Erlanger and the Chattanooga Fire Department are working together to prevent burn injuries in our community during National Burn Awareness Week (February 2-8, 2025). National Burn Awareness Week, an initiative of the American Burn Association, is a collaboration of burn, fire and life safety educators to make the public aware of the frequency, devastation and causes of burn injuries. It also aims to provide measures to prevent these injuries and how to best care for those that are injured.
This year’s theme is: "Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work and Play- Preventing Burns in the Homes." It focuses on practical steps to reduce burn hazards in kitchens, bathrooms, sleeping areas, and storage spaces. Simple, proactive changes can help prevent life-altering injuries and create safer living environments for everyone:
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.
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, according to the CDC. 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.
“Burn prevention starts with education and small, actionable changes in our daily lives,” said Regena Young, Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator for the Erlanger Health System. “By participating in National Burn Awareness Week, we can work together to reduce burn injuries and create safer communities.”
All year long, you have the power to prevent burns and fires to protect those around you. Following this checklist to keep your home, community, and loved ones safe:
Test Smoke Alarms & Replace Batteries:Ensure your alarms are functional and everyone in your home knows the sound of an alert.
Review & Practice Your Fire Escape Plan: Make sure you know multiple exit routes and practice your escape plan with your family.
Check & Learn to Use Your Fire Extinguisher: Keep your fire extinguisher easily accessible, and make sure everyone knows how to use it.
Clear Flammable Materials Away from Heat Sources: Move any items that could catch fire from stoves, space heaters, and electrical outlets.
Commit to Kitchen Safety: Never leave cooking food unattended. Use timers, keep handles turned inward, and always stay close when cooking.
Inspect Electrical Cords & Outlets: Make sure cords are undamaged, and never overload outlets.
Check Heating Devices for Safety: Regularly inspect space heaters and keep them away from flammable items like fabrics or paper.
