As the coronavirus continues to spread across the nation, non-essential businesses have been ordered to close their doors temporarily. In addition to an economic strain, this mandatory closing can leave your commercial property susceptible to theft, fire, unnecessarily high utility bills, and unexpected mechanical breakdowns. To prevent such setbacks from happening, it’s important to perform a number of checks before you actually close.

Minimize Utility Bills

• Electricity – If nobody is going to be occupying your commercial property for the next few months, then you should make sure that anything that doesn’t need to be plugged in gets unplugged.
• Thermostat – Set your thermostat to (55° F) to both conserve energy and prevent your pipes from freezing in the cold winter months.
• Air Conditioners – Set your air conditioners to a minimum of 85 degrees: if the building gets too warm, it can be susceptible to damage from humidity and mold.
• Sump Pump – Make sure your sump pump is working properly; the last thing you need on your hands ist a flooded basement! 
• Refrigerators & Freezers – Ensure all refrigerators and freezers are secure, and that their doors are closed shut.
• Irrigation System – turn off and disconnect your irrigation system to prevent accidental flooding.

Keep Security Tight

• Lock Entrances & Exits – Make sure to lock / secure all entrances and exits. This includes all windows, doors, and gates.
• Alert Neighbors – Let your neighbors know that the building will be vacant for some time. This way, if they notice any suspicious activity, they can report it quickly.
• Set Security Alarms & Notify Alarm Company – If you have a security alarm system, then be sure to set it before you leave. Since your property won’t be occupied, it’s important to inform your alarm company. Believe it or not, some security companies can be slow to react if they think you set it off by mistake. Since there’s no chance of that happening, they will surely alert the police quickly. 
• Security Cameras – If you don’t have one, and you have time to install one, then you should. The presence of security cameras can deter potential thieves, and help you identify them. 

Take Inventory

• Be Detailed – Since you won’t be there for awhile, now is the time to leave no stone unturned. Account for anything and everything; be precise with quantities and backorders.
• Back Up Your Inventory – Make sure that you have either an electronic or off-site copy of your inventory on hand.

Prevent Fires

• Alert The Fire Department – Place a call to the fire department letting them know that the property will be vacant.
• FIre Sprinkler – If you cannot check this properly yourself, have a professional do it. It’s critical that this is working right while you are away.