ABOVE: Budd Lake has begun to freeze over, but is not completely frozen with only an inch or two of ice depth and open pockets of water.

FAIRMONT – Lakes, roads and homes are all starting to feel the effects of winter.

With that comes new hazards people need to watch out for.

Fairmont Police Sergeant Michael Beletti said his department sees an uptick in vehicle crashes during the first few snowfalls of the year. In the last few days, he said dustings of snow have led to a few minor incidents due to slick road conditions. One factor Beletti said to watch out for is proper tire inflation.

“When temperatures plummeted to the single digits, I bet everybody’s tire pressure sensor lights came on if you park outside for an extended time,” he said. “For every 10-degree drop in temperature, your psi drops by about one pound. That’s because the air is condensing [in your tire].”

A check-up could also be in order, as items like batteries, heaters and wiper blades are especially important during this time. Winter safety kits with cones, emergency supplies and a shovel should also be used in case of emergency.

“If you’re traveling, make sure you have enough fuel to get where you’re going,” Beletti said. “If you end up off the side of the road, [make sure] you’ll be able to maintain there for several hours if needed. We want people to plan ahead. Everything in the wintertime is going to take you longer than it will on a dry stretch of road. Slow down, maintain more space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.”

With the lake beginning to freeze up, Beletti said he can understand the eagerness of those who didn’t get much ice fishing time last winter. It is not ready for that yet. Lakes have only frozen around an inch or two thick so far and not fully across.

“There may be very solid ice in one area, you walk 20 yards in a different direction and that ice can change drastically,” Beletti said. “Right now we have some open spots still, whether that’s because it hasn’t been cold enough to cap over completely or geese on the lakes keeping some areas open. That ice is going to be thinner.”

For updates on ice thickness and safety, Beletti said local bait shops should have reliable information.

“They generally get some good input on ice conditions,” he said. “We rely on them as well because they’re the ones out there more often than ourselves.

Beletti said the most common calls during early winter are from concerned citizens who see kids out on the lake and those who wish to start ice fishing early. He said children should always have adult supervision and only be on the lake when it is safe. Those ice fishing should alert others of their plans.

“Make sure you let someone else know where you’re going and when you plan to return,” Beletti said. “That way someone can be tracking you.”

When a lake is fully frozen, some people drive their vehicles out on them. Though that is acceptable at 12 inches for a car and 15 inches for a pickup, Beletti said drivers should always maintain low speeds.

“There is still obviously water below that,” he said. “As you’re driving, that’s going to create pressure and movement of the water. If you’re traveling at a high pace, and that water movement is rushing so fast underneath, it’s bound to break somewhere to release that pressure.”

For home safety, Beletti said he watches for ice and snow buildup around gas meters, exterior vents and fire hydrants. These buildups can create health and fire hazards if meters break, vents clog, or hydrants are not easily accessible.

“We would hate for our fire department to not be able to locate a fire hydrant, or for it to be frozen with snow and ice around it at a time it needs,” he said. “Make sure we’re caring for those in our neighborhoods.”

While the rake is commonly associated with fall, Beletti said he uses his in the summer to rake snow off the edge of his roof. Doing so prevents ice dams from forming via snow melting and freezing, protecting your shingles.

“All you need to do is drag about a foot’s [length] of snow off your roof, on all sides of the roof, and then those dams should not form,” he said. “You do not need to rake all of the snow off of your roof.”

Beletti said people should also do their research to ensure they and their loved ones are careful in all manner of situations.

“These days there are many tips on the internet when it comes to ice [and winter] safety,” he said.