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America’s history with fireworks and their celebrations go back as far as the 1600’s when Europeans first arrived on our country’s Eastern coast.  Everyone has fond memories of shooting fireworks or attending events with fireworks whether it’s on Independence Day, at a ballgame or just shooting them in the backyard.

However, fireworks can be dangerous when not properly used and supervised.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported there have been at least 9700 fireworks related injuries each year since 2003.

Quite often we find the band, dance teams, cheerleaders, or sports teams utilizing fireworks at competitions or games. If your organization chooses to use fireworks displays, here are a few things to consider.

•  Your TNRMT policy excludes bodily injury, property damage or personal injury arising out of the purchase, use, maintenance or storage of any form or component of fireworks.
• What you are doing may be illegal. “Pursuant to TCA § 68-104-203(b), a municipality, county, or metropolitan government may conduct an indoor or outdoor proximate pyrotechnic display or an indoor or outdoor display using flame effects so long as the entity (1) obtains a permit from the SFMO; (2) has a certified operator on site at the event supervising or discharging the display; (3) shows proof of insurance or proof of adequate self-insurance; and (4) has the pyrotechnic materials supplied by or purchased from a licensed exhibitor.”
• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance DCI. (2018). Fireworks Displays in Tennessee. Retrieved from https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/fire_prevention/posts/FireworksDisplaysInTennessee_Approved6-2018.pdf
• You should maintain an application and review process that ensures the proper parties in your organization are aware of fireworks usage to maintain compliance with state regulations.

More information may be found on the tn.gov website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/permit/licensing/fireworks/applications-resources.html

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.