In Irkutsk Region, safety rules on ice were reminded. For one person, safe thickness is at least 7 centimeters, for foot crossings 15 centimeters. Rescuers warn there are no ice crossings yet, and going onto ice is especially dangerous during thaws and unstable temperatures. The material also explains how to recognize weak ice, what to do if it breaks, and when to call 112 immediately.
For one person, ice is considered safe at a thickness of at least 7 centimeters, and pedestrian crossings are considered safe when the ice thickness is 15 centimeters or more. Passenger cars may drive onto the ice when its thickness exceeds 30 centimeters — but only at the site of an active ice crossing. There are currently no ice crossings in the Irkutsk Region!Before going out onto the ice, it is necessary to determine its strength. It is very dangerous to go out onto the ice during periods of unstable temperatures, during a prolonged thaw.
Before going out onto the ice, make sure it is strong; remember that a person can die in water as a result of drowning, cold shock, as well as hypothermia, 15-20 minutes after entering icy water. If typical signs of weak ice appear: cracking, sagging, water on the surface of the ice - immediately return to shore, walk with your legs spread wide apart, without lifting them off the ice surface, in extreme cases - crawl. Never test the strength of the ice by kicking it!
If the ice beneath you suddenly breaks, do not panic. Throw off heavy items, call for help. Lean on the edge of the ice floe with your arms spread wide, press your chest against it, and alternately lift and pull your legs onto the ice floe.
If you witness an accident at a water body or if you yourself end up in a similar situation, and there is an opportunity to report the incident, urgently seek help by dialing «112» from your mobile phone!
Based on materials from the press service of the Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations for the Irkutsk Region