National Burn Awareness Week: Prevention Saves Lives

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This week marks National Burn Awareness Week, a critical time dedicated to educating communities on burn prevention and safety.

According to the American Burn Association, nearly four hundred thousand burn injuries require medical attention each year in the U.S. Many of these injuries are preventable with simple safety measures. 

The American Burn Association states that “burn risks exist in every living space.” Whether you live in a house, an apartment, or even a temporary shelter, a fire can occur anywhere, anytime. Taking action can help prevent potential injuries and simply keep loved ones safe. 

This year’s focus is on reducing burn risks in homes, apartments, and all living spaces reminding families to take precautions.

Rick Boatwright, CFD Operations Chief, stated that “if you do have a fire in your home, having someplace… a way to get out, having a plan to get out, and a place to meet… that way everybody’s accounted for.”

“One of the things that we see a lot of times as people want to go back inside for pets… a pet that is not worth your life.”

Organizations nationwide are hosting awareness campaigns, safety workshops, and free resources to help prevent these devastating injuries and damages. Stay safe and spread awareness because prevention is the best protection.