Burn Awareness Week: 8 Tips For Fire And Heat Safety

Fire and heat-related injuries affect millions of people each year, often resulting from preventable accidents at home, work, or outdoors. Burn Awareness Week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of fire safety and education in reducing these risks. Below, learn key facts and helpful tips about preventing burn injuries and prevention, including recognizing fire hazards, preparing for emergencies, and treating burns. 

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What is National Burn Awareness Week?

Burn Awareness Week was officially established in 1989 following a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. The proclamation highlighted the need for greater education and prevention efforts to reduce burn injuries. The president called on government agencies, health organizations, and citizens to help promote fire prevention best practices and reduce the suffering associated with burn injuries. 

Burn injuries: Key facts, impact, and first aid tips

Burn injuries are a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people each year. They range from minor scald burns to life-threatening injuries, often with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Burns can have significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts, often requiring lengthy recovery processes and extensive scarring. Children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities are particularly at risk. Below are key facts to know about burn injuries:

• Experts estimate that approximately 600,000 Americans experience a burn injury each year. 
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that burns result in 180,000 deaths each year.
• Children under five account for nearly 20% of all burn injuries worldwide.
• Residential fires are the leading cause of burn-related deaths in the U.S., with cooking accidents being a major contributor.
• The presence of smoke detectors can reduce the risk of death from house fires by approximately 50%.

First aid for burn injuries

Research shows that administering proper first aid following a burn injury can significantly improve outcomes. Below are several burn care best practices to follow:

1. Cool the burn: Run cool water (not cold) over the burn for 10 to 20 minutes as soon as possible. Note that there is a three-hour window in which cooling the area around the burn can help minimize tissue damage. 
2. Avoid ice: Do not use ice or icy water, which can worsen the injury. 
3. Assess severity: Seek immediate medical help for burns larger than three inches, deep burns, or burns involving the face, hands, feet, or joints. 
4. Use petroleum jelly: Cover the burn in petroleum jelly a few times daily. Do not use other ointments, butter, oils, or topical antibiotics, as they can slow healing and potentially cause infection.
5. Protect the burn: Cover the area with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth to prevent infection. For deeper burns, hydrogel or hydrocolloid bandages can be used to promote faster healing. Do not pop blisters.
6. Watch for complications: If signs of infection (redness, swelling, or pus) appear, contact a healthcare provider. 

Recognizing burn risks

Recognizing potential hazards can be part of effective prevention. Burns can occur during routine activities and often result from preventable situations. Below are some common burn risks to be aware of:

• Cooking accidents: Stay attentive in the kitchen. Keep pot handles turned inward, use oven mitts, and avoid distractions while cooking. Be cautious when working with hot liquids like hot coffee, hot foods, or oils, and keep children away from stoves.
• Electrical hazards: Regularly inspect cords and outlets for damage and replace frayed wires immediately. Avoid overloading outlets, unplug appliances when not in use, and never use electrical devices near water.
• Hot water and scalding: Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scalding. Always test bathwater before use, and keep hot beverages out of the reach of children and older adults. Place hot liquids on a fabric mat or towel when cooking. You can also install anti-scald devices in some homes to protect yourself and others from hot things.  
• Open flames: Never leave candles, fireplaces, or campfires unattended. Keep flammable objects, such as flammable liquids, away from open flames, and always have a fire extinguisher nearby to prevent fire-related injuries. 
• Chemicals: Securely store cleaning products, industrial chemicals, and cosmetics and follow safety instructions. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling hazardous substances to avoid skin contact.
• Outdoor heat sources: Use grills and fire pits responsibly, keeping a safe distance from flammable materials. Wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to protect yourself from sunburn.
• Workplace hazards: Follow all workplace safety protocols. Wear protective gear when working with hot machinery, molten materials, or chemicals, and ensure up-to-date safety training.

