National Burn Awareness Week
Chattanooga Fire Department
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This week is National Burn Awareness Week.
This year the Chattanooga Fire Department (CPD) is shining a light on Workplace Safety, “Preventing Burns Where You Work.”
This morning CPD released a written statement announcing that the Chattanooga Fire Department and Erlanger are joining the American Burn Association (ABA) to promote practical, life-saving burn prevention strategies for workplaces of all types.
You can read their piece below.
CHATTANOOGA FIRE DEPARTMENT:
“Prevent Burn Injuries Where You Work
Burn risks exist in every workplace, from kitchens to offices to factories. Taking simple, proactive steps can keep everyone safe.
Top 5 Burn Prevention Tips:
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Wear Protective Gear: Use PPE (personal protection equipment) like gloves, aprons, helmets, or flame-resistant clothing whenever handling hot surfaces, chemicals, or machinery.
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Handle Heat Safely: Monitor hot oil, boiling liquids, ovens, and machinery; open lids away from your face and never leave heat sources unattended.
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Inspect & Maintain Equipment: Check cords, tools, vehicles, and machines for damage or overheating, and follow safety protocols during maintenance.
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Control Flammables: Store fuels, chemicals, and combustible materials properly, keep them away from heat, and avoid sparks or open flames.
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Know Emergency Procedures: Keep fire extinguishers and first aid kits accessible, know exit routes, and practice emergency drills regularly.
Regena Young, BSN, RN – Erlanger Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, and Lindsay Bass, BSN, RN – Children’s Hospital at Erlanger Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, have shared safety messaging with the public during Burn Awareness Week for years in an effort to reduce serious injuries in citizens of all ages.
“Burn Prevention Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that preventing injuries starts with education and partnership. For over five years, Erlanger Trauma Services and Children’s Hospital Trauma Services have been proud to work alongside the Chattanooga Fire Department to equip our community with the knowledge and resources needed to prevent burn injuries before they happen and understand how to care for burns in the unfortunate event they do occur. Burn Prevention Awareness Week highlights the strength of this long-standing partnership and our shared commitment to keeping our community safe,” they said in a statement.
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 Lt. Jumaane Lanier, the CFD’s Fire & Life Safety Educator. “By participating in National Burn Awareness Week, we can work together to reduce burn injuries and create safer communities.”
About National Burn Awareness Week
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.
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 advances the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org.”
