Is Your Entity Planning a Fireworks Display This Summer?

Many municipalities across Tennessee host fireworks displays as part of their summer celebrations. While these events can be a great way to bring communities together, they also present significant liability, property damage and worker safety exposures if not properly planned.

Periods of drought and dry weather can increase the risk of fire-related incidents, making careful planning and risk management even more important. Whether your entity is sponsoring a professional fireworks display or utilizing consumer fireworks, taking appropriate precautions can help protect your employees, volunteers, spectators and community.

Coverage Considerations

As a Public Entity Partners member, holding a fireworks display requires you to complete the Fireworks Application, Checklist and Affidavit. If a third-party independent contractor is conducting the fireworks display, the Checklist and Affidavit are not required. However, if your entity is conducting a permit-required professional display, or a non-professional fireworks display utilizing only over-the-counter consumer fireworks that does not require a permit from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO), the Checklist and Affidavit are required for liability coverage.

In addition to your entity, this coverage extends to your volunteers and employees, but not to sponsors or third-party contractors.

If your entity's fireworks display will be provided by a contracted exhibitor, Public Entity Partners recommends that you obtain a Certificate of Insurance from the vendor naming your entity as an Additional Insured.

If a private party or organization wishes to host a fireworks display on municipal property, a liability policy naming your entity as an Additional Insured should be required. Evidence of this coverage should be provided through a Certificate of Insurance, but obtaining a copy of the policy and associated endorsements is also a good risk management practice.

Fireworks Safety and Risk Management Recommendations

To help reduce the risk of injuries, property damage and fire-related losses, entities should consider the following precautions when planning a fireworks display:

·       The public should view the fireworks from a safe distance in designated areas.

·       Only trained personnel should be allowed in the launch area.

·       Security should be provided at the launch site.

·       The launch site and viewing site should be inspected before the display. The launch site should be a level surface.

·       Fire prevention equipment should be tested and available at the launch site.

·       Fireworks cannisters should be cleared after the display with a device that prevents personnel from looking directly into the canisters.

·       Open flames should be prohibited within 50 feet of the launch site.

·       The city should obtain all required permits.

·       A qualified operator should be used to shoot the fireworks.

As you plan your holiday celebrations, please work to address liability exposures well in advance of the event. While there are many dangers associated with pyrotechnics, proper planning, adherence to safety protocols and effective risk management can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, accidents, property damage and uninsured losses.

The Fireworks Application, Checklist and Affidavit can be found in the Risk Library in Public Entity Partners' online portal, or our underwriting department can provide a copy. If you have questions about policy, please contact your underwriter. For questions regarding risk management or loss control, contact your Loss Control Consultant.