City officials warn of slick sidewalks

The messy weekend on area roads and sidewalks just goes on and on. Freezing rain has made for some dangerous conditions.

But, the weather was not bothering all Chicago area residents. Even at night fall, kids at Barry Park in Oak Park could not stay away from a hill perfect for sledding.

"A lot of our friends came out yesterday and they told us it was pretty icy. So, we came out," Annie Morgan told ABC7 Chicago.

"I think ice way more fun because you go faster. Sometimes, you fall off, and that's lots of fun," said Matt Johnson.

There were plenty of wipe outs Sunday. The ice was nice for those that had a sled. But, walking down the street was a different challenge.

"As soon as I opened the door, nothing but ice out there," said Chicago area resident Hector Alvarez.

So, some chose to slide down the block because salt trucks were out all weekend attacking the roads.

Sunday night, traveling by car was not so bad. On foot, however, it was a different story. The icy sidewalks sent dozens of people to area hospitals.

"We have had some really catastrophic falls; older people falling and breaking their hips, and we have had people fall and fracture or dislocate their ankles, their shoulders, several of those things," said Dr. Martin Lucenti of Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Many Chicago area residents woke up Sunday morning with a thin layer of ice on everything.

"I have to get a few things done for holiday season," said Nydia Burgo, who was scraping ice off her car. So, I have no choice but to get out."

Sunday, salt was the savior whether it was being tossed by hand or using a machine. The city of Chicago's street and sanitation department has a reminder all Chicagoans:

"Please salt the sidewalks. The city does not do it. Is the responsibility of the businesses and home owners to maintain their sidewalks and driveways in any area. It is very dangerous.," said Commissioner Michael Picardi.

The city of Chicago is also asking residents to look out for elderly neighbors and those who are disabled. The city used its emergency call back system Sunday to warn elderly citizens of the icy conditions.

Whenever weather is an issue, there are always flight delays at O'Hare. Sunday, there were 60 to 90-minute delays and 400 cancelations. At Midway, however, everything went smoothly.

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local, sarah schulte

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