Thinking of Fireworks For Your Summer Barbeque? They’re Better Left to the Professionals

Summertime means celebrations and outdoor gatherings with family and friends – especially as we seek to reconnect after the pandemic. And like pre-pandemic days, it’s not uncommon for party hosts or guests to include fireworks to add a bit more excitement to the event. But is the risk of setting off fireworks worth the reward of the sparkling light show? The recent fireworks-related death in suburban Detroit of NHL goalie Matiss Kivlenieks reinforces how deadly fireworks can be – and why they are best left to professionals who display them in large outdoor spaces.

Did you know that party hosts can be held responsible should an incident with fireworks occur? There can be multiple factors at play, including the behavior of both the host and the guests surrounding the use of the fireworks. When there is a valid claim made for a fireworks incident, it is generally paid through the homeowner’s insurance policy, but the process can be messy and costly for the party host if a lawsuit for damages ensues, not to mention the potentially high insurance deductible and corresponding increase in homeowner insurance rates in subsequent years.

Party hosts in Michigan should be aware of the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act before deciding to include fireworks in the festivities. Violation of this act, resulting in “serious impairment of a body function” of another person, constitutes a five year/$5,000 felony.

If you do plan to set off fireworks -even knowing the risks in doing so - here are a few safety tips to follow, courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Don’t allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of a fire
• Never try to re-light fireworks that did not fully ignite

Find more safety tips here.