Ice on bodies of water is a major winter issue in northern parts of the United States.

Depending on where you are, ice may or may not ever be thick and stable enough to safely support people walking or playing on it.

In Indiana, where WARN got its start, our winter weather is a roller coaster of freezing and thawing phases, so our ponds and streams tend to freeze very unevenly. Farther north, however, the ice will get thick enough that people are comfortable parking cars on their frozen lakes. Florida readers have already clicked their "back" button because none of this ice stuff applies to them!

Whatever your situation, awareness of your local conditions is the key.