After a drier than usual September, Louisiana’s largest workers compensation carrier, LWCC, alerts businesses that they are entering October at an increased fire risk.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshall’s office has multiple burn bans in place, and the Federal Emergency Management Association has designated several parishes at relatively high risk for wildfires. October is also fire safety month, a time to update fire safety plans and educate staff.
Businesses facing the highest risk of fire 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.
Multiple parishes in Louisiana are at relatively moderate risk of wildfires from any source, and some business activities are limited by burn bans, according to the. Visit FEMA’s fire safety map and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry office online to get the latest updates.
Fires can spread quickly at businesses storing flammable materials, including warehouses or retail stores, endangering employees and complicating evacuation efforts. 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.
Preparation is the most important step in fire prevention and includes planning, education, inspection and clearing hazards.
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.
Whether it’s simply identifying hazards or creating a plan from start to finish, LWCC’s Consultants on Call are available to support policyholders. The team provides training and education with free online resources available, equipping businesses with the tools needed to prevent incidents and protect employees.
With free safety educational resources, a team of safety consultants, and customized support for policyholders, LWCC is committed to its mission of bettering Louisiana one business and one worker at a time.
