[BARC-List] Fwd: [mras_general] Digest Number 437

[K1bth at aol.com]

Next week I'm going to learn circles and squares in addition to forward  
emails the proper way!
 
bth
 
 
In a message dated 2/28/2006 5:13:38 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
mass_races_ares_skywarn_general at yahoogroups.com writes:

Message:  1         
Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2006  14:50:49 -0500
From: n1cpe at amsat.org
Subject: FYI MEMA  notes on Ice Safety

Although not related to Amateur Radio, the  following is from MEMA on ICE  

Safety:









THE COMMONWEALTH OF  MASSACHUSETTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC  SAFETY

_____________________________



MASSACHUSETTS  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

400 Worcester Road

Framingham, MA  01702-5399

Tel: 508-820-2000  Fax: 508-820-2030

Website:  www.mass.gov/mema









FOR IMMEDIATE  RELEASE              CONTACT: Peter  Judge

February 27, 2006                (508) 820-2002



MEMA REVISITS ICE  SAFTEY TIPS 



FRAMINGHAM, MA - The Massachusetts Emergency  Management Agency (MEMA) has 

reissued information regarding safety  precautions to be taken on our 

lakes, rivers and  ponds.



“The tragic and near-tragic events that have taken place  over the weekend 

around the Commonwealth are a grim reminder of the  dangers presented by 

the ice on our lakes, ponds and rivers. With the  unusual rising and 

falling temperatures we have seen this winter, ice  conditions on even the 

smallest pond remain uncertain,” stated MEMA  Director Cristine McCombs. 

“We continue to emphasize the importance of  exercising precautions and 

using common sense.”



Ice  Safety Tips



·       Never go onto the ice  alone.  A friend may be able to rescue you 

or go for help if you  fall through the ice.

·       Always keep your pets  on a leash.  If a pet falls through the ice 

do not attempt to  rescue your pet, go for help.

·       New ice is  usually stronger than old ice.  As it ages, the bond 

between the  crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not  

occurred.

·       Beware of ice covered  with snow.  Snow can insulate ice and keep 

it strong, but can  also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can 

also hide cracks,  weak and open ice.

·       Slush is a danger sign,  indicating that ice is no longer freezing 

from the bottom and can be  weak or deteriorating.

·       Ice formed over  flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large 

number of springs)  is generally 15% weaker.

·       Ice seldom freezes  or thaws at a uniform rate.  It can be one foot 

thick in one spot  and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.

·        Reach-Throw-Go.  If a companion falls through the ice and you are  

unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope,  jumper 

cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help  before you 

also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim  immediately.

·       If you fall in, try not to  panic. Turn toward the direction you 

came from.  Place your hands  and arms on the unbroken surface, working 

forward by kicking your  feet.  Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not 

stand) and roll  away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping 

your weight  distributed until you return to solid ice.



By following safety  procedures, you can be safe and enjoy the many winter 

activities  offered by the great outdoors.



(Sources: Federal Emergency  Management Agency, U.S. Army Cold Regions 

Research and Engineering  Laboratory, Colorado State Parks Department, 

Minnesota Department of  Natural Resources)



The Massachusetts Emergency Management  Agency (MEMA) is the state agency 

responsible for coordinating  federal, state, local, voluntary and private 

resources during  emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of 

Massachusetts.   MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective 

response to  all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel 

to  protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist  

individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against,  

prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural  and 

man made. For additional information about MEMA and All Hazards  

Preparedness, go to the MEMA website at  www.mass.gov/mema.







Blake T.  Haskell, K1BTH
President
Boston Amateur Radio  Club
www.barc.org