Broken glass in a commercial space isn’t something business owners plan for, but it can happen fast, whether due to weather, accidents, or an unexpected break-in. One moment everything is business as usual, and the next, there’s a shattered storefront or a broken interior pane. It’s more than just an eyesore. Damaged glass can cause real safety hazards and interruptions to operations.

Knowing what to do right away can help you minimize risks and avoid extended downtime. Safety should always come first, followed by securing the area and restoring function to your space. Here’s how to manage the situation quickly and effectively.

Safety First: Secure the Area

As soon as the glass breaks, your first focus should be safety. Sharp edges, shards on the floor, or glass still dangling from the frame can be dangerous. Preventing injuries means acting fast and creating a safe perimeter around the damage.

Stop traffic in and out of the affected area. If necessary, close nearby entrances or pathways. Use anything on hand—cones, chairs, signs, or even furniture—to block off the space. Add clear visual markers like handwritten notes or caution tape so people know something is wrong.

A few helpful pointers:

- Wear protective gloves and solid shoes before entering the damaged area

- Use barriers or markers to prevent others from entering

- Check for loosened pieces of glass that could fall later

- Leave large shards or embedded pieces alone until help arrives

In shared spaces like waiting areas or hallways, it’s easy to assume people will avoid obvious hazards. That’s not always the case. Make it very clear that the section is blocked off until a proper fix can be arranged. Prioritizing safety helps everyone avoid unnecessary injury.

Assess the Damage

After the area is secured, it’s time to figure out how bad the damage is. Some cracks might seem minor but threaten the structure of the glass. Others may look dramatic but only affect outer layers. Getting a clear assessment helps you decide what steps come next.

Start by checking:

- What kind of glass is affected? Is it a door, window, divider, or something else?

- Is it shattered, cracked, chipped, or just scratched?

- Has the glass completely fallen from its frame?

- Are there multiple sections with damage?

For instance, a cracked front door may still function but could compromise safety. A damaged window pane might leave your shop exposed to weather or theft. Knowing the type and extent of the damage is key to explaining the issue when you contact professionals.

If your building is exposed to high temperatures or rain, the broken area may get worse quickly. Acting fast keeps the damage from spreading and avoids higher costs or more disruption down the road.

By taking stock early, you'll help the repair crew arrive prepared with the correct tools, hardware, and glass types for the job.

Call an Emergency Board Up Service

Once you've assessed the glass, your next step is getting the space sealed. Emergency board up service acts as a quick barrier to keep elements and intruders out until full repairs happen. It might feel like a temporary fix, but it's a necessary one that protects your property.

Trying to board up a space on your own may seem doable, but it raises risks. Commercial glass can be large and heavy, and the wrong materials or tools can leave gaps that lead to more problems. A weak seal invites weather, animals, or even break-ins.

When you call pros for the job, you get:

- Speedy arrival and setup

- Proper materials that fit securely

- Reinforced coverage that won’t fail under pressure

- Help day or night, especially in emergency situations

Emergency teams also take measurements and details needed for future repairs. Instead of just patching things up, they set the stage for a smooth transition to permanent fixes. They may even recommend longer-lasting materials that better suit your space or make suggestions for upgrades you hadn’t thought about.

Cleanup and Disposal

Once your space is boarded up, focus on cleanup. Glass fragments on the floor or surface are hazardous until removed. Even the tiniest pieces can lead to cuts or injury, so it’s worth being extra careful.

Start by putting on gloves and closed shoes for protection. Pick up large shards and place them into a thick box or hard container. This stops the pieces from tearing through trash bags or hurting anyone during transport.

Next, grab a broom and dustpan to collect smaller bits. A damp paper towel works well for grabbing micro-shards you might not see right away. Keep all broken glass together in a single, sturdy container until you can dispose of it properly.

Check local rules about where and how to toss glass waste. Some communities may have specialized drop-offs or containers for safety and recycling. A thorough cleanup protects both people and the environment around your building.

Planning for Permanent Repairs

Once you’ve stabilized the area and addressed the mess, it’s time to make a plan for permanent repairs. Getting this step right keeps your business running with minimal delays.

Connect with a trusted glass technician to evaluate what’s needed. Depending on the damage, a full replacement or just a new pane might be enough. Scheduling during off-peak hours like early mornings can help you limit any disruptions to business activities.

During the process, think about whether the incident was a one-time accident or a result of older glass needing attention. If other windows or doors are showing signs of age or wear, this might be a good opportunity for upgrades.

A professional will also guide you toward stronger materials if needed. For example, weather-resistant glass or laminated options may work better in the future, especially for high-traffic or vulnerable areas.

Ensuring Future Safety and Prevention

Dealing with broken glass is only part of the picture. Looking ahead to avoid future incidents can save time and stress down the line. Preventive care gives you peace of mind and helps extend the life of your windows.

To reduce the chances of another break:

- Walk through the building regularly to inspect for cracks or chips

- Replace weak or aging glass before it becomes a problem

- Consider window film for added shatter resistance

- Clean glass with mild, non-abrasive cleaners to avoid long-term wear

- Train staff to flag early signs of damage right away

Creating a maintenance routine can help you catch small issues before they turn into big ones. If you operate in a high-traffic area or one prone to storms or vandalism, strengthening certain areas with impact-resistant materials may be worth it.

Upgrades might also bring energy-saving benefits or improve natural light inside, boosting both security and comfort.

Keep Your Commercial Space Safe and Functional

Broken glass can throw your business off course, but a good response plan gets you back on track. Securing the scene, calling the right help, and planning repairs makes the process manageable. From the moment the glass shatters, your next moves help shape how soon you can return to normal.

Following clear steps and working with skilled professionals helps prevent injuries, protect your property, and boost customer confidence. Staying on top of maintenance and addressing wear before it turns into damage goes a long way in keeping everything stable over time.

Being prepared means fewer surprises and smoother fixes. And when issues do come up, you’ll handle them with confidence and care.

Keep your business protected and running smoothly by turning to Sunny State Glass when accidents strike. Our expert emergency board up service helps secure your space quickly and limits downtime, so you can focus on what matters most—serving your customers with confidence.