** Client Bulletin **

Lately, we have been seeing several instances of commercial and industrial building break-ins and attempted break-in’s resulting from the removal of the rubber spline around exterior glass windows or doors. Vandals can gain access to the building through this action. Glass is being removed from the frame and entry is being made into the structure. From a distance, the site still looks secure.

What can you do right now?

• • • • • Where permitted, board windows and doors in known areas of vandalism and homelessness
        • Add Hollow Metal Glazing Bead Stops with Tek screws to windows
        • Increase the frequency of building perimeter checks
        • Utilize your outside security lighting
        • Consider fencing the grounds
        • Confirm your building alarms are operational and covering the areas of concern
        • Retain guard services to monitor your property

Commercial Asset Preservation can help secure your buildings and provide perimeter checks. Call (800) 445-0640 or contact inquiries@commercialpreservation.com today to reduce your risk.

Originally published by Allianz Risk Consulting

INTRODUCTION

As more businesses are faced with shutting down their operations temporarily due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, we have developed the following collection of possible loss prevention measures which can serve as a guide to help you individually plan for a temporary shutdown.

 

All of the recommendations are technical advisory in nature from a risk management perspective and may not apply to your specific operations. Please review recommendations carefully and determine how they can best apply to your specific needs prior to implementation. Any queries relating to insurance cover should be made with your local contact in underwriting and/or broker.

 

We remain available for your loss prevention needs. Please contact your local ARC representative if you have any questions or want to discuss any specific issues.

LOSS PREVENTION MEASURES

The measures listed below can help to prevent or mitigate the impact of damages occurring during a shutdown. However, this is not a comprehensive list and must be checked by the business against its actual requirements and circumstances and planned individually:

 

COMBUSTIBLES

• Reduce the quantities of combustible materials located inside the buildings as much as possible. Combustible materials may include raw and finished goods, packaging, pallets, waste, dust, lint, oil, flammable/ combustible liquids,
• Ensure safe separation distances (1.5 m or 5 ft minimum) are maintained between all electrical equipment and combustible
• When prudent, ensure all technical rooms (i.e. mechanical, electrical, etc.) are free of combustible materials.
• Verify all external combustible storage is located a safe distance away from the buildings. This distance varies depending on the combustibility of the storage and the building construction; however, provide at least  15  m (50 ft) separation if

 

COMBUSTIBLE AND FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

• Place all combustible and flammable liquids in appropriate storage areas (i.e. cutoff rooms, safety cabinets, etc.). When prudent close or seal all storage containers.
• Remove all waste rags for safe disposal off-site.
• Ensure essential ventilation systems continue to operate, if required, for removal of flammable vapors.

SERVICES

• Shut down all hazardous process equipment and utilities, where possible and operationally appropriate, including nonessential flammable liquid and gas
• Check whether you can isolate services at the mains and drain all water systems down, except water for fire sprinklers, fire pumps, etc., which should always remain operational.
• Maintain temperatures at or above 5°C or 40°F for any areas with water-filled piping, such as fire sprinklers, fire pumps, process equipment, etc., unless otherwise required for operational
• Check whether electricity can be shut down for the premises, except where needed for fire alarms, fire protection systems, security systems,
• Park all powered industrial vehicles in a fire segregated room or in an area free of combustible

BUILDING SECURITY

• Fit quality security mortise deadlocks on all entry/exit doors, taking into account company
• Secure all windows with any applicable
• Where possible, and considering escape routes, lock entry posts to prevent unauthorized caravans/ vehicles from
• Isolate electric roller shutters if
• Maintain any security systems. The prevention of false alarms (such as from wildlife, temperature and humidity, etc.) should be achieved by removing the cause and not by turning off the systems or isolating affected
• Check whether you can shut down all nonessential electrical lighting if possible. Keep only the minimum level of lighting where appropriate for inspection, security patrols and access
• Ensure all building access keys are accounted for by use of a key logbook. Change locks if they are
• Record and list all visitors and contractors. Ensure building entry and lockdown procedures are available and adhered
• Immediately repair any breach in building or perimeter security.