Common burn awareness tips for fire and heat safety and to prevent burns

Fire and heat-related injuries can happen quickly but are often preventable with proper precautions. Adopting simple safety practices can protect you and your loved ones from harm at home, outdoors, or the workplace. Below are tips to help you stay safe:

Install and maintain smoke detectors

Place smoke detectors on every level of your home and test them regularly. Replace batteries at least once a year to ensure they’re always functional. If your smoke detector begins to beep, replace the battery immediately.

Practice a fire escape plan

Ensure members of your household are aware of a fire safety plan. Designate an exit route from each room in your home and establish a meeting place. If your home has a second or third story, consider equipping bedrooms with a fire ladder.

Handle hot appliances safely to avoid burn injuries 

Be mindful when using stoves, ovens, and other heat-generating appliances. Avoid loose clothing and keep flammable items like towels and curtains away. 

Prevent scalding injuries and burns 

Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F (49°C) and test bathwater before getting in. Always supervise young children around hot liquids and foods. Keep pot handles turned in to help prevent accidental spills.  

Outdoor fire safety

Keep a safe distance from grills, campfires, and fire pits. Always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave fires unattended. Ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving the area. Use water, sand, or a fire extinguisher to douse the flames, and check for lingering embers to prevent rekindling.

Use heating equipment responsibly

Keep space heaters at least three feet from flammable objects. Avoid leaving heated blankets unattended or switched on overnight. Have fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually to prevent buildup or malfunctions. Keep flammable liquid away from heat sources to prevent flammable liquid burns. 

Teach fire safety to children

Educate kids on the dangers of fire by teaching them about its potential to cause harm and the importance of fire safety rules. Explain why they should never play with matches, lighters, or candles, and show them how to respond in case of an emergency, including practicing “stop, drop, and roll.” 

Learn first aid

Understanding basic first aid can make a critical difference during emergencies. Learn how to treat minor burns, handle severe cases, and prevent infections. Taking a certified first aid course can equip you with essential skills to act quickly and confidently.

Promoting burn awareness in your community

Raising awareness about burn prevention is crucial to reducing injuries and saving lives. You can help engage your community by spreading fire safety awareness and supporting organizations focused on fire and burn safety education.

Leverage social media to spread fire safety tips

Social media can be an effective way to promote fire and burn safety. Consider sharing infographics, videos, and expert advice on prevention and first aid. Encourage your friends and followers to engage by asking questions, sharing personal stories, and reposting content to reach a wider audience. Use hashtags like #BurnAwarenessWeek to amplify your message.

Send a press release to local news organizations

Local media outlets can help your message reach a broader audience. Collaborate with local media outlets by sending a press release that includes key facts and prevention tips. For example, you could post quotes from local fire officials or health professionals to add credibility and encourage media coverage.

Support organizations dedicated to burn prevention and recovery

Partner with or donate to burn prevention, education, and survivor recovery organizations. Non-profits like the American Burn Association, Burn Prevention Network, and the Burn Foundation of America conduct important work in raising awareness and supporting burn survivors, and your support can make a difference.

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Online mental health support for survivors of burn injuries

Burn injuries can take a significant toll on mental health, in some cases leading to conditions like Acute Stress Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and depression. If the effects of a heat injury have impacted you, consider seeking mental health support. A licensed therapist can help you process your trauma and develop healthy coping skills for dealing with the psychological effects of chronic pain and impaired functioning. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Therapy modalities like eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are well-supported by research, and having a compassionate therapist with whom to discuss your feelings and experiences can help you feel supported throughout your recovery. If you would prefer to try these modalities online, platforms like BetterHelp can be an accessible way to do so. 

An online platform lets you connect with a licensed mental health professional and attend weekly therapy from home. Online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy and may be preferable for those with physical limitations that make in-person therapy inconvenient or unrealistic. With additional tools and features like daily messaging with your therapist, guided journaling, and digital therapy worksheets, you can make progress faster and maximize your time in therapy.