Caution, icicles!

Heavy snowfall and warming can cause icicles to form and snow to slide off building roofs. The sliding of accumulated snow mass from the roof is very dangerous! As a rule, such a mass is heterogeneous in its composition and contains both loose masses of thawed snow and chunks of compacted ice, often of considerable volume and mass.

Icicles on house roofs also pose a great danger because they fall intermittently. It is impossible to predict the exact moment when an icicle will decide it has had enough of hanging. It is foolish to think that an ice icicle cannot cause significant harm.

Remember: icicles most often form above drainpipes, so these areas of building facades can be particularly dangerous. They should be avoided. Exercise caution and, even if there is no fencing near the building, try not to approach building walls closely.

If you hear a suspicious noise from above while walking on the sidewalk, do not stop, look up, or try to see what is happening. It could be snow or a block of ice sliding off. Do not run away from the building either. You need to press yourself against the wall as quickly as possible; the roof overhang will serve as shelter.

One of the factors preventing the formation of icicles and snow slides is the regular and timely removal of snow from roofs. In the absence of snow, icicles simply have nothing to form from, which means people below are safe.

Additionally, pay attention to icy sidewalks. A thicker layer of ice usually forms under icicles.

Inspector of the Fire and Rescue Unit of the Miory District Department for Emergency Situations O.M. Girzhda