With the coming cold weather, residents are reminded that our Village's lakes and ponds can be deceptively dangerous. 

• Please stay off the ice – no matter how solid it may look. 
• Please warn children that they should not play on the ponds and lakes. 
• Do not chase balls or play equipment out onto the ice. Do not follow pets onto the ice. 

Even when the lakes and detention ponds look like they are frozen solid, there are always weak spots, fragile ice shelfs and other places where moving water currents and submerged obstructions keep the water from freezing to a safe level. In addition, detention ponds are often much deeper than you would expect.

• If somebody does fall into the ice, call 9-1-1 immediately. 
• If you have a long stick or rope, throw it out to the person. 
• Do not follow a distressed person out onto the ice – rather, wait for emergency help to assist. 
• If the person is able to pull themselves out of the water and onto the ice, stay low and flat to distribute your weight, and roll or slide to shore. 
• More information is available from the American Red Cross.

Be safe!