If water appears while you are open
- Move customers and staff away from the wet area and any ceiling that is dripping or sagging.
- Turn off lights and equipment in the wet area at the switch or breaker if you can reach it from a dry spot.
- Call the building manager or owner on the emergency number; call 911 if there is smoke, sparking or injury.
- Put out wet-floor signs or close off the area with chairs or tape.
- Move stock, displays and the register away from the water if it is safe.
- Decide with the owner whether to close early, and lock the door if you do.
Closing up with water present
If the water is stopped but the space is wet, the staff closing up should leave it as safe and well documented as possible. Turn off equipment in wet areas, unplug what can be unplugged from a dry spot, and avoid leaving extension cords across damp floors. Do not leave space heaters or fans running unattended in a wet room.
Before leaving, walk the space once with a phone camera and narrate what you see: where the water is, what was moved and what was turned off. That short video often answers most of the owner's and insurer's questions the next morning.
Handoff note for the owner
| Item | What to write |
|---|---|
| Time water was found | |
| Where it came from (if known) | |
| Who was called and when | |
| Was the water stopped? By whom? | |
| Stock or equipment moved or damaged | |
| Power or equipment turned off | |
| Photos and video taken (where saved) | |
| Customers affected or appointments to reschedule |
Common questions
Should staff try to find the leak above the ceiling?
No. Lifting tiles or climbing ladders under wet ceilings is risky. Report it and let the building's maintenance or a plumber investigate.
What should staff tell customers?
Keep it simple and calm: there is a water leak, the area is closed for safety, and the shop will reopen as soon as possible. Avoid guessing at the cause or the timeline. Post the same message on the door and online so everyone hears one story.
Who decides whether to open the next morning?
The owner or manager, after the building has confirmed the water is stopped, the power is safe and the space is clean enough for customers.
General information for Englewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.