Burn Awareness Week

National Burn Awareness week is observed the first week in February. As more families are home due to the COVID-19 virus, it is now more important to understand the dangers that can occur in the home. The American Burn Association and The National Fire Protection Association provide statistics showing the impacts of fires and injuries that occur in and out of the home.

An evaluation from 2017 to 2019 Fires, Civilian Deaths, Civilian Injuries, and Property Loss in the United States.

In 2019 a reported 1,318,500 fires occurred which was a 1% decrease from 2017. 3,655 civilian deaths occurred resulting in an 8% increase since 2017. Injuries reported were an estimated 15,200 resulting in a 4% increase from 2017 and the total loss from fire was estimated to be $25.6 Billion which resulted in an 11% increase from 2017.

To prevent electrical burns, follow these safety tips:

Do not overload power outlets.
If you have a major appliance, like a refrigerator, a stove, a microwave or a dishwasher, plug it directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip.
Make sure extension cords are not worn, broken or frayed.
Do not run extension cords under carpeting.
Perform routine maintenance on your heating and ventilation systems.
Do not pull on the end of the cord that's plugged into an outlet.

Burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury throughout the country.

Most “fire-related injuries” are burns. In fact, approximately every 60 seconds, someone in the U.S. sustains a burn injury serious enough to require treatment, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

According to the American Burn Association, burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury in the United States with approximately 486,000 people receiving treatment of burn injuries annually. Almost one-third of all burn injuries occur in children under the age of 15.

To prevent burns from fires and scalding, follow these safety tips:

Install and maintain smoke alarms in your home — on every floor and near all rooms where family members sleep. Test your smoke alarms once a month to make sure they are working properly.
Create and practice a family fire escape plan and involve kids in the planning. Make sure everyone knows at least two ways out of every room and identify a central meeting place outside.
Use safe cooking practices, such as never leaving food on the stove unattended. Also, supervise or restrict children’s use of stoves, ovens and microwaves.
Check water heater temperature and make sure to set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Many burn-related injuries occur due to the lack of fire safety, especially in households with children. Here are a few safety tips to prevent burn injuries and deaths:

Keep the space around your furnace clear. Make sure there are no flammable objects nearby.
Lighters and matches should be kept out of reach of children. Children should be taught to inform an adult if they find lighters or matches.
Never leave open flames unattended, whether it’s a gas stovetop, a fireplace, or a lit candle, especially if there are children around.
Place your outdoor grill away from the house and flammable objects.
Store gasoline and propane outside of the house in a cool, well-ventilated spot.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact the Office Of The Fire Marshal 203-453-8056.