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How to Secure Your Commercial Property During a Temporary Closure: 8 Essential Steps

Whether you're closing your commercial building for a scheduled holiday or an unexpected event, leaving a property unoccupied—even temporarily—can increase the risk of theft, vandalism, and damage.

At RiskAssured, we help businesses safeguard their assets through proactive risk management strategies. In this guide, we outline eight essential steps to protect your property during a temporary closure and reduce your exposure to costly incidents.


1. Secure the Building from Unauthorized Access

Vacant properties are prime targets for criminal activity. Ensure all doors, windows, and access points are locked and your alarm system is activated. Also consider:

  • Notifying your alarm company about the closure

  • Installing motion-activated exterior lighting

  • Using security cameras or remote surveillance systems

  • Scheduling random patrols or security checks


2. Notify Local Authorities

Let the local police department know that your commercial property will be unoccupied. This encourages increased patrol presence and allows them to flag any suspicious activity in the area.


3. Inform Vendors and Delivery Services

Avoid unnecessary confusion or property disruptions by contacting all vendors, suppliers, and service providers in advance. Cancel or reschedule deliveries to prevent missed shipments or boxes left outside.


4. Communicate With Customers and Partners

Update your website, social media, voicemail, and business listings with current closure dates and reopening timelines. Clear communication prevents frustration and helps maintain professional relationships.


5. Keep the Property Well-Maintained

A building that appears abandoned is more likely to be targeted. Maintain the exterior by:

  • Scheduling regular property checks

  • Continuing landscaping services

  • Using timed interior and exterior lights to simulate activity

This not only deters intruders but also helps identify issues like leaks, pest activity, or weather damage early.


6. Maintain a Safe Indoor Temperature

Don’t make the mistake of turning off your HVAC system to save energy. Instead, maintain a minimum temperature of 40°F (4°C) and check for cold spots that could freeze. Keeping a stable indoor temperature helps prevent:

  • Frozen or burst pipes

  • Mold growth

  • Damage to electronics and materials


7. Prevent Plumbing and Water Damage

Water damage is a top risk in unoccupied buildings. Take these precautions:

  • Shut off water supply to unused fixtures (e.g., bathrooms)

  • Drain pipes where appropriate

  • Install smart leak detectors to monitor for hidden water issues

Important: Do not shut off water connected to automatic fire suppression systems.


8. Notify Your Insurance Provider

Always inform your insurance agent when closing your building temporarily. Some policies have vacancy clauses or time-sensitive requirements for unoccupied properties. Ensure your coverage is active and sufficient for the duration of the closure.


Final Thoughts

A temporary closure doesn’t have to expose your business to unnecessary risk. With proper planning and regular monitoring, you can keep your building safe, secure, and ready to reopen when the time comes.

At RiskAssured, we specialize in helping commercial property owners identify vulnerabilities and build customized security and continuity plans.

Contact us today to request a commercial property risk assessment or closure preparedness checklist.


 
 
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