Many people have enjoyed the warm temperatures these past few days, but the change in weather could also mean dangerous conditions for people who enjoy activities such as ice fishing. Our Melissa Kakareka joined us from Whitney Point with some safety tips.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

WHITNEY POINT, N.Y. -- Recent warm temperatures have melted much of the ice on the lakes and ponds in the area. Ice fishers are reminded to take the proper safety precautions.

The DEC says there needs to be at least three to four inches of ice in order for conditions to be safe. They say people should also have an ice pick and should check conditions every few steps. It's also a good idea to wear a life vest when ice fishing.

“Just because you see somebody out on the ice, that doesn't mean it's safe. We want everyone to check for themselves that it is safe,” said DEC Forest Ranger Jeremy Oldroyd.

Also, it takes at least four to five days of freezing temperatures in order for new ice to form.