Insurance and Fire safety commissioner John W. Oxendine and the National Association of State Fire Marshals are urging parents to take precautions this New Year’s from the dangers of fireworks.

Oxendine also reminds Georgians that the sale and individual use of any type of firework is illegal, except for certain types of sparklers.

The maximum penalty for breaking this law is a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail.

Some fireworks are legal in Georgia. The law defines which fireworks are allowed: Wire or wood sparklers of 100 grams or less of mixture per item; other sparkling items which are non-explosive and nonaerial and contain 75 grams or less of chemical compound per tube or a total of 200 grams or less for multiple tubes; snake and glow worms; trick noise makers which include paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers, and drop pops each consisting of 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture.

Sparklers are legal in Georgia, but should be used properly and with adult supervision.

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries,” Oxendine said in a news release. “Approximately one-third of these injuries occurred among children age 14 years and younger.”

Oxendine also would like parent to remind children that if they find unexploded fireworks, do not touch them, and immediately contact the local fire department.

“It’s traditional to celebrate the coming of the New Year with fireworks,” Oxendine said in a news release. “I urge our citizens to enjoy them safely by watching a professional display as they mark the arrival of 2010.”