Play it safe outdoors in the winter

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County reminds visitors to play it safe while enjoying ice fishing, snow tubing, cross-country skiing and other fun activities this winter.

"The safest way to enjoy the outdoors is with another person so you're not alone if there's an emergency," said Dan Jones, assistant site operations manager and longtime district ranger. "If that's not possible, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back."

For visitors venturing onto the ice, as a guideline not a guarantee, there should be at least 4 inches of ice, and it should be clear. In DuPage County's forest preserves, rangers do not monitor ice conditions, so visitors engage in ice-related activities at their own risk. Jones adds, "It's always a good idea to carry a set of ice picks with you in case you fall through the ice."

Wind, snow, rain, sunlight, water levels, underground springs and temperature can all affect the strength of the ice, which can vary greatly over one body of water. Anyone who ventures onto the ice should know the signs of dangerous conditions.

• Cracks, ridges or faults

• Different colored ice, especially dark gray or black

• Open water in the center of an otherwise frozen lake

• Ice that looks rotten or porous

• Ice covered by snow, water or slush

• Running water or bubbles visible under the ice

If someone does fall through the ice, "Turn toward the direction you came from because that's probably the strongest ice," Jones said. "Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, kick your feet, and try to pull yourself out, using ice picks if you have them. Once you're out of the hole, lie flat on the ice and roll away from the hole. Get to a warm, dry sheltered area as soon as possible and call 911."

But even off the ice or in milder winter weather, frostbite and hypothermia can pose dangers. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech and loss of motor skills. Signs of frostbite, which most frequently harms extremities like fingers, toes, ears and noses, include numbness, a white or grayish-yellow skin color, or an unusual waxy feeling to the skin. Medical attention is necessary to properly treat these conditions, but dressing properly in the first place can help prevent them.

"Dressing in warm layers and staying dry offer the best protection," Jones said. "An outer layer that blocks wind and moisture, an insulating inner layer that retains heat and a base layer that wicks away perspiration is the ideal combination."

Wool, silk and synthetic fleece retain body heat better than cotton. Waterproof boots, thick socks, a hat, and gloves or mittens help to keep extremities warm.

• The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs welcome over 4 million visitors. For information, call (630) 933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.