Managing Fireworks Damage

In many parts of the United States, celebrations with fireworks occur long before and after the 4th of July. Portable restrooms can withstand the falling ash of a dazzling pyrotechnics display. However, a direct hit from fireworks lit by an inexperienced event attendee or unsupervised adolescent will damage or destroy units.

Even if your toilets are undamaged this season, don’t let down your guard. Vandalism isn’t seasonal, and fireworks are part of many celebrations. A well-written policy is your first step to managing fireworks damage.

How a Damage Policy Protects Your Business

Fireworks damage to portable toilets is extreme. It goes beyond the annoyance of graffiti or the mess of cleaning tip-overs. Vandalized and damaged units cost your business time and money. Although a damage policy won’t prevent all losses, it will give you leverage.

When you add a damage clause to rental contracts, you shift liability to the renter. They inform the authorities and their insurance company. You can email, fax, or send a physical copy of the signed agreement upon request. While not all cases go smoothly, many clients will work with you to avoid litigation, which helps recover the costs of damaged units.

Communicating your damage policy beforehand encourages renters to be more diligent. When they know they’re on the line for fireworks damage and understand the potential costs, they’re more likely to deter it.

Adding a Damage Clause to Rental Contracts

A damage clause explains your customer’s obligations. It outlines when they assume responsibility for the unit, what damage the policy covers, and financial expectations. Generally, a damage waiver says that the customer agrees to pay for any damage or loss regardless of fault. However, portable restroom operators should have a legal professional review the rental contract to ensure the wording meets the requirements for their location.

Some PROs include a fee list for missing and damaged items or display the cost of a standard portable toilet in their damage waiver. Although this method doesn’t account for lost rental revenue, it incentivizes the client with actual dollar amounts. Most customers don’t know that a missing or damaged door could cost $350 or a total loss of over $1,000.

Managing Fireworks Damage at the Customer Site

Your staff should know what steps to take when they discover damage or receive a report. All employees should avoid commenting on liability when speaking with clients. It isn’t their job to confirm whether it was vandalism or an accident, assess rental contract language, or provide cost estimates. Keep any discussion with the customer short and courteous.

Portable Restrooms and Fireworks Aren’t Compatible

Setting off fireworks inside a porta-potty is vandalism, and it happens year-round. This type of damage renders units unusable. A stray bottle rocket at a holiday event is less harmful but can still impact your toilet’s rentability. Having a signed rental contract with a legally solid damage policy and ensuring customers understand that they are liable for all damages, regardless of how they occurred, can encourage their diligence and decrease your financial impact.

Looking to Take Your Portable Restroom Business to the NEXT LEVEL? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Operating A Portable Restroom Business.”

Thinking About GETTING INTO the Portable Restroom Industry? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Starting A Portable Restroom Business.”