A vacant commercial building is a sitting duck. Whether temporary or permanent, a vacancy presents increased exposure to loss. There are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of incurring a loss while your building is vacant. A publication from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) suggests the following steps be taken to mitigate the risks presented by a vacant building:
- Do what you can to make your building appear occupied.
- Maintain your landscaping.
- Notify essential service providers that your property is vacant.
- Adjust the thermostat as appropriate for the weather conditions.
- Inspect the plumbing and turn off the water supply to individual fixtures.
For more information, read “5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Building During a Temporary Closure” from the IBHS.