If your church is planning an event this Independence Day, remember to keep a focus on safety. Picnics, games, bounce houses, and fireworks are fun, but they each come with their own set of risks.
When hosting events, consider how your church team will handle the following:
Viewing a community fireworks display from afar cuts down on a lot of the risk that comes with a 4th of July event.
If you decide to host an event for your church, the safest way to light up the night sky is by hiring a professional pyrotechnician. Because fireworks are dangerous explosives that can cause fires or serious injuries if handled improperly, it is not recommended that a church volunteer or employee be placed in charge of launching fireworks for the crowd. If your church is planning to host a fireworks display, learn about and comply with local ordinances and safety codes.
More than 15,000 people are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms each year for injuries associated with fireworks, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).1 Most of the people injured were amateurs launching fireworks or people viewing amateur firework displays.
Thinking about handing out sparklers? Consider using safer alternatives such as confetti poppers, streamers, or glow sticks. Sparklers can ignite clothing and cause severe burns to fingers and to feet when dropped. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers account for more than 25% of fireworks-related ER visits.2
Before hosting a church event, check with your insurance agent to make sure that your policy provides enough liability coverage. If not, ask whether you can buy additional coverage for the occasion.
1 https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
2 https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks
Updated June 2022
The information provided on this article is intended to be helpful, but does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.
Thank you for your interest in Brotherhood Mutual. We appreciate the opportunity to provide your church or other ministry with an insurance quote and will reply to your request as soon as possible.
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