2024 Incidents
January 76
February 57
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total 133

2023 Incidents
January 50
February 59
March 31
April 52
May 47
June 42
July 42
August 42
September 57
October 66
November 56
December 32
Total 576

2022 Incidents
January 50
February 53
March 43
April 42
May 46
June 57
July 41
August 50
September 67
October 58
November 44
December 69
Total 620

2021 Incidents
January 27
February 30
March 41
April 33
May 53
June 37
July 62
August 61
September 61
October 58
November 36
December 68
Total 567

2020 Incidents
January 34
February 32
March 25
April 21
May 34
June 27
July 39
August 46
September 51
October 36
November 44
December 31
Total 420

2019 Incidents
January 47
February 45
March 40
April 37
May 41
June 35
July 62
August 36
September 62
October 54
November 53
December 47
Total 559

2018 Incidents
January 65
February 36
March 29
April 81
May 62
June 31
July 47
August 47
September 60
October 68
November 53
December 32
Total 611

2017 Incidents
January 30
February 44
March 53
April 53
May 46
June 53
July 60
August 50
September 62
October 54
November 53
December 38
Total 596

2016 Incidents
January 34
February 61
March 34
April 48
May 40
June 34
July 44
August 51
September 55
October 54
November 34
December 43
Total 532

2015 Incidents
January 40
February 54
March 33
April 48
May 53
June 32
July 49
August 55
September 39
October 44
November 44
December 47
Total 538

Previous Incidents
2009 518
2010 550
2011 524
2012 549
2013 534
2014 523
2015 538
2016 532
2017 596
2018 611
2019 559
2020 420
2021 567
2022 620
2023 576

Potsdam In Pictures
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No Ice is Safe Ice
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By 1st Assistant Fire Chief Danielle Rose
February 17, 2017

In spite of the recent cold spell, the ice conditions of many bodies of water across St. Lawrence County remain uncertain, as demonstrated by the recent ice rescues of a number of individuals and pets. Therefore, the Potsdam Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind residents of information regarding safety precautions to be taken on our frozen lakes, rivers and ponds.

Before we experience a tragedy that is unfortunately too common this time of year, it is important that we remind everyone of the dangers of unsafe ice! People may be a bit impatient and venture out on the ice for skating, hockey, ice fishing, snowmobiling and other winter sports before understanding the conditions. We highly recommend the use of recreational skating areas provided by your local communities. It is very important to exercise precaution and common sense.

Due to the uncertainty and constant changing of ice conditions and the dangers presented, many departments will not endorse the safety of lakes, ponds, streams or rivers at this time!

The strength and thickness of ice should be known before any activity takes place. Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to recuse you or go for help if you fall through the ice.

Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue your pet, call 9-1-1.

• Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weak and open ice.

• Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.

• Ice formed over flowing water (rivers and lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15% weaker.

• Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only a few inches thick 10 feet away.

• Reach-Throw-Go. If a companion falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help or call 9-1-1, before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately!

• If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction from which you came. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

By following safety procedures, you can be safe and enjoy the many winter activities offered by the great outdoors.


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