Penn State officials are cautioning students and staff to be aware as they travel on campus in the coming days. The recent icy weather has caused some limbs and branches to fall from campus trees.

"We want to remind everyone that even though the temperature is up and ice is melting, there is still a potential danger from falling limbs," said Paul Ruskin, spokesman for the Office of Physical Plant (OPP). "We ask that people be our eyes to help spot potential problems."

The only damage from falling limbs so far has been minor dents and scratches to vehicles, said Clifford Lutz, Penn State Police Services supervisor.

On Tuesday, police asked OPP to have an arborist inspect trees for dangerous limbs.

Falling tree limbs create a hazardous situation on campus, Ruskin said.

The north side of campus has seen the most tree-related damage, he added.

Sara Coane (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) saw a fallen tree branch when walking outside of Carnegie Building. "It was scary because I could have been walking on the sidewalk [when it happened]," she said. The area surrounding the trees near Carnegie Building was sectioned off with yellow tape to keep students out of harm's way.

In 1992, a falling tree limb near Willard Building killed Penn State student Valerie Christein.

The limb fell an estimated 70 feet during a thunderstorm, leaving Christein with fatal head trauma.

Officials at the time said there was no reason to suspect the limb might fall.

Some students are unconcerned about the possible danger of trees.

"This is the first I've seen this happen and I don't think it's a major concern," Jeremy Schadler (graduate-mechanical engineering) said.

Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said everyone should use common sense while walking on campus. He suggested choosing routes with less tree cover.

Ruskin said anyone who notices a potential problem should contact OPP at 865-4731 or notify police services at 863-1111. Both are available 24 hours.