Know the Laws, Be Insured for Fireworks Displays

Summer will be here soon, and cities across Kentucky will celebrate the Fourth of July and other events with fireworks displays. KLC Insurance Services wants to help your city be prepared by providing a policy enhancement for fireworks coverage that went into effect July 1, 2023, with no additional premium. The coverage has a $1 million limit for each occurrence, subject to a $10,000 deductible.

Some cities may choose to operate their own fireworks displays, but the best practice is to hire an insured and licensed professional pyrotechnic company. The city should maintain certificates of insurance from the pyrotechnic company and require the company to give the city additional insured status for the event. The enhanced coverage does not cover contracted pyrotechnic companies. Any KLC Insurance Services insured choosing to host and operate their own fireworks display must follow the display fireworks (previously “special” fireworks) requirements of KRS 227.710 for this enhanced coverage to apply.

• Display must be handled by a “competent display operator,” defined as someone who:
  • Has overall responsibility for the operation and safety of a fireworks display;
  • Has a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) license;
  • Has participated as an assistant in firing at least five public displays; and
  • Is an employee possessor (must complete the appropriate ATF form).
• Displays must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1123 – Code for Fireworks Display – including the requirement that a competent display operator be at least 21 years old.
• A nontransferable permit must be filed with the state fire marshal at least 15 days before the display date.
• Any person within the display area must be at least 18 years old, licensed by the ATF, an employee thereof, or an assistant in training to become a competent display operator.

KLC Insurance Services offers resources here to assist in planning your city’s fireworks display. Contact KLC Insurance Services to learn more about policies specifically tailored to meet the needs of municipalities!

Visit this link for more on Kentucky's fireworks ordinances.