National Burn Awareness Week; February 4th - 10th

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

Beware!

The first full week in February of every year is dedicated to Burn Awareness. According to the American Burn Association, National Burn Awareness Week gives burn, fire, and safety educators an opportunity to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and preventative message to the community.

Facts About Burn Injuries According To The American Burn Association:

• Burn injuries are continuing to be the top leading cause of accidental death and injury in the United States.
• Between the years 2011 and 2015, roughly 486,000 fire and burn injuries were examined at Emergency Departments across the US.
• Just in 2016, there were 3,390 civilian casualties from fires. Residential fires account for 2,800 deaths, non- residential fires account for 150 deaths, vehicle fires account for 355 deaths, and the remaining 85 deaths were due to outside and unrelated fires.
• One civilian death from a fire occurs every 2 hours and 35 minutes.
• 1 in 1,498 are the odds of a U.S. resident dying from exposure to fire, flames or smoke.
• Fire flames, scalds, contact with hot objects, electrical and chemicals are all leading causes of burn injuries.
• In 2011 through 2015, nine out of ten people with fire and burn injuries were treated and released by emergency departments.
• Men are more likely to be burned and injured than women.
• Most of the burn injuries happen in the house (73%).
• Children and the disabled are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 24% of all burn injuries happen to children under the age of 15.
• In 2015, for children age 1 through 4, fire or burn injuries was the 5th leading cause of death; 3rd leading cause for children ages 5 through 9; and 8th leading cause of death for those over age 65.
• In 2011 through 2015, children under the age of 5 are 2.4 times as likely to experience burn injuries; for young adults between the ages of 20 to 29 it is 1.5 times.
• Luckily with today’s advanced treatment, 96.7% of those treated will survive, but many unfortunately will have serious scarring, life long physical disabilities, and adjustment difficulties.

After looking at all these facts and statistics, it is clear to see why it is so important for the community to understand the dangers that come from fires and burns. When it comes to fire prevention, it is important to take the necessary steps in order to prevent possible disasters and injuries.

If you experience a fire in your home or business, please don’t hesitate to call us at 614-888-5700.