Out-of-Sight, Top-of-Mind: How to properly maintain vacant commercial properties during temporary closures.

You’ve probably said it before: “Out of sight, out of mind.” Usually, we utter those words in a sigh of relief after we’ve crossed an item off of a seemingly never-ending “To Do” list.

As a business owner, you’ll know that putting things on a mental backburner is counterproductive, given that you need to stay on top of the day-to-day goings-on of your business, keeping somewhat of a close eye on your workplace and the employees within it.

The problem now is, with the current pandemic that has gripped the world, a lot of things that used to be in plain sight are getting harder to keep an eye on. Employees are working remotely, and your workplace is now temporarily vacant, which is a scary thought, especially when you consider that the unforeseen threats, such as fires, floods, water damage, bursting pipes or any HVAC or refrigerating system failures, are still very much a possibility.

You’ve probably also said this before: “Expect the unexpected.” Usually these words are uttered once the unexpected has already happened and it’s too late – And if the current pandemic has been any proof, one thing is for sure: Sometimes, the unexpected does happen.

So, as a proactive measure, here are some best practices you can implement in order to best maintain vacant commercial properties during temporary closures due to the COVID19 pandemic:

• Security alarm systems should continue to be operational, as vacant premises could be targets for burglary or theft.
• Fire safety and protection equipment should also be working and operational, and sprinkler systems should have off-site monitoring capabilities. This will help third-party authorities with response times, in the case of a fire.
• Any refrigeration system should also be closely monitored, ideally on a daily basis. Making sure these systems work will avoid any spoilage of food or stock.
• The stocking of combustible debris should be monitored in your daily checks. Properly storing materials, such as propane tanks, is crucial for avoiding potential damage.
• To avoid any unwanted visitors, it’s important to keep the exterior of your workplace illuminated, to let people know that the site is frequently visited and/or monitored.

Our team is always standing by to provide tips and insights to help you stay protected from the unexpected. If you have any questions regarding the safety of your temporarily vacant workplace, please feel free to contact us - we’d love to connect.