New Year, New Resolutions: How Commercial Property Managers Can Prepare for Floods and Fires in 2026
Expert Guidance from ServiceMaster of Tacoma – Commercial Restoration Specialists Serving Tacoma, Seattle & the Puget Sound
The start of a new year is a natural time for reflection, goal-setting, and operational improvements. For commercial property managers and building owners in the Puget Sound region, one resolution should rise to the top of the list: proactively preparing your properties for potential disasters caused by flooding and fire.
In Western Washington, heavy rainfall, aging infrastructure, winter freezes, wildfire smoke, electrical hazards, and increased building usage all contribute to a higher risk of property damage. When disasters strike, the difference between a manageable incident and a catastrophic loss often comes down to preparation.
At ServiceMaster of Tacoma, we work with commercial property managers, facility directors, HOAs, healthcare facilities, schools, and industrial buildings throughout Tacoma, Seattle, and surrounding communities. We’ve seen firsthand how the right planning can dramatically reduce downtime, limit damage, protect occupants, and control costs.
As you set resolutions for the year ahead, consider these practical, high-impact disaster preparedness goals to protect your properties from flood and fire losses.
Resolution #1: Conduct a Professional Risk Assessment for Each Property
Many commercial properties rely on outdated assumptions about risk. “We’ve never flooded” or “we’re not near a wildfire zone” can create a false sense of security.
A comprehensive risk assessment should evaluate:
- Roof condition and drainage systems
- Vulnerable plumbing lines and aging pipes
- Electrical panels, wiring, and load capacity
- Fire suppression systems and code compliance
- Proximity to storm drains, slopes, or water runoff
- Tenant operations that increase fire or water risk
New construction, tenant turnover, equipment upgrades, and climate patterns can all change a building’s risk profile. Making it a resolution to reassess annually ensures your mitigation plan evolves with your property.
Resolution #2: Prioritize Preventative Maintenance—Not Just Reactive Repairs
Flood and fire losses often begin with small, preventable failures. A cracked pipe, clogged drain, faulty outlet, or deferred roof repair can escalate rapidly into a major claim.
Key preventative maintenance actions include:
- Regular roof inspections and debris removal
- Annual plumbing inspections, especially in older buildings
- Insulating pipes in unheated or low-traffic areas
- Testing sump pumps and backup power systems
- Inspecting electrical panels and extension cord usage
- Clearing combustible storage from mechanical rooms
Proactive maintenance reduces emergency calls, tenant disruptions, and insurance exposure. It also demonstrates due diligence—an important factor during claims review.
Resolution #3: Update and Document Your Emergency Response Plan
An emergency plan that lives in a binder—or worse, doesn’t exist—isn’t enough. When a fire or flood occurs, property managers need clear, immediate direction.
Your updated response plan should include:
- Emergency contacts (fire, utilities, restoration partner)
- Shut-off locations for water, gas, and electricity
- Evacuation routes and tenant notification procedures
- After-hours response protocols
- Documentation and photo procedures for insurance claims
Equally important is training. Staff should know exactly what to do in the first minutes of an incident, when fast action can significantly reduce damage.
Resolution #4: Establish a Pre-Loss Relationship with a Restoration Partner
One of the biggest mistakes property managers make is waiting until disaster strikes to find a restoration company. During regional events—major storms, freezes, or wildfires—qualified restoration providers book quickly.
By establishing a pre-loss relationship with ServiceMaster of Tacoma, you gain:
- Priority response during emergencies
- Familiarity with your properties and systems
- Faster mitigation and stabilization
- Streamlined communication during high-stress events
This relationship turns chaos into coordination and helps minimize operational disruption when it matters most.
Resolution #5: Improve Flood Preparedness for the Puget Sound Climate
Western Washington’s heavy rainfall and storm systems make water damage one of the most common commercial losses. Flooding doesn’t always come from rivers—it often comes from roofs, drains, and plumbing failures.
Flood-focused preparedness resolutions include:
- Ensuring roof drains and gutters are clear year-round
- Installing water leak detection and automatic shutoff systems
- Elevating critical equipment where possible
- Sealing foundation cracks and entry points
- Monitoring vacant or low-occupancy spaces
Early detection and rapid mitigation are critical. Water damage left untreated for even 24–48 hours can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and extended closures.
Resolution #6: Strengthen Fire Prevention and Suppression Measures
Fire damage is often sudden, severe, and emotionally devastating for tenants and staff. Many commercial fires stem from electrical issues, improper storage, or human error.
Key fire-prevention resolutions include:
- Annual inspection of fire alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers
- Reviewing tenant fire safety compliance
- Eliminating overloaded circuits and temporary wiring
- Keeping mechanical rooms clear of combustibles
- Coordinating fire drills and safety briefings
Fire preparedness isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives, livelihoods, and long-term asset value.
Resolution #7: Prepare for Business Continuity, Not Just Restoration
Disaster recovery is about more than repairing damage—it’s about keeping businesses operational.
A strong continuity plan considers:
- Temporary access or phased re-occupancy
- Protecting tenant inventory and equipment
- Coordinating with insurance adjusters efficiently
- Clear communication with tenants and stakeholders
ServiceMaster of Tacoma specializes in commercial restoration with minimal downtime, helping properties return to normal operations as quickly and safely as possible.
Resolution #8: Improve Documentation for Insurance Claims
Incomplete documentation can delay claims, reduce payouts, or even lead to denials. Make it a resolution to streamline your claims readiness.
Best practices include:
- Maintaining updated building records and maintenance logs
- Documenting improvements and system upgrades
- Photographing affected areas immediately after an incident
- Keeping vendor invoices and mitigation reports organized
Our team works directly with insurance carriers to provide accurate documentation, helping reduce friction and speed up the recovery process.
Resolution #9: Educate Tenants on Their Role in Risk Reduction
Tenants play a significant role in preventing disasters. Simple actions—like proper space heater use, reporting leaks early, and maintaining clear exits—can prevent major incidents.
Consider:
- Annual safety reminders or newsletters
- Clear reporting procedures for maintenance issues
- Shared responsibility guidelines for fire and water safety
A culture of awareness protects everyone.
Resolution #10: Commit to Annual Preparedness Reviews
Disaster preparedness isn’t a one-time task. Make it a standing annual resolution to:
- Review emergency plans
- Update contact lists
- Reassess building risks
- Revisit vendor partnerships
Consistency is what transforms preparation into protection.
Start the Year Prepared with ServiceMaster of Tacoma
Disasters don’t follow calendars—but preparation does. By setting clear, proactive resolutions now, commercial property managers and owners can significantly reduce the impact of floods and fires throughout the year.
ServiceMaster of Tacoma provides professional water damage restoration, fire damage recovery, and disaster preparedness support for commercial properties across Tacoma, Seattle, and the Puget Sound region. Our experienced team is ready to help you build a smarter, safer plan before the next emergency occurs.
Contact ServiceMaster of Tacoma today to discuss a pre-loss plan, schedule a risk assessment, or learn how we can support your properties year-round.
