Burn Awareness Week Highlights Prevention and Home Safety
February 4, 2026
National Burn Awareness Week is observed each year during the first full week of February, serving as an important reminder for families to take steps to prevent burn injuries at home and in the community. The awareness campaign focuses on education, safety practices, and simple prevention measures that can significantly reduce the risk of fires and burn-related accidents.
Burn injuries remain one of the leading causes of accidental injury, particularly among children and older adults. Many of these incidents occur in the home and are often preventable. Cooking-related fires, scalding from hot liquids, unsafe use of space heaters, and electrical hazards are among the most common causes.
The Clinton Fire Department encourages residents to use this week as an opportunity to review fire safety habits and make necessary improvements.
“Burn Awareness Week is a great time for families to slow down and look at everyday routines that could pose a risk,” said Clinton Fire Chief Jeremy Marshall. “Something as simple as turning pot handles inward on the stove, keeping space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, and testing smoke alarms monthly can prevent a life-changing injury.”
Fire officials also stress the importance of supervising children in the kitchen, setting water heater temperatures to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent scalds, and having a home fire escape plan that every family member understands.
In addition to prevention, knowing how to respond to a burn injury is critical. Minor burns should be cooled with clean, cool (not cold) water and covered with a clean, dry cloth. For more serious burns — including those that blister, involve the face or hands, or result from electrical or chemical exposure — immediate medical attention is necessary.
Burn Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder that small safety steps can make a big difference. By staying alert and practicing fire-safe habits, families can help protect their homes and loved ones from preventable burn injuries.
