Extreme weather this winter has caused more than just potholes.

Rainy weather followed by the cold led to severe icy conditions that have sent some to the hospital.

A dozen people were hospitalized for ice-related injuries in just the last week, said Sharon Emanuelson, Kishwaukee Community Hospital public relations director.

The amount of ice-related injuries was also high during the week of Feb. 11, Emanuelson said.

This winter’s ice has come in a variety of ways. Some ice is concealed under snow or is a result of unshoveled snow that was packed into ice. Other ice, specifically black ice, is almost completely transparent. However, the majority of ice in DeKalb is clearly visible on sidewalks and parking lots but the surfaces were never salted.

Emanuelson said that some injuries were caused by ice in parking lots. Other falls were on icy stairs.

While a slip on the ice may seem minor, Emanuelson said those hospitalized had fractured or broken bones.

Emanuelson said there are few long-term effects from the injuries.

DeKalb has an ordinance that requires residents and businesses to shovel their sidewalks. There is no ordinance that requires salting icy pavement.

Mark Espy, assistant director of public works, said the shoveling ordinance is in place for safety reasons.

Pedestrians may walk in the street to avoid walking on snowy sidewalks, which could be a safety hazard, Espy said.

While there is liability for injuries due to unshoveled sidewalks, the city would not be liable for natural accumulation of ice on public sidewalks, especially if it is clearly visible, said Norma Guess, city attorney for DeKalb.

“Unshoveled sidewalks is another matter; violating the ordinance does create liability to a third party,” Guess said.

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