Hosting a Display on the 4th? Find Fireworks in Woonsocket

The relatively new summer tradition of temporary outdoor fireworks sales continues in 2013, with outdoor locations in Woonsocket in addition to in-store sales at places like nearby Stop & Shop, Ocean State Job Lot, and J&M Paintball & Fireworks on Main Street, the only year-round fireworks seller in the state.  

Phantom Fireworks has set up a tent at the Park Square Plaza at the corner of Park Avenue and Rte. 146. There is also an outdoor fireworks tent on Diamond Hill Road at the corner of of Mendon Road.

Of the roughly 9,000 fireworks-related injuries each year, 21 percent are eye injuries and more than half of the victims are young children or teenagers. And it's not just the powerful flying fireworks that are a risk. Even a fountain of sparks can pose a danger if it is not handled properly or if the fuse isn't long enough.

[To be considered legal in Rhode Island, fireworks must remain stationary on the ground and can not fire projectiles into the air.]

Another vendor, Keystone Fireworks, has set up a few locations around the state — and posted these safety tips for using fireworks:

• Don't let kids handle or light fireworks. Fireworks are intended to be handled only by adults.
• Don't use alcohol while lighting fireworks.
• Do follow the law. Read all directions, cautions, labels and warning on each individual fireworks item to understand the product performance and hazards associated with the use of the item.
• Do light fireworks on a hard, flat level surface to insure the stability of the items.
• Do keep viewers, especially children, a safe distance away from the shooting site.
• Don't put your head or any part of your body over the top of any firework product. Never hold lighted fireworks in your hand. Never look into a tube to check on the performance of the item.
• Do light fireworks products with a punk, flare or an extended butane lighting device, enabling you to keep as far from the product as possible.
• Don't attempt to re-light, alter or fix any "dud" firework.

This year marks the third summer since the Rhode Island General Assembly approved the sale of some fireworks in the last days of the 2010 legislative session.