Winter weather in Pleasant Prairie has brought the region a varied mix of bitter cold and snow, along with at and above-freezing temperatures. In light of the wide range of temperatures, the Village would like to echo the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to remind people about safety during winter weather activities. A general rule of thumb is that no ice is safe ice.

Ice on lakes, ponds, and rivers is affected not just by temperatures but the physical attributes of the body of water, and ice should never be considered entirely safe. Therefore, winter enthusiasts who visit Lake Andrea, the ponds in Ingram Park, or other bodies of water in the Village for recreational purposes are asked to take the proper safety precautions before heading out onto the ice (or before letting a family member or pet play on the ice).

The Wisconsin DNR has ice safety recommendations posted online here that can help prepare for winter weather fun. Safety tips include dressing warmly in layers, carrying safety gear, such as ice claws, a cellphone in a waterproof bag or case, a lifejacket, and a length of rope. In addition, recommendations include not going out alone and listing what to do if you or someone falls through the ice. There are also instructions on making ice claws that can help provide the extra traction needed to pull up onto the ice if an ice break-through happens.