September is National Preparedness Month. FEMA’s Ready Campaign announced the 2026 theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” and says it will share easy, affordable preparedness steps throughout the month. The same principle applies to commercial properties: preparedness starts with understanding what is already in place before an emergency.
This checklist is written for a commercial property in Las Vegas or Phoenix. It includes 30 items across six areas. Not every item will apply to every building, and applicable requirements vary by occupancy, property, system, and jurisdiction. Some items may belong to a landlord or a separate vendor. Skip what does not apply, note what you cannot answer, and start there.
People and communication
- Emergency contact list is current and reflects every staffing change since it was last updated.
- A decision maker and a named backup are identified for events outside business hours.
- Contact information for your alarm, commercial fire protection, and service providers is accessible even if the main computer is unavailable.
- There is an alternative way to reach key staff if normal phone or internet channels are interrupted.
- The staff members responsible for after-hours events know whom to contact first when an alarm activates.
- Relevant emergency procedures are covered during onboarding and updated when roles, systems, or conditions change.
Access and the building
- If you issue door codes, badges, or keys, the active list has been reviewed and every entry is tied to an authorized person.
- Wherever credentials are issued, access has been removed for departed staff, completed contractors, and transferred managers.
- Exterior doors close and latch properly, including the delivery entrance.
- Exit routes and exit doors are unobstructed, and doors designed to remain closed are not being propped open.
- Exterior lighting works, particularly at entry points and in parking areas.
- Physical keys have been inventoried, and current holders are recorded.
Life safety and fire
- Portable fire extinguishers, where provided, are accessible, visually inspected monthly, and current on required annual maintenance.
- If the building has a fire alarm system, the control panel and any manual pull stations are accessible and not obstructed.
- Required fire inspections, testing, and maintenance are current, and the documentation can be retrieved when needed.
- If evacuation maps are posted, they match the current floor plan and exit routes.
- Employees know the nearest exit and understand their role in the emergency action plan. Employees expected to use fire extinguishers have received appropriate education or training.
Power, connectivity, and equipment
- Battery backup equipment is tested on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer or service provider.
- How the alarm system communicates if primary internet or phone service fails is documented, and any provided backup path has been tested.
- Any on-site recorder is confirmed to be recording, and its retention period matches the business’s needs and any applicable requirements.
- Equipment in a closet or utility space is operating within the manufacturer’s temperature and ventilation requirements.
- Power and surge-protection measures for critical equipment have been reviewed against manufacturer and system requirements.
- If you have cameras, lenses and housings are clear of dust and still aimed where intended.
Records and documentation
- Insurance coverage, policy limits, and claim contact information have been reviewed recently.
- Copies of critical documents are stored off site or in the cloud, not only in the building.
- Vendor and service agreements can be reached from outside the building.
- A current photographic record of equipment and inventory exists for claim purposes.
After an event
- Someone is designated to document damage once it is safe to do so and before cleanup begins, subject to instructions from emergency officials and the insurer.
- The process for requesting reports, service records, or footage is known before it is needed.
- A short review is scheduled afterward to document what did not work and update the plan.
A note on timing
The National Weather Service defines Arizona’s monsoon season as June 15 through September 30, and monsoon weather also affects southern Nevada. September is therefore a practical time for Las Vegas and Phoenix businesses to review storm and outage readiness. After the summer heat, equipment in warm spaces should also be checked against manufacturer operating limits. Both are good reasons to use this list now rather than waiting until year-end.
If fire panel status, alarm communications, or camera retention is hard to confirm, our team can review the relevant security and commercial fire protection systems. Call 702-737-8464 in Las Vegas or 602-431-1300 in Phoenix.
Not sure which checklist items apply to your property? Contact Sting Alarm to discuss your business security and commercial fire protection needs.
