GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Since the start of the month, 4 people have died on the ice here in Northern Michigan.
On December 6th, brothers James and Johnathan Brake fell through the ice and died in Kalkaska County.
Then over the weekend, snowmobilers Daniel Meyers and Jason aimer went missing and were found dead after falling through the ice in Mason County.
The Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department is now warning Michiganders to use caution when on the ice.
They say if you head out on the ice make sure you have someone responsible with you.
And if you do fall in, remain calm, turn your body towards the direction you came from , then-- pull yourself up using the unbroken ice.
If you are on land and see someone fall is, remember to Preach, Reach, Throw, and Go.
Preach means to all out, and calm down the victim.
Reach, try and find a branch to reach the victim, don’t go on the ice yourself.
Katie Birecki, the Fire and Life Safety Public Educator, adds “If there’s a life raft, throw, maybe a rope or something. That would be throw. And then if all else fails, if you’re too far away, you see them too far away, Call 911. ”
The department also had some tips to keep from falling in.
Operations Chief Tony Posey recommends bringing ice picks, and wearing a CO2 life jacket.
Posey adds that clear ice with a bluish tint is generally safest, while milky colored ice with slush and snow should be avoided.
You should also stay away from areas of moving water and check for cracks along the shoreline.
Posey adds people should pay attention to the weather, and check for local fishing groups that go out and check the ice.
He adds that, no ice is safe ice, but don’t forget to still enjoy the winter.