OC Fire Department reminding folks about ice safety and snow preparedness through demonstration

OCEAN CITY, Md.- As temperatures continue to drop and get below freezing, the Ocean City Fire Department hosted an ice safety and snow preparedness demonstration Sunday, reminding people of the dangers that these weather conditions can bring.

“We do have dive teams where both water rescue team members and divers are cross trained in ice rescue and different types of specialty dive classes and stuff like that,” David Peterson, the Battalion Chief and Water Rescue Commander.

I am told by members of the Ocean City Fire Department that in the past there have been instances where kids are playing near a body of water and their toy end up on top of the ice.

Children then may think they can walk on the ice and may end up going under.

“They have had ice rescues, where children have fallen in the ice and we’ve had to go in and rescue them, that’s why we incorporate the dive team,” Peterson said.

Members of the fire department said because of these dangerous situations it’s important for firefighter medics and rescue swimmers to train for such scenarios.

They said it’s also important to remind children and adults that they shouldn’t play on or near ice.

“No ice is safe ice, if you go on to ice thinking you can skate on it or whatever,  you’re putting yourself and those with you in very very immense danger,” Ryan Whittington, an Ocean City firefighter and medic, said.

The Ocean City Fire Department added that during weather conditions where there’s snow and ice it’s crucial to check on your neighbor and make sure sidewalks are salted.

“Should they have some type of medical emergency or a fire in their home they need to have clear escape paths, so make sure that if you’re able to shovel your walk, salt your walks,” Whittington said.

We are told if you should see someone submerged in the ice immediately call 911.

The Ocean City Fire Department added if you any questions on what bodies of water might be safe you can call the Department of Natural resources.