Fire officials warn of dangerous, icy conditions after snow melts
The remaining snow continues to melt after warmer days across Mid-Missouri. The Cooper County Fire Protection District said residents should still be cautious of icy conditions.
“Things are going to thaw out throughout the day and then in the evening time it’s going to get a little bit cooler,” said Captain Joey Simmons. “So that ice is going to refreeze across the highway. You might not see it, you’ll hit it and your vehicle will lose control.”
Capt. Simmons said residents should also be careful on walkways. He said it’s best to continue removing snow that is still on the ground. Any melting snow dripping from the roof should also be treated with salt to prevent refreezing.
Those residents with frozen ponds nearby should check the depth of the ice with a drill each time before they step on. Capt. Simmons said four inches of ice is usually safe. He also said clear ice is most safe.
“You may have snow that’s on top of a little bit of ice that’s already there and then more ice on top of that – that’s bad,” he said. “That actually causes a bubble, or an air bubble pocket inside that ice so it kind of makes it a weaker area.”
The Cooper County Fire Protection District advises people to not go into the pond or lake if someone else has fallen in. Officials recommend calling 9-1-1 and waiting for first responders to arrive.
