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Temperatures are expected to be well below freezing over the next week.

Many of you may plan to go ice skating at a nearby pond, but there could be hidden dangers.    Make sure the ice is strong before you head out.  Ice needs to be four inches thick to support a person walking or skating.  Be careful of ice that's four inches in one spot and less in another.

Ice exposed to the sun and ice formed over currents and snow-covered ice can weaken it.  Know how deep the water is. That way you can skate over shallow water in case of an ice break.  It's also not a bad idea to take a friend and a cell phone in case of emergency.

Other safety tips and reminders:

- Don't go out on the ice to rescue another person or pet

- If someone falls, remember, "Reach, Throw, Go." Extend a ladder, pole or stick or rope to the victim.  If those options don't work, call 911

- If you fall through the ice, face the direction you came from and spread your arms out on the unbroken ice.  Kick your feet and try to pull yourself onto the ice.  Once out of the water, don't try to stand.  Lying on the ice keeps your weight distributed.  Roll away from the hole, then crawl across the ice back to solid land