It's that time of year when things get cold and you have to bundle up when you head outdoors. Being warm is important, don't you know?

ItSA国际影视传媒檚 also that time of year when those who enjoy a ride on the snow machines head out on to lakes, rivers or solid ground to enjoy a ride. But thereSA国际影视传媒檚 always the risk that something could go wrong, even with all the planning that goes in to ensuring you or your friends arrive alive.

The Great Slave Snowmobile Association (GSSA) is the main organization in town that looks after safe and responsible snowmobiling and its president, Shaun Morris, spoke with SA国际影视传媒 on Tuesday to go over what you need to do in order to make sure all goes well.

One thing that happened this season that didn't happen too quickly last season was the freeze-up of bodies of water in the area. Colder temperatures earlier on meant a quicker solidifying of rivers and lakes.

"Once we get to a thickness of six inches, we stop measuring," said Morris. "If it stays cold, you get consistent thickness but if it gets into that cold-warm-cold-warm phase, you tend to get more snowfall and that could create soft and hard spots. We always tell people to stay off of the ice if the thickness is three inches or less."

Morris also said there are plenty of checklists that people could use before heading out, but there are some should-haves as part of any list.

SA国际影视传媒淢ake sure you have enough gas, check your oil levels, do you have a spare belt in case yours breaks, can you change a spark plug or do you know how to?,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淚 always like to pack extra mitts, an extra balaclava and even extra wool socks because those can get wet pretty easy. The wool socks are good to help keep a Thermos warm and, in turn, keep the socks dry.SA国际影视传媒�

Another handy tip is telling someone where you are in case something goes awry, he added.

SA国际影视传媒淗ave a plan, leave a note for your husband or wife or partner and make sure someone else knows youSA国际影视传媒檙e heading out,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭hat way if you arenSA国际影视传媒檛 back or if something happens, that person can start making calls to get help. Always be aware of the ice because it can change anytime. Something I always tell people is never ride beyond your skill level."

In winter, snowmobiles also double as street-legal vehicles, provided theySA国际影视传媒檙e properly registered and licensed with the city, but Morris said sledders need to remember that others are using the road as well.

SA国际影视传媒淵ou have drivers, but you also have people who are walking their dogs or people out for a walk or run,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淛ust beware of others when youSA国际影视传媒檙e out because you have to share the road.SA国际影视传媒�

ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 because if thereSA国际影视传媒檚 an accident, it could cause a chain reaction.

SA国际影视传媒淚f something happens to the person in front of you and you canSA国际影视传媒檛 stop fast enough, you could run over them by accident or you could hit them, which could cause the person behind you to hit you and so on,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淲hen we do rides with the kids, we always tell them to keep away from the rear of a sled so that way, youSA国际影视传媒檙e able to avoid hitting anyone if something goes wrong.SA国际影视传媒�

But the biggest thing Morris said will ensure you have a safe ride? Common sense.

SA国际影视传媒淐ommon sense isnSA国际影视传媒檛 so common anymore, so just be smart out there,SA国际影视传媒� he said.