Safety tips for outdoor winter activities

Play it safe while enjoying outdoor activities this winter, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County cautions.

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

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 under the ice

"If you 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."

Frostbite and hypothermia can also pose dangers, even in milder winter weather. 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 treat these conditions, but dressing properly in the first place can help prevent them. 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.

"Dressing in warm layers and staying dry offer the best protection," said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore. "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."