Glenpool Fire Department Reminds People To Stay Away From Icy Ponds

Firefighters in Glenpool want to remind folks to stay clear of icy ponds during the cold weather.

They say thin ice can pose a serious threat to kids and adults. Firefighters say some ponds may look frozen enough to walk on, but you shouldn't even try. With temps staying below freezing for several days, some ponds are starting to freeze over, but Randy Underwood knows to tell his grandkids to stay away. 

"It may be tempting on a day like today to get on the ice, but it's really not thick enough to support you," said Underwood.

Since several neighborhoods have ponds, firefighters say it's important to educate kids about the dangers of walking on a frozen pond. Glenpool Fire Marshal Chad Tanner says the ice can be deceiving.

"The snow can kind of lay on top of the ice just like it is right now and it looks thicker than it really is. Still, it's never safe to walk on in Northeast Oklahoma," said Tanner.

His warning isn't just for kids. Adults need to be safe as well. Just over three years ago a man died after falling into an ice-covered pond in Catoosa.

"Firefighters are equipped for ice rescues, but they're always iffy, they're always dangerous and the chances of us getting there in time to save you if you go through, it's pretty slim," Tanner said.

He says if you fall through the ice, hypothermia sets in within seconds, making you too cold to even swim.

"Don't go near the water when it's frozen like that, don't play around," he said.

Instead of playing on frozen ponds, Randy's granddaughter Faith has a better idea.

"I like to drink hot chocolate inside with my brother and sit by the fire," Faith said.

She said she also likes sledding and making snow angels. Chad Tanner says you should also keep an eye on pets so they don't wander onto the ice, tempting kids to try to rescue them.