• Make all efforts to arrange for a manned 24/7 guarding presence at the site or overnight patrols by an approved guarding firm or plant representatives. Any patrols should be at random intervals and times to ensure any pattern is not

PREMISES INSPECTIONS

• Visit the building(s) periodically (at least weekly is recommended) and maintain detailed records of all observations. Correct all noted deficiencies promptly.
• For health and safety reasons, if possible no person should be allowed to enter the building(s) unaccompanied or without the use of an efficient communications method. Always notify a colleague that the building is being entered and of the expected duration of the
• Verify the following as part of the inspections:
  • All exterior building openings, such as doors and windows, are properly secured to prevent unauthorized
  • All electronic monitoring systems (i.e. fire alarms, fire pumps, security systems, etc.) appear to be in good working condition (i.e. power on, no alarms, ).
  • All fire sprinkler systems, including water supplies such as fire pumps and water tanks, appear to be in good operating
  • No signs of unauthorized entry, vandalism or
  • Proper maintenance of building and
• Remove evidence of vandalism/graffiti and block any broken windows/entry points immediately when they are

MAINTENANCE

• Maintain the building in a good state of repair.
• Make sure the building is watertight by suitable repairs (i.e. roofs, guttering, etc.)

FIRE

• Make all efforts to inspect, test and maintain all fire protection and detection systems to remain operational, including the following:
  • Fire alarm systems, including automatic fire detection.
  • Fire sprinkler systems, including monthly recorded inspections of sprinkler control valves to ensure they remain locked in the open
  • Fire pumps, including weekly or monthly testing to verify proper operation; see fire pump inspection checklist
  • Fire protection water supplies, including water tanks.
  • Fire extinguishing systems.
  • Portable fire extinguishers.
  • Fire doors.

To continue reading and download the fire inspection checklist, visit https://www.agcs.allianz.com/content/dam/onemarketing/agcs/agcs/pdfs-risk-advisory/ARC-Coronavirus-Shutdown-Of-Facilities-Loss-Prevention-Measures.pdf 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Asset Preservation (CAP) offers in-person oversight of your temporarily closed properties nationwide

Commercial Asset Preservation specializes in closed/dark property oversight and maintenance. Only CAP has the national network, experience, and detailed closed property reports to conduct recurring visual exterior inspections. Our experts look for evidence of vandalism, security concerns, and life safety issues.

CAP’s commercial general contractor network not only identifies issues of concern but also can perform emergency repairs without delay. Rest easier knowing that you have someone checking on your buildings and protecting them when they are most vulnerable.

Contact CAP (216) 765-1220, inquiries@commercialpreservation.com

Reprinted from Shopping Center Business

New York City — The national retail vacancy rate fell 10 basis points to 10.1 percent in the second quarter, according to New York City-based commercial real estate data firm Reis. This is the first time in which vacancy has declined since the first quarter of 2016.

For context, in the second quarter of 2018, the rate had risen 20 basis points to 10.2 percent and remained flat at that rate through the first quarter of this year. The tightening of available space is in contrast to the larger talking points about U.S. retail, which often claim a “retail apocalypse” is upon us as e-commerce continues to cause a sea change in how Americans shop.

Reis information comes from its database of commercial real estate property information, spanning 77 primary metro areas.

Both the national average asking rent and effective rent, which nets out landlord concessions, increased 0.4 percent in the second quarter. At $21.39 per square foot (asking) and $18.73 per square foot (effective), the average rents have both increased 1.7 percent since the second quarter of 2018.

Mall outlook

The regional mall vacancy rate rose 30 basis points in the first quarter to 9.3 percent, the highest rate for mall vacancy since the third quarter of 2011, according to Reis. This came in the midst of a number of chains announcing store closures, including JC Penney, Payless ShoeSource, Charlotte Russe and Gymboree. The rate remained flat into the second quarter.

The performance of both malls and neighborhood centers will likely be affected by the continuing store closures throughout the second half of the year. Yet the stability of the trends this quarter shows how the retail sector has been able to withstand structural changes in the industry to some extent, argues Reis.

“As big-name anchor stores clear out, a number of stores continue to open,” says Victor Calanog, chief economist for Reis. “Grocery stores have been a leading new occupant of those vacant spaces over the past year or so, as have home/houseware stores, gyms/fitness, discount variety stores, discount clothing stores and even trampoline parks.”

Absorption stays strong

Store openings have led to strong occupancy growth this quarter, as net absorption outpaced new construction for neighborhood shopping centers. Net absorption for the second quarter was 2.4 million square feet, nearly double the previous quarter’s absorption of 1.29 million square feet. New completions measured just 1.49 million square feet.

