Fireworks Policy

flowering tree
 Miami University sign
 students walking outside
 sundial
 dorms

Objective

To provide information and establish general precautions for Miami University personnel who are considering a fireworks display or the use of other pyrotechnic special effects on University property.

Policy

  1. No exterior fireworks (including legal fireworks/tricks/novelties) or other pyrotechnic displays are allowed on University property unless authorized by the Miami University Fire Marshall and Police Department. 
  2. Fireworks or other pyrotechnic displays are strictly prohibited in University buildings for the safety of the buildings and the occupants.
  3. Random use of any fireworks or other pyrotechnic displays by students or minors on campus is stricly prohibited.

Oversight

Miami University Police Department has the authority to suspend or terminate fireworks or other pyrotechnic displays at any time upon their own discretion and/or upon the advice of the University Fire Marshall, the City of Oxford Fire Chief, or the producer of the event.

Location 

The prospective locations for the fireworks or other pyrotechnic displays will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Once a site has been requested for use, it will be inspected by the University Fire Marshall, the Oxford City Fire Chief, the Miami University Chief of Police, and the company contracted to perform the fireworks display or other pyrotechnic special effects to determine whether the production can be accomplished on that site safely and without damage. at the time of this inspection, the actual size, style, type, and amount of fireworks or other pyrotechnics will be discussed for approval.

General Information

  • Firework displays or other pyrotechnic special effects must be completed between 7 pm and 10 pm. 
  • Requests for displays MUST be made 60 days in advance of the event. 
  • Adequate fire extinguishing or fire-fighting equipment must be on site in the event of a fire. The University department or vendor requesting the display will be responsible for compensating the City of Oxford Fire Department.
  • If at any time the wind speed is 20 mph at ground level, or if unusually wet or dry conditions prevail, the public display will be canceled or postponed until weather conditions improve to an acceptable level.

Departmental Sponsor Responsibility

  1. Contact the University Fire Marshall for review and approval that all the conditions of this policy have been met and provide the name(s) or person(s) who will ensure compliance with the Fireworks and Other Pyrotechnics policy.

Contractor Responsibility

  1. Secure a fireworks exhibition permit:
    • Contact the University Fire Marshall at (513)-529-2804 at least 60 calendar days before the scheduled exterior fireworks or other pyrotechnic display to request and complete the fireworks permit.
    • Once the site has been requested for use, it will be inspected by the University Fire Marshall, the Oxford City Fire Chief, the Chief of Police, and the company contracted to perform the fireworks or other pyrotechnic display to determine whether the production can be accomplished on that site safely and without damage. 
  2. Ensure that only trained, certified, and licensed pyrotechnic personnel are used to discharge the display. A current State of Ohio Exhibitor license is required. 
  3. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic exhibitions must follow all National Fire Protection Association and Ohio Fire Code standards.
  4. Ensure that adequate fire extinguishing or fire-fighting equipment is available on site in the event of a fire.
  5. Ensure that cleanup of the fireworks or other pyrotechnic special effects area is acceptable to the appropriate representatives of Miami University.
  6. Provide a certificate of insurance naming Miami University (address listed below) and its geverning board, officers, agents, and employees as an additional insured with respect to the liability arising out of the activities performed by or on behalf of the contractor in coverage amounts of at least $1,000,000 per occurance.

                            Miami University

                            501 E. High Street

                            218 Roudebush Hall

                            Oxford, OH 45056

Effective Date: 9/28/16