Business Reopening Checklist After Water, Fire, Smoke or Mould Damage

Life safety and building access

• Confirm fire department, building official, utility, landlord and other applicable restrictions.
• Verify exits, fire alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting and accessible routes where required.
• Keep occupants out of active containment, demolition, electrical or structurally unsafe areas.

Operational readiness

• Identify the minimum spaces, systems, inventory and staff needed to operate safely.
• Test critical utilities, IT, refrigeration, production or clinical equipment through the appropriate service providers.
• Confirm that temporary barriers, negative air or drying equipment will not interfere with operations or emergency egress.

Cleaning, odour and indoor conditions

• Complete required cleaning, disinfection, smoke-residue work, odour treatment and moisture verification.
• Protect products, records and sensitive equipment from construction dust and restoration work.
• For food, healthcare or regulated occupancies, confirm applicable reopening requirements with the responsible authority.

Communication and documentation

• Provide staff and customers with accurate reopening dates, available areas and temporary procedures.
• Maintain a record of inspections, repairs, cleaning, equipment service and approvals.
• Use a phased reopening plan when only part of the building is ready.

Restoration for business owners

Commercial restoration

Pre-loss planning