We are officially in the cold season, in case you needed to be reminded of that if you havenSA国际影视传媒檛 bothered to pay attention to the thermometer.

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.

Shaun Morris, the associationSA国际影视传媒檚 president, 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 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 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.SA国际影视传媒�

In addition to making sure safety comes first, the GSSA also heads out to test the thickness of ice on lakes in the Yellowknife area, which includes Niven Lake, Kam Lake, Frame Lake, Grace Lake, Back Bay and Range Lake. Long Lake, Rat Lake and Fault Lake are also part of the testing.

The GSSA recommends not going out onto a body of water unless the thickness has reached at least three to four inches or more. Once it reaches six inches, no more testing will be done on that particular spot.

SA国际影视传媒淲e always tell people stay off (the ice) if the thickness is three inches or less,SA国际影视传媒� said Morris.

In winter, snowmobiles also double as street-legal vehicles, provided theySA国际影视传媒檙e properly registered and licenced 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.SA国际影视传媒�

If youSA国际影视传媒檙e part of a group ride, one thing Morris said you shouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 do is line up right behind another sledder.

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, but just be smart out there,SA国际影视传媒� he said.