When broken down by metro, the statistics show that few cities — 21 of 77 — experienced an increase in vacancy for the quarter. The figure was down from 28 metros in the first quarter. Metros with the highest vacancy rate increase include Columbia, S.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Birmingham, Ala.; San Antonio; and St. Louis. Metros with the biggest decline in vacancy include Chattanooga, Tenn.; Tacoma, Wash.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Greensboro, N.C.; and Columbus, Ohio.

In sum, Reis argues that the retail sector has been able to ward off the worst of the “retail apocalypse” premonitions so far. On the supply side, empty big box stores have been converted into self-storage or sold to developers for redevelopment, former shopping centers have been demolished and there has been a general slowdown in building within the sector.

With minimal construction in the pipeline, vacancy rates were able to stabilize a bit this quarter, though the retail sector will likely see fluctuation ahead.

“A number of stores are still expected to close in the second half of the year and online shopping continues to offer stiff competition to brick and mortar stores,” says Calanog. “Older stores that are not keeping up with new business strategies or modernizing will likely continue to suffer and close in this tumultuous time. Still, the retail sector has been able to adapt to industry restructuring in a number of ways.”

To view the entire story, visit https://shoppingcenterbusiness.com/reis-national-retail-vacancy-experiences-first-drop-since-2016/

At Commercial Asset Preservation (CAP), we understand that commercial property owners and retailers wear many hats! Some of the many priorities they juggle include operating their daily business and managing finances and personnel. Of equal importance is the physical appearance of their properties. Are the properties inviting to the consumer, the tenant and city officials? In order to keep tenants happy and to make their property appealing to consumers, commercial property owners and retailers seek property maintenance companies to take on a multitude of tasks from landscaping to plumbing and remodeling.

Choosing a property maintenance company that your organization can trust is invaluable to keep your facilities in great shape. As experts in commercial property repairs and maintenance across the United States and Canada, here are some tips to consider when selecting your maintenance team.

 

Understanding Your Needs and Expectations

It is essential to have a clear idea of the type of assistance you need from the property maintenance company and what tasks you expect them to perform. Do you want your maintenance team to provide repairs on an as needed basis or do you want them to perform preventative maintenance, or both? Do you only want the property maintenance company to work on the inside of your property or do you want them to maintain outdoor areas, such as parking lots and landscape, or both the inside and outside?

Finding a provider that specializes in the services you require and has a track record of success is critical. At CAP, our staff has provided property maintenance, repairs, and inspections at more than one million properties.

 

Consider Property Location When Choosing a Provider

An important factor when determining the correct maintenance provider for your facility needs is to consider the location or multiple locations where your properties operate. Do you need help with one property, multiple properties in a regional area, or 30+ properties located across the country?

Most property maintenance companies can provide service in specific regional areas or in large cities, but struggle to provide services in rural communities. Many of our customers choose CAP because we cover all of the United States and Canada without any quality or delivery time difference from one location to the next. In fact, CAP performs as much work in rural communities as it does in metropolitan areas.

Therefore, you no longer need to search for individual vendors to repair an entry door at your operating retail center in Atlanta or winterize your vacant office building in Zigzag, Oregon. Simply contact CAP and services in both communities are handled promptly using its extensive network of licensed local maintenance professionals.

 

Screen Potential Providers

You should screen your property maintenance company just like you would a tenant at your building or a potential employee. Conduct research to check into their background, whether they work with companies such as yours, and always ask for references. Find out how long upper management has been in place. Learn how they plan to communicate with you. Will there be dedicated personnel for you to speak with? Determine the hours that they operate and who answers the phone during non-standard hours. If you use an external facilities maintenance data platform, does the property maintenance provider have experience working with that system? Conduct research on the Internet to see if the property maintenance provider is involved in legal issues or has problems paying their vendors in a timely fashion. These extra steps take time, but they are worth it to ensure you choose a reliable and trustworthy company to work at your property.

Commercial Asset Preservation feels confident in saying that it has experienced nearly every conceivable scenario of what can happen to a building. We use our experience and extensive contractor resources to provide clients with a cost-effective solution that places their property in a condition that keeps tenants and municipalities happy and makes their property appealing to consumers. Let us use our know-how to help simplify your property maintenance needs. Contact CAP to discuss your property maintenance needs at 801-461-8250 or inquiries@commercialpreservation.com.