Commercial property emergencies: a response playbook
Most commercial emergencies fall into a handful of systems: water, power, heating and cooling, roofs, refrigeration, glass and security. Each has a first step you can take in minutes, and each needs a different kind of provider. Use the playbook below, then call 833-877-1717 to request an independent commercial provider.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Before anything breaks: the one-page emergency sheet
Every building should have a single page, posted where staff can find it, listing: the main water shutoff, the gas shutoff, the main electrical disconnect, the fire alarm panel, the sprinkler riser and control valve, the roof hatch, the alarm company and the after-hours contacts for the landlord or owner. Most commercial emergencies get worse because nobody on shift knows where these are.
Water: leaks, burst pipes, sewage
- Close the nearest valve or the building main. Sprinkler pipes are different: do not close a sprinkler control valve unless your fire protection procedures allow it, and notify the fire department or monitoring company if you do.
- Keep people away from water near electrical equipment.
- For sewage, stop using fixtures on the affected stack and keep customers and staff clear.
- Get water extraction started the same day. Commercial carpet tile, drywall and ceiling tile soak up water quickly.
Power: outages and electrical faults
- Check whether neighbors are also out; if so, report it to the utility.
- Turn off sensitive equipment so it is not hit by a surge when power returns.
- Burning smells, sparking or a hot panel: evacuate the area and call 911.
- If a backup generator did not start, see our generator guide.
More in our business power outage guide.
Heating and cooling
- Note which zones or rooftop units are down and whether they share a breaker or controls.
- Check the building automation system or thermostats for alarms or schedule changes.
- In cold weather, protect pipes and sprinkler lines in unheated areas.
- In heat, move vulnerable people and heat-sensitive inventory or equipment.
Roofs
- Protect the interior: move inventory, cover equipment, catch water.
- Do not send staff onto a roof during a storm or without fall protection.
- Clear accessible roof drains and scuppers only when it is safe; ponding water adds heavy load to low-slope roofs.
More in our commercial roof leak guide.
Refrigeration
- Keep doors closed and record product temperatures with a probe thermometer.
- Move product to working units if you have capacity.
- Follow your food safety plan and local health department rules for product that warmed up.
More in our refrigeration guide and our walk-in freezer guide.
Glass, doors and security
- Broken storefront glass: rope off the area, sweep the walkway, board the opening. See our storefront glass guide.
- Doors that will not lock: arrange a locksmith or staff the entrance until it is secured.
- After a break-in, call the police before cleanup, and photograph the damage.
Getting the right provider
Commercial work often needs providers with commercial experience, specific licenses, insurance certificates and the ability to work around business hours. When you call 833-877-1717, give the property type, the system, any access rules and who will meet the provider. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider; the provider confirms availability, scope and pricing with you.
How RepairNowUSA can help
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening and the property ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. Availability and response times vary and are not guaranteed.
Call 833-877-1717Common questions
What counts as a commercial property emergency?
Life-safety hazards, active water damage, loss of power, heat or cooling that affects people or inventory, failed refrigeration, sewage backups and openings that leave the building unsecured.
Should I shut off the sprinkler system if a sprinkler pipe breaks?
Only if your fire protection procedures allow it, and then notify the fire department or monitoring company. Many jurisdictions require a fire watch while the system is out of service.
Do commercial providers need special insurance?
Many property managers and landlords require a certificate of insurance before work starts. Ask the provider to send it, and check what your lease or management agreement requires.
Can repairs happen after business hours?
Many independent commercial providers offer after-hours work, sometimes at a higher rate. Ask when you are connected.
Can I call any time?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.