As temperatures drop, lakes and ponds throughout the area are freezing over. But due to the uncertainty and changing conditions when it comes to ice covered bodies of water, play it safe and follow these guidelines for ice safety from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

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, call 9-1-1 or go for help.

New Ice is Usually Stronger Than Old Ice – As ice 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.

Watch for Slush – Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.

Look for Ice over Flowing Water – Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15 percent weaker.

Ice Seldom Freezes or Thaws at a Uniform Rate – It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only a few inches 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 or call 9-1-1, 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 from which you came.  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.

Safer is going ice scating on a public scating place ( be sure you have the extra sports package from the health insurance !). Here are the

Ice rink options in the Boston area

Another winter activity which you can do with kids ( you won’t need the extra sports package from the health insurance) is snow tubing. Here are the options in the New England area

To all my aupair: Be sure you participate in our Jan cluster meeting snow tubing fun in 2014.

To all who want to celebrate New Years Eve in Boston be sure to read the Boston New Years Eve Guide

Happy New Year to all  and stay safe over New Years Eve!!!