Fourth of July is for Fireworks, not Fires: How Businesses can Prepare to Reduce Risks

Fireworks are a cherished Fourth of July tradition, but the celebrations carry risks  including serious injuries to workers and damage that can disrupt business operations. In fact, more than 31,000 reported fires are started by fireworks annually, costing $109 million in direct property damage, according to the most recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

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To celebrate safely and reduce the risk of fire damage, LWCC, Louisiana’s largest workers’ compensation insurance carrier, lays out three steps to avoid preventable fires and injuries.

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Know your risk

Businesses facing the highest risk of fireworks damage include those located in areas with higher fire ratings, those storing flammable materials, and in buildings lacking adequate fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers.

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Elevated fire risk

• ‍Location: Four parishes in Louisiana are at relatively moderate risk of wildfires from any source, including fireworks, according to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). St. Tammany, Cameron, Calcasieu, and Beauregard each score above 88% on FEMA’s risk index for wildfires, with nearly $9 million in expected annual losses. Businesses in these parishes, or those located in areas with dry conditions or near flammable materials, are at higher risk.
• ‍Materials: Fires can spread quickly at businesses storing  flammable materials, including warehouses or retail stores, endangering employees and complicating evacuation efforts. ‍
• Suppression: Fire suppression systems not only limit physical damage but provide crucial time for safe worker evacuation and injury prevention. Installing an adequate fire suppression system, such as sprinklers, can significantly lower the cost of fire damage.

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Be prepared

Preparation is the most important step in fire prevention and includes planning, education, inspection, and clearing hazards.  

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• Plan: Clearly display fire escape routes and the location of fire extinguishers. Assign key contacts to respond to an emergency after-hours or during a holiday closure.  

• Educate: Share fire prevention responsibilities across teams and offer refresher training for employees working holiday shifts, including temporary or seasonal workers. Be sure to review emergency procedures and encourage them to report any suspicious or unsafe behavior.  

• Inspect: Test smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers to confirm they are functioning properly and ready to use in case of an emergency. Encourage employee involvement in routine safety checks, ensuring they know where extinguishers are and how to report hazards quickly.

• Clear: Remove fire hazards including dry brush, trash, cardboard, outdoor umbrellas, and other flammable debris from around buildings. Close trash can lids and move dumpsters at least 10 feet from buildings.

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Celebrate safely

As we look forward to celebrating the holiday, remember that a few simple safety strategies can keep the fun in the Fourth while also protecting people from serious injuries.  

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To prevent accidents during Independence Day celebrations:

• Do not allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks.

• Use sparklers with caution and keep them at arm’s length.

• Never attempt to re-light malfunctioning fireworks, or “duds.”

• Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them away.

• Only use fireworks that are legal in your town or neighborhood.

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By understanding the risks, preparing ahead of time, and promoting safe celebration practices, we can enjoy the holiday and avoid preventable fires and injuries.  From preparing your team for emergency response to evaluating workplace hazards ahead of a holiday, LWCC Safety Services is here to keep Louisiana workers safe, every day of the year.