What should you do first if part of your cornice or parapet fell?
Keep people and vehicles away from the area below, and leave what fell where it is. The piece that came down may not be the only loose one, so the area under the rest of the cornice is still unsafe.
If anyone is hurt, call emergency services before anything else.
Why leave the debris where it is?
The pieces on the ground show an engineer what failed and how. Moving them means working under whatever is still above, which is the risk you are trying to avoid.
Do not climb up, lean out, or pull at the remaining cornice to see what else is loose. Do not sweep the area or hire the first crew that offers to clear it.
What can you safely document?
From a distance, on the ground or from across the street:
- The debris and where it landed.
- The gap or damaged area where it came from.
- Any damage to cars, awnings or neighboring property.
- The date and time, and what the weather was.
Write down who noticed it and when. Do not step into the fall zone for a better angle.
What if the debris blocks a sidewalk or entrance?
Ask the City of St. Louis building office what applies to closing or protecting the sidewalk at your address, or your own municipality if you are outside the city. Requirements depend on the address, so do not assume.
Tell tenants and customers to use another entrance until someone qualified has looked.
Who should you call?
- Emergency services, if anyone is hurt or material is still coming down.
- The building office for your address.
- Your insurer, since many policies have notice requirements.
- An engineer, for the cause and the scope of what to secure.
A contractor may be needed soon for temporary protection. Permanent repair should wait for the diagnosis. See cornice repair: who to call first.
What does an engineer do after a fall?
We look at the debris, the place it fell from, the rest of the cornice and the wall behind it. Our fallen masonry assessment explains the likely cause, which areas should be kept clear or secured, and what a permanent repair would involve. We do not sell or perform repairs.
If the building is in a historic district, ask the city's historic-preservation office what applies before permanent work.
What should you send us?
Send the address and photos of what fell, taken from a safe distance. We reply within one business day.