While St. Patrick's Day parades and other festivities areentertaining for onlookers, public risk managers need to look atreducing exposures and preventing losses–which involve carefulpre-planning, event coordination and contractual risk transfer,says one insurance provider.

“Pre-planning of an event is crucial for identifying possibleexposure and risks,” noted Bruce Lunning, senior risk controlliability specialist at Travelers. “Small cities and towns shouldbe in control of all aspects, including planning the parade routesto training any volunteers working at the event about whatactivities are allowed.”

A written checklist can ensurethat all areas are being addressed, according to Mr. Lunning, whosaid such a list provides documentation for future reference.

Also important, he said, is to coordinate with other departmentsand groups during the planning process, such as law enforcement,the fire department, medical providers and emergency servicegroups. Coordination with these groups can help reduce liability,he noted.

Finally, festivities will often include active involvement ofcontractors, vendors and concessionaires as well. Municipalitiesshould therefore consider risk transfer, insurance requirements andpermits as crucial points of risk management, said Mr. Lunning.

“Vendors of beverages and food should be required to have theproper licenses and permits for compliance with local ordinancesand regulations, especially if they sell alcoholic beverages,” headvised.

It's critical to address risk transfer in these situations,requiring the contractor to provide evidence of insurance coverageand naming the municipality as an “Additional Insured,” headded.

The municipality should require limits adequate for theexposures presented by the particular event, he noted. A contractorwho provides fireworks, for example, should be required to havehigher limits than a small music ensemble as the exposure isgreater.

These important risk control considerations should go into theplanning and execution of every special event, Mr. Lunningadvised.

Thus, identifying exposures prior to the event and coordinatingwith key players to ensure that insurance requirements are met canresult in a successful St. Patrick's Day event in your city, headded.