This may be an emergency. Keep people out of the area below right away, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or material is actively falling. Many cities also want unsafe facade conditions reported (in NYC, call 311). Arrange sidewalk protection or netting as soon as possible.
What is likely happening
Falling material can cause serious injury. The priority is protecting people below.
What you can safely check
- Keep people away from the area below.
- Photograph the location from a safe distance.
What an inspector will look at
- Hands-on inspection of the area
- Emergency stabilization or removal
- Sidewalk protection
Does this affect compliance?
Many cities require owners to report unsafe facade conditions and install protection immediately.
We can help with this
Facade and exterior wall inspection is something Insparisk does nationwide. To see the local rules for your building, open this in the interactive Problem Solver.
Request facade and exterior wall inspectionTalk to an advisorGeneral guidance only, not a substitute for a licensed inspection or emergency services. For any gas odor, carbon monoxide alarm, fire, or trapped occupant, call 911 first.