Local fire departments are urging people to be very careful around ponds, lakes or creeks that may have frozen over this winter.

Due to the continued freezing weather, many of these bodies of water now have a layer of ice on the surface that appears safe to walk on.

It is extremely important that people understand that even if the ice appears thick enough to stand on, or if it supports a person’s weight near the edges, moving on the ice can and most likely will cause it to break.

Keep all children and pets off ice and warn others to do the same. If someone falls into the water, call 9-1-1 immediately.

According to the Issaquah Highlands e-mail bulletin, a number of children have been found playing on the thin ice covering detention ponds.

These ponds are unsafe. The ponds water level continually fluctuates creating extra thin ice.

Parents are urged to educate their children about the dangers surrounding pond ice and if you see anyone playing on the ponds please advise them to stay off.

Each year, Eastside Fire and Rescue responds to calls where children and adults playing on these bodies of water end up falling through the ice, needing to be rescued.

Falling in to near freezing water can be fatal, as it is very difficult to climb out of freezing water risking drowning and suffering from hypothermia. EFR officials recommend residents avoid these potentially hazardous areas.

Hypothermia is the potentially life threatening lowering of body temperature due to exposure to the cold. As little as a four degree drop in core body temperature can result in hypothermia.

Anyone who falls into water, whether ice is on the surface or not, can suffer from hypothermia. People simply out in cold weather for an extended period of time can also develop it.

The signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Loss of sensation in extremities such as fingers, toes, ears, and nose.

• Shivering or shivering stops

• Disorientation, drowsiness, and apathy.

• Slurred speech.

• Loss of coordination.

Treatments for hypothermia include:

• Calling 9-1-1 immediately.

• Moving indoors and out of the cold.

• Removing any cold or wet clothing.

• Covering with a blanket.

• Applying warm, not hot, compresses to the neck, chest wall, and groin areas.

• Keep the patient warm and calm until help arrives.

Do not use hot water or submerge the person in hot water, or give alcoholic drinks to the patient.