Extremely cold temperatures have caused some lakes and ponds in Suffolk to freeze, and city officials are warning people to stay off the thin ice.

While the lakes and ponds may be tempting to local youth looking for some slippery fun, area ice is not thick enough to support people or animals. The Suffolk Police Department and Suffolk Fire and Rescue offer the following ice safety tips.

Never go on frozen waters.

Parents and caregivers should make sure children are never unattended near ice.

If you find yourself on ice and hear cracking, lie down immediately to try to distribute your weight.

If you witness someone falling through ice, never attempt to make a rescue by yourself. Call 911 and notify the proper authorities. Be sure to give the exact location and an account of the incident.