Four Corners Press Release
Burn risks are in every living space. During National Burn Awareness Week (February 2–8, 2025), Four Corners Health Department joins the American Burn Association (ABA) in sharing about preventing burn injuries and fires in the home.
Burn injuries are still a major public health issue, with more than 398,000 people seeking health care for burns in the United States in 2021, according to the CDC. Compared to the overall population, children under five were 2 times as likely to be seen for burn injuries at a hospital emergency department.
This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live,” highlights useful steps to reduce burn risks in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and more. Small changes can help stop injuries and make safer living places for all.
Some key tips:
- Kitchen Safety: Store flammable items away from heat, turn pot handles inward, and never leave cooking food alone. Always check that the stove and other hot tools are turned off when not in use. Keep dry oven mitts nearby to protect your hands from the heat.
- Bathroom Precautions: Set your water heater below 120°F and supervise children when using the bath or sink.
- Bedrooms: Put out candles before sleeping. Keep heat sources away from fabrics.
- General Home Safety: Charge devices safely and store chemicals out of reach. Wear shoes when walking on pavement, even if just stepping outside quickly. At 77 degrees Fahrenheit, the pavement can reach a temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
If someone does get burned, you can follow the 4 C’s.
Cool: Cool the burn with cool (not cold) water for 10-20 minutes. This will help soothe the area and prevent further tissue damage.
Clean: Clean the burn with mild soap and water to prevent infection.
Cover: Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or clean dressing.
Call: If needed, call for medical care. Seek help right away if the burn is extreme, creates blisters, or appears white or charred.
More information can be found here: https://ameriburn.org/advocacy-and-prevention/burn-awareness-week/#press-release or https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2024/06/beating-burn-preventing-and-treating-contact-burns
For questions or to learn more, call Four Corners at 402-362-2621 or 877-337-3573 or email us at info@fourcorners.ne.gov. Visit the Four Corners website at https://fourcorners.ne.gov. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel @fc_healthdept!
