Immediate action guide
Concrete Contractor Emergency Action Steps
What to do right now before a concrete contractor arrives, with clear lines for 911, utility, and contractor calls.
First rule
If there is fire, smoke, shock, collapse risk, gas odor, carbon monoxide alarm, injury, trapped people, or any uncertainty about safety, leave the area and call 911. Use these steps only when you can act from a safe position.
E1
Fresh Concrete or Washout Spill
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the wet concrete, washout water, driveway, lawn, and storm drain path.
- Keep people, pets, and vehicles off the spill and avoid skin contact.
- Use sand, soil, or boards to keep material from running into drains if you can do so safely.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call the concrete contractor and local public works if material reached a street drain.
Do not do this
- - Do not hose concrete washout into streets, yards, creeks, or storm drains.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E2
Driveway Heave Trip Hazard
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the raised slab edge, walkway, garage threshold, and vehicle path.
- Mark the edge with cones, tape, or a visible object and stop vehicle use if tires catch.
- Create a temporary walking route away from the lifted edge.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call a concrete contractor and describe slab movement, drainage, and recent freeze or washout.
Do not do this
- - Do not grind, jack, or ramp the slab with loose boards where people may step.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E3
Cracked Slab After Storm
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the cracked slab, nearby foundation wall, steps, and drainage edge.
- Stop heavy loads over the crack and keep vehicles off the affected section.
- Divert surface water away with temporary downspout extensions or sandbags if safe.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call a concrete or foundation pro if the crack widens, drops, or admits water.
Do not do this
- - Do not fill the crack before documenting movement and water entry.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E4
Sinking Steps
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the steps, landing, handrail, and main entry path.
- Stop using the steps and route people through another door if possible.
- Add visible warning tape or barriers, not loose rugs or boards.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call a concrete contractor and mention handrail movement, soil washout, and blocked access.
Do not do this
- - Do not brace steps with stacked blocks where people may still walk.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E5
Exposed Rebar or Sharp Edges
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the broken concrete, exposed metal, and foot-traffic route.
- Block the route and keep children, pets, bikes, and tires away.
- Cover sharp edges with a stable bucket, cone, or barrier without pressing on unstable concrete.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call a concrete contractor for removal, patching, or replacement planning.
Do not do this
- - Do not cut exposed metal or chip concrete without protective equipment and a work plan.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.