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 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). 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 recent devastating wildfires that have impacted communities in California .

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.

Security Specialists recommends taking these simple steps to significantly reduce your risk of injury:

• Store flammable items away from heat, turn pot handles inward, and never leave cooking unattended.
• Set water heaters below 120°F and supervise children during baths
• Extinguish candles before sleeping and keep heating devices away from fabrics.
• Test smoke alarms regularly, store chemicals safely, and charge electronic devices responsibly.
• Check and clean your chimney and fireplace area at least once a year
• If you’re going to use your fireplace, always use a fireplace screen to prevent embers from escaping onto your floor
• Consider investing in a fire detection system

Security Specialists Wants You and Your Family to Stay Safe from Burns