City Warns Residents of Falling Ice

Photo | Dan McQuade

Ah, snow. The first day, it’s quite pretty. Then for the next week it’s a blot on our fine city. From snow piles that make crossing the street a game of King of the Mountain to slippery floors inside buildings and train stations, it’s been a rough couple of days walking around Philly.

There is also the danger of falling ice. And now the city is warning residents and building owners to beware.

“Due to [the] storm and the continuing inclement weather, including fluctuating temperatures and high winds, the Department of Licenses and Inspections and the Streets Department are advising mid- and high-rise building owners and managers to monitor their building facades and ledges for ice build-up,” the Streets Department posted on Facebook. “Ice that has melted enough to break free and fall from building surfaces can pose a threat to passersby below. Building owners are advised to take precautions such as placing barricades and warning signs around potential fall zones.”

The Streets Department says that yesterday Market Street between 12th and 13th was closed to pedestrians and vehicles because of falling ice. L&I inspectors are patrolling Center City and ordering sidewalk and street closures as necessary.

“Given the high moisture content of the latest storm even small pieces of ice can be sufficiently heavy to cause injury to pedestrians,” the message continued. “Pedestrians are advised to be cautious and respect any temporary barricades erected on the sidewalk.”