companies... they strategically place their towers so that sometimes the coverage doesn't cover the entire lake -- especially places like Lake Saint Clair and some of the far reaches of the western basin of Lake Erie," he said.
Westmiller said people should stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges and slushy areas, which signify thinner ice. He also suggested dressing in layers and bright colors and wearing an anti-exposure suit with a personal flotation device in case of an emergency.