Illinois Man Shares Why Not To Force Icicles Off Your Gutters We all have that urge, right? You know what I'm talking. You're walking near reachable icicles and your inner child is telling your to knock them down. Normally, I'd say have at it just don't lick/eat them. (Read more on that nasty reason HERE.) But, remember the other risks involved. Fact: According to SIMA (Snow & Ice Management Association), at least15 people die from falling icicles each year in the United States. And, in cities like tall buildings like in Chicago, you'll often find "watch for falling ice" signs, like this one.