Icy, slushy conditions in Calgary prompt warning

CALGARY- A Chinook that’s brought relief from winter’s wrath has led to a different problem in Calgary—slippery conditions.

As the piles of snow melt around the city, it’s created extremely slushy spots on side streets which have caused some vehicles to get stuck, as well as icy sidewalks. The fire department also warns that surfaces can be deceiving.

“We have had several calls over the last few days of people venturing out onto unsafe ice surfaces and it is very concerning to us,” said public information officer Carol Henke. “Although these calls have been concentrated to the south part of the city, we would like to remind all Calgarians that ice conditions can be quite dangerous.”

They’re asking people to stay a safe distance away from river banks and lake shores, keep children and pets away, and if someone does fall through to call 911 instead of trying to rescue them yourself.

Anyone who does fall through ice should do the following:

• Control your breathing
• Pull yourself up on the ice onto your stomach and roll toward shore where the ice may be thicker; and
• If you can’t get out of the water in less than 10 minutes, stop kicking, try to pull yourself out, and anchor yourself to the ice shelf. Continue to call for help.

The city is also offering free sand for those who want to use it on public sidewalks. Click here for the list of pickup locations.