The first hours, in order

Minute zero
Account for everyone. Clear people from wet electrical areas, under sagging ceilings or insulation, and away from damaged racking.
First 15 minutes
Stop the source if it is safe: close the sprinkler control valve or main water valve, or isolate the leaking line. Notify the alarm monitoring company of any impairment.
First 30 minutes
Lock out wet equipment and panels. Keep forklifts and foot traffic out of standing water.
First hour
Photograph and video every affected area before moving anything. Keep the failed part, such as a fused head or split fitting.
First two hours
Notify the insurer, the building owner if leased, and key managers. Lift product off the floor and cover equipment where safe.
Same day
Contact a restoration provider you have checked. Arrange sprinkler, roof or plumbing repair in parallel. Start a log of every call and action.

Tick off before the end of the day

  • Everyone accounted for and any injuries reported.
  • Source of water stopped or damage contained.
  • Fire protection status known and fire watch arranged if needed.
  • Wet equipment locked out and tagged.
  • Photos and video saved in more than one place.
  • Insurer, landlord and management notified.
  • Customers notified if their goods are affected.
  • Restoration work authorized in writing with scope stated.
  • Log started with times, names and decisions.

Why speed matters, and where it doesn't

Water spreads and wicks; soot bonds to surfaces and can corrode metal; wet porous materials begin to support mold growth within days. That is why stopping the source, removing water and starting to dry are urgent. Most commercial policies also expect reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

Other decisions can wait a day. Choosing who rebuilds the office, deciding on replacement equipment or signing a long reconstruction contract does not need to happen in the first hours. Authorize the emergency work you need now, keep the scope clear in writing, and give yourself time to compare options for what comes after.

If the loss happens on a night or weekend shift, the person in charge may not be the facility manager. Print this checklist, keep it near the sprinkler riser or security desk, and walk supervisors on every shift through it once a year so the first hour does not depend on who happens to be in the building.

General information for Commerce City, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.