PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- If ice fishing is on your list of things to do this winter, Pierre Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ian Paul shares some reminders to keep yourself– and everyone and everything with you– safe.

If you have an animal with you and it happens to break through the ice, Paul says call 911 immediately to get rescuers on the way…. but do NOT try to rescue the animal yourself.

After you’ve let someone know where you are going and when you think you’ll be back, Paul says to stay near the area you indicated. IF something were to happen and you don’t return by your designated time, he says rescue crews will know where the best place is to begin the search to find you.