OSFM Stresses: Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live

Burn risks are present in every living space, from homes to apartments to temporary shelters.  During National Burn Awareness Week (February 2-8, 2025), the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is raising awareness about preventing burn injuries and fires in the home.  This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live,” highlights practical steps to reduce burn hazards in kitchens, bathrooms, sleeping areas, and storage spaces. 

“Burn injuries can happen fast, making it so important that you are following proper safety steps to help injuries from occurring.  The statistics are staggering when it comes to the number of burn injuries that impact the U.S per year,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera.  “From curious little hands in the kitchen, to accidentally knocking over your fresh cup of coffee, can lead to a catastrophic burn that leaves physical and emotional scares for a lifetime.  Simple, proactive changes can help prevent life-altering injuries and create safer living environments for everyone.”

Our friends and partners at Camp I AM Me by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance have amazing programs available to burn survivors and have changed the lives of countless kids and adults.  Visit their website to learn more about their programs at https://www.ifsa.org/survivor-programs/.

The American Burn Association reports there were 32,540 burn injury cases in 2023 and 156,073 burn injury cases over 5 years that required inpatient hospitalization at a burn center.  Each year there is an estimated 1 person per 10,000 people in the U.S. requiring inpatient hospitalization at a burn center. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) burn injuries continue to be a significant public health issue, with more than 398,000 people seeking medical care for burns in the United States in 2021.  Compared to the overall population, children under five were two times as likely to be seen for burn injuries at a hospital emergency department.  Many of these injuries occur in the home and are preventable through awareness and education.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately every 60 seconds, someone in the U.S. sustains a burn injury serious enough to require treatment.  A scald injury can happen at any age.  Children, older adults, and people with disabilities are especially at risk.  Hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee, and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries.  Scald burns are the second-leading cause of all burn injuries.

"Each year, thousands of individuals are affected by burn injuries that could have been prevented through simple safety measures," said Philip Zaleski, Camp I Am Me Executive Director.  "National Burn Awareness Week is an opportunity for all of us to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of burns in our homes and communities."

Keep these key tips in mind to help prevent burn injuries from occurring:

- Kitchen Safety:  Store flammable items away from heat, turn pot handles inward, and never leave cooking food unattended.

- Bathroom Precautions:  Set your water heater below 120°F and supervise children in the bath.

- Sleeping Areas:  Extinguish candles before sleeping and keep heat sources away from fabrics.

- General Home Safety:  Test smoke alarms regularly, charge devices safely, and store chemicals out of reach.

National Burn Awareness Week is an initiative of the American Burn Association, bringing together fire, life safety, and healthcare professionals to educate the public on burn injury prevention.  This annual campaign emphasizes the importance of proactive safety measures and community collaboration to reduce the risk of burn injuries.  For more information on campaign resources, burn prevention tips, and key dates, visit ifsa.org and ameriburn.org.