Minimize risk if hosting a fireworks display
Organizations, municipalities and even private individuals often use fireworks as a celebratory form of entertainment. Occasionally, school grounds may be chosen for such festivities—a situation that certainly calls for due diligence on the part of school administration.
Several risk control measures should be taken before, during and after the fireworks display to protect both the people on-site and the building and grounds.
- Obtain certificates of insurance (COIs) from the vendors involved. Whether the group organizing the fireworks display is a school-sponsored booster club, sports organization, or a community organization not affiliated with the school, a licensed fireworks contractor needs to be involved. Schools should never allow amateurs to launch fireworks on their property. The COI must clearly state insurance coverage limits, which should equal or exceed the school’s insurance policy. The vendor should complete a facilities use agreement in accordance with the school’s policies and sign a hold harmless clause.
- Plan for safety when determining where the fireworks will be launched. They should be launched away from spectators, buildings and other areas that would pose an increased risk of fire, injury or property damage. Examples of such areas include those with excess dry leaves or vegetation, or highly combustible materials. Additionally, there should be a minimum 500-feet buffer between the fireworks launch site and any turf field or structure. The fireworks contractor should be responsible for verifying that all mortars are inherently stable as well as handling, packaging and securing any unused, live or dud mortars. If the fireworks will not be launched from school property, there should be a written agreement with the property owner.
- Work with the local fire service. Representatives from the fire department should be on-site before, during and after the fireworks are launched. Ideally, they will be stationed in several locations around the property, including on the school roof, to serve as a fire watch. Both immediately after the launch and the following morning, they should inspect the roofs for hot or unexploded fireworks and inspect the entire landing zone for fire and unexploded shells. If struck by a lawn mower, unexploded shells can cause damage to the mower. Also, if unexploded ordinances are handled by unauthorized individuals, serious bodily injury may result. Additionally, emergency medical services personnel should be available in case an injury occurs.
- Obtain any necessary permits. Whether the school is hosting the fireworks display or a third party, the responsible organization should provide the school with any permits required by municipal ordinance and in accordance with state and federal laws. That permit should:
- Identify the qualified operator in charge of the fireworks.
- Name any properly trained assistants.
- Show the site layout with proper separation distances.
- Describe what will be occurring during the event.
- Detail firing, termination and emergency procedures.
- Work closely with the school’s legal counsel. A fireworks display is laden with risk. As such, the school district’s legal counsel should be involved in both the decision-making process and the drafting of any agreements or policies related to the event.
- Maintain strict crowd control during the event. While fireworks displays can be very enjoyable, they may also provoke behavior that leads to problems. Staff members should be specifically assigned to monitor the crowds and alert on-site security/law enforcement for assistance. The fireworks contractor should establish clear pathways and keep spectators far away from hazardous areas. Traffic and parking controls should be in place to prevent property damage by vehicles driving or parking in unauthorized areas. Additionally, staff should alert security/law enforcement to enforce any violations of school policies by visitors on school grounds.
With proper planning, cleanup procedures and adherence to risk control best practices, a fireworks event can be a welcome addition to a school community.
Check out this resource for more risk control strategies for special events.
