Emergencies happen. They come in all shapes and forms, and at all levels of severity. In multi-family apartment complexes, mixed-use office buildings, or condominiums, an emergency can quickly turn into a disaster. Property owners and property managers must be fully aware of all of these possible events and be prepared as fully as possible. In commercial real estate, emergency planning and your choice of property manager are vital.
Have a Plan
Safety comes first. Should there be an emergency of any kind, a property owner or manager must know the exact procedure to follow to communicate with tenants and lead them in safety. Set up ways to communicate electronically, such as through texting, email, or social media. Multiple communication outlets are best, since not everyone uses social media or texts. Depending on the type of emergency, mailing a flyer could also prove handy. Owners should consult with expert emergency planners for commercial properties to create the best plans.
Categorize Emergencies
There is no one-size-fits-all in emergencies, and within each event, two of the same category could look drastically different. However, it is crucial to categorize every type of emergency that could face your commercial property and its tenants. One should be prepared to face any of the following:
- Power outages
- Elevator and escalator breakdowns
- Flooding
- Hazardous materials
- Hurricanes and tornadoes
- Fires
- Poor indoor air quality
- Hazardous energy
- Physical security breach
- Internal violence
- Terrorism
Safeguard Property and People
One first step that all property owners should take is to ensure that their building has all the systems in place and in good order for a safe and secure environment. For instance, in a building assessment, one should know the condition of the site’s HVAC systems, fire protection systems, security systems, and electrical systems. Should anything be wrong with them, one should seek immediate repairs or replacements. With the proper systems in place and working well, one can be better prepared for any hazardous situation.
Hire a Trusted Property Manager
Managing a property is a full-time job. If you believe you would benefit from a property manager to allow you to pursue other business besides handling emergencies and other issues directly, Clagett Enterprises can help.
Trust the Professionals at Clagett Enterprises for Your Realty Needs
If you’re looking for an experienced property management company, the perfect realtor for your property, or a professional to assist you during your purchase of any home, you can rely on Clagett Enterprises. Clagett Enterprises is a full-service real estate company with almost 30 years of experience in the Frederick and Western Maryland area. For assistance with commercial sales, leasing, management, and development and consulting, contact us online or give us a call at 301-665-6009. To meet our team and see some of our beautiful homes, follow us on Facebook and Linkedin.