Skip Navigation LinksPublic Safety > Division of Alaska State Troopers > Office of the Director > Public Information Office > Press Releases

Press Releases


Nov. 6, 2009
PR# 09-079

Danger: Thin Ice

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – It is the time of year where ice begins to form on many bodies of water statewide. The danger of falling through ice is very prominent in Alaska as the state encompasses many thousands of lakes, streams and rivers. This past weekend a man in rural Alaska drowned after he and his son broke through thin ice while snowmachining.

Factors that affect ice strength included weather, water depth and size of the body of water, currents or undersprings, water level fluctuation and obstructions. ALWAYS BE ALERT WHEN VENTURING OUT ON ICE!

Allow for at least 2 inches of clear, solid ice to build up prior to walking (without stopping) on it. For any type of stationary activity, such as ice fishing, allow at the minimum of 4 inches of clear, solid ice to form. Do not ride snowmachines or ATVs on the ice unless at least 5 inches of clear, solid ice has formed. For larger vehicles, do not drive out on the ice unless there are 12 or more inches of ice built up. Keep in mind that older ice is not as strong as newly formed ice and river ice is not as sturdy as ice formed on lakes.

Signs of weak ice include:
  • Varying ice colors (black and gray)
  • Obstruction sticking through the ice (i.e. logs, vegetation and rocks.)
  • Slush or snow on ice
  • Bubbles or water on ice surface
  • Porous-looking ice
  • Cracks in ice
  • Pressure ridges or faults
  • Water running underneath ice
  • Open water in the middle of a large body of water

    • If you hear ice crack, spread out and move away from others to distribute weight. You should immediately lie down on the ice, than crawl on your stomach until you reach a safe location. If someone falls through the ice call 911 and then use a pole, branch, rope or other long object to try and reach the victim—stay clear of the broken ice as there is a risk of the ice being too weak to hold your weight. If you fall through the ice, stay calm. Call out for help and kick your feet while getting hands and arms up onto the ice. Continue to swim up onto the ice until you can crawl or roll to safety. Pets that go out on ice are a major cause for many near-drownings and deaths. If your pet wanders onto dangerous ice, do not follow them. Stay where you are and coax them back to safety. DPS cautions all recreationists to keep safety first while out in the backcounty!

    PDF version of the release...
    Nov. 6, 2009
    PR# 09-078

    Troopers Rescue Mother and Infant from Home Fire

    (KETCHIKAN, Alaska)— Last night at approximately 10:22 p.m. dispatch in Ketchikan received a 911 call. A woman’s voice stated an address and then the line went silent. After failed attempts to get in touch with the caller, a trooper unit was sent to the home for a welfare check.

    Trooper Jack LeBlanc was the first to arrive at the home. Trooper LeBlanc could hear noise inside the house but no one responded to his calls or knocks and he could not see inside. Trooper LeBlanc, being concerned by the circumstances, called Trooper Zachary Huckstep to request back up. When Trooper Huckstep arrived, he noticed a flame flicker through one of the windows.

    The two troopers kicked in the door and were met with thick smoke. They quickly found Melissa Garrison, age 37 of Ketchikan, laying facedown unconscious near the doorway. The troopers were able to pull Garrison from the home and extinguished the fire. After, Trooper Leblanc went to a neighbor’s home to summon additional resources and to find out if anyone else was supposed to be inside. While Trooper Leblanc went to the neighbor’s house, Trooper Huckstep went back into the home to see if he could locate any other individuals.

    The neighbor informed Trooper Leblanc that an infant should also be inside. Just as Trooper LeBlanc was getting back to the home, Troopers Huckstep rushed out with the baby. The baby was found unharmed sleeping in its bedroom. Garrison, her child and Trooper Huckstep were all transported by North Tongass Fire Department to the local hospital for treatment. The child was released after reaffirmation that no injuries were sustained. Garrison was transported to Seattle for additional treatment. Trooper Huckstep was treated for minor smoke inhalation and released several hours after being admitted.

    Upon investigations, it was determined that the fire appears to be accidental. A fire had been going burning in the fireplace in the living room. Blankets and pillows were put around the mantel to keep the child at bay and were not removed after the child was put to bed. The items caught fire and filled the home with smoke. Garrison had attempted to put out the flames but passed out after providing her address to dispatch. This call is the perfect example of why troopers routinely respond to 911 hang ups and suspicious 911 calls. Had troopers not made it a priority, It is likely that two people would have been significantly injured or killed.

    AST and the Division of Fire and Life Safety would like to remind Alaskans that flammable items, such as pillows and blanket, should never be kept in close proximity to open flames or other heat sources.

    PDF version of the release...
    Oct.28, 2009
    PR# 09-077

    Change Your Clock, Check Your Smoke Alarm, Automatic Monthly E-mail Reminder Available

    Alaska State Fire Marshal David Tyler is reminding Alaskans to check the batteries in their smoke alarms when they change their clock from Daylight Savings Time this Sunday.  Tyler also reminds the public of a program that is available free of charge through The Alaska Division of Fire and Life Safety.  Alaskans can go to The Alaska Division of Fire and Life Safety's web site at www.akburny.com and click on a "smoke alarm reminder "link.  On this site they can sign up for a free monthly e-mail reminder to check their smoke alarms.

    Many homes have smoke alarms with 9-volt batteries that should be replaced at least twice annually. Daylight Savings Time can serve as a reminder to check smoke alarms and change 9-volt batteries. With the development of long-life lithium battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries have a life span of up to 10 years, so you may not need to replace this type of battery as often. The National Fire Protection Association suggests that 90% of American homes are equipped with smoke alarms but over 50% of them are not in working condition. “The key is to take a few minutes to check, test and clean your smoke alarm to make sure it is functioning properly, and what better time to do this than when you change your clock from Daylight Savings Time”, Tyler said.

    It is important to remember that manufacturer’s guidelines for smoke alarm installation, testing, cleaning, and replacing batteries should be followed.  However, general recommendations are as follows:

    • Install smoke alarms in your home if you do not currently have them.  An alarm located between the sleeping area and the living area offers a minimum amount of protection.  For maximum protection, install an alarm in every room, on every level of your home. 
    • Smoke alarms loose sensitivity over time and should be replaced.  The approximate lifespan of an alarm is 10 years.
    • At least once a month, press the test button to check your alarm.  If the alarm doesn't sound, replace the batteries.  If this doesn't solve the problem, replace the unit.  Keep in mind that 9-volt batteries should be changed at least twice a year.  Start this practice to coincide with Daylight Savings Time.
    • Periodically clean smoke alarms using a vacuum attachment.  This removes particles that could interfere with the alarm’s proper operation.
    • When a "chirping" sound is noted, this is a sign that the batteries are weak and should be replaced.

    Working smoke alarms are especially important during this time of year, with cooler weather approaching.  From October through April, which is typically Alaska’s heating season, fire related deaths increase.  Having a properly working smoke alarm can double your chances of surviving a fire by notifying you of the fire more quickly, giving you more time to escape. 

    Having working smoke alarms is not the total answer in making your home fire safe. Practicing general fire safety behaviors and preparing and practicing emergency exit plans are essential to aid in preventing fires and fire fatalities.  "In today’s times of modern technology, many people are also looking towards taking advantage of residential sprinkler systems.  These systems are designed to put the fire out before it can become a problem and is a relatively inexpensive way to provide and even greater safety environment for your family", adds Tyler.

    PDF version of the release...