CHICAGO [Jan. 22, 2025] — Burn injuries are a leading cause of accidental death and injury in the United States, with over 398,000 individuals seeking medical care for burns each year, according to the CDC. Children under five are twice as likely to visit an emergency department for burn injuries, and many of these incidents occur at home.
National Burn Awareness Week, observed February 2–8, 2025, emphasizes the importance of education and prevention to reduce these risks. Burn prevention is more critical than ever considering the devastating wildfires that have impacted communities.
This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live,” focuses on practical actions to minimize burn hazards in everyday living spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms, sleeping areas, and storage spaces. Simple measures, such as testing smoke alarms, setting water heaters to safe temperatures, and securely storing flammable items, can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Burn Prevention Tips for the Home
· Kitchen Safety: Store flammable items away from heat, turn pot handles inward, and never leave cooking unattended.
· Bathroom Safety: Set water heaters below 120°F and supervise children during baths.
· Sleeping Areas: Extinguish candles before sleeping and keep heating devices away from fabrics.
· General Home Safety: Test smoke alarms regularly, store chemicals safely, and charge electronic devices responsibly.
Expanding Burn Prevention Outreach
The American Burn Association’s Burn Prevention Committee is introducing two new initiatives for National Burn Awareness Week 2025:
1. Share Your Burn Prevention Video
Create and share an original burn prevention video or reel on social media during National Burn Awareness Week (February 2–8, 2025). Use hashtags #ameriburn and #nbaw and tag the ABA (@americanburnassociation or @ameriburn) to join the conversation. Videos with strong engagement may be shared on ABA’s official channels, helping amplify the message of burn prevention. Use the IMPAC Tool at ameriburn.org/NBAW for guidance on creating effective, research-based messages.
2. Poster Contest for Burn Camp Survivors
Designed to empower young burn survivors, this contest encourages creativity and storytelling. Submissions are due in Fall 2025, and winners will be announced during National Burn Awareness Week 2026. Visit this link for details.
Designed to empower young burn survivors, this contest encourages creativity and storytelling. Submissions are due in Fall 2025, and winners will be announced during National Burn Awareness Week 2026. Visit this link for details.
“Burn prevention starts with education and small changes that can make a big difference,” said Rebecca Coffey, PhD, MSN, APRN, CBRN, chair of ABA’s Burn Prevention Committee. “National Burn Awareness Week is an opportunity to share knowledge, inspire action, and create safer communities for everyone.”
Join the Effort
National Burn Awareness Week provides media, organizations, and individuals a platform to promote burn prevention and safety. Use the hashtag #NBAW to share resources, stories, and tips. The ABA offers downloadable graphics and fact sheets to support community outreach efforts at ameriburn.org/NBAW.
About National Burn Awareness Week
National Burn Awareness Week is an initiative of the American Burn Association. It brings together healthcare professionals, fire safety experts, and community leaders to raise awareness about burn prevention.
Editor’s Note
For more information about ABA or to request an interview with Dr. Coffey, contact Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org.
For more information about ABA or to request an interview with Dr. Coffey, contact Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org.
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit www.ameriburn.org.
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit www.ameriburn.org.
