The time has come and if you have not been prepared it can be understood due to the hoilday season (BS).  

The ICE is awesome this time of year and all indications that it will continue at a rapid pace (Check your depth at all times) and fish with a buddy.

Let someone know where you are, and where you are going and when you may (will) return.  Try to have a friend or family member standbye with a report on your progress (I.E.periodic calls).  This is the reporting requirement that lets someone know where you are, OK.

Check your gear!  And then CHECK YOUR GEAR!  BEFORE YOU GO OUT!

Knowing full well and very excited about getting out on the ICE (Safety is everything).  We had a saying in the the place where people want to kill you! (SAFETY HAS NO QUITING TIME)!