With more than 500 retention ponds in Naperville, the Naperville Fire Department would like to remind residents of the importance of winter ice safety.
Regardless of the time of year, it is never safe to go out on the water – especially when a pond appears to be frozen. Ice thickness and strength are difficult to determine and can be affected by factors including pond depth, varying temperatures and aerators designed to keep water moving. Fluctuating temperatures during the freezing process can create thin spots that are unsafe for people and animals; yet, invisible to the untrained eye.
To avoid injury from falling through thin ice, please stay off the ice atop all retention ponds.
Parents should teach children about the dangers of ponds in winter and the importance of staying away from ice. Pet owners should keep all animals leashed around ponds to help them stay safe, too.
During the winter months, the Naperville Park District offers several natural ice rinks and skating locations. However, these are currently closed due to inadequate weather conditions for making and maintaining a safe skating surface. Residents may check the status of these outdoor skating areas at www.napervilleparks.org/cancellations.
Residential Sharps Program
The residential sharps program has been reinstated! Come on by and get your FREE sharps container today. The Naperville Fire Department Administration Building is located at 1380 Aurora Avenue., open between 7:30AM and 4PM Monday through Friday.
Editor’s Note / Did you know? The Naperville Fire Department, with a rich history that dates back to 1874, now operates 10 fire stations, strategically located throughout the community to help reduce response times. The City has an area of 39.68 square miles with the DuPage River running through it. Naperville also has approximately 8,000 fire hydrants. Every fire hydrant is serviced annually by public works and has continuous water supply and sure pressure.