Water Shut-Offs, Fire Alarm Tests and Maintenance Notices on Digital Signage
How condo managers can use building screens for planned maintenance notices so residents actually prepare, with sample wording and timing.
Planned maintenance is where building screens earn their keep. A water shut-off that residents didn't know about generates angry calls, flooded bathrooms from taps left open, and a long afternoon for the superintendent. A well-timed notice on the elevator landing prevents most of that.
The notices that matter most
- Domestic water shut-offs
- Fire alarm testing and annual fire safety inspections
- Elevator maintenance or modernization
- Garage cleaning and power washing
- Hallway carpet cleaning
- In-suite inspections (smoke alarms, plumbing, HVAC filters)
- Window washing (privacy matters here)
- Power interruptions for electrical work
Timing that works
| Notice | Start showing | Remove |
|---|---|---|
| Water shut-off | 5–7 days before | When water is restored |
| Fire alarm testing | 3–5 days before | End of testing day |
| Garage cleaning | 7 days before | End of cleaning |
| In-suite inspections | 7–10 days before | End of inspection period |
| Elevator out of service | As soon as scheduled | When back in service |
Combine the screen notice with whatever formal notice your declaration and the Condominium Act require. Screens are the reminder; they don't replace the formal notice.
Sample wording
Water shut-off
Water off: Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Riser valve replacement, all suites on stacks 03 and 04. Fill a kettle the night before and keep taps closed.
Fire alarm testing
Fire alarm testing: Thursday, 10 AM – 3 PM Alarms will sound briefly throughout the day. No need to evacuate during testing.
Garage cleaning
Garage cleaning: P2, Monday from 8 AM Vehicles left on P2 after 8 AM may be moved at the owner's expense.
Window washing
Window washing: south face, Wednesday and Thursday Crews will be outside your windows. Close blinds if you prefer.
Use countdowns
On the day before and the day of, change the headline: "Tomorrow: water off 9 AM–1 PM," then "Today: water off until 1 PM." Small changes in wording make a familiar notice feel new again.
Target where you can
If a shut-off only affects certain stacks or floors, say so clearly, and show it on screens for those floors if your system supports it. Residents who aren't affected learn to tune out notices that never apply to them.
After the work
Replace the notice with a short "Work complete. Thank you for your patience" for a few hours. It closes the loop and builds trust that the screens reflect reality.
Planning screens for your building?
We'll walk the common areas with you, recommend placements and send an itemized written quote you can take to the board. The survey is free.
Book a free site surveyKeep reading
Posting Notices on Building Screens: Best Practices That Get Them Read
How to write and schedule notices for condo lobby and elevator screens: length, layout, timing, expiry and what to avoid.
Property ManagementReplacing Condo Bulletin Boards With Digital Screens: A Manager's Guide
What changes for property managers and site staff when a building swaps corkboards for digital screens, from daily posting to resident questions.
Property ManagementA Year of Building Screen Content: A Calendar for Property Managers
A month-by-month plan for what to show on condo lobby and elevator screens, so the content stays fresh without becoming a second job.