Burn risks are present in every living space, from homes to apartments to temporary shelters. The UofL Health – UofL Hospital – Burn Center joins the American Burn Association (ABA) in raising awareness about preventing burn injuries and fires in the home.
You can take practical steps to reduce burn hazards in kitchens, bathrooms, sleeping areas and storage spaces. Simple, proactive changes can help prevent life-altering injuries and create safer living environments for everyone.
Prevent Burn Injuries Where You Live
Some key tips include:
- Kitchen Safety: Store flammable items away from heat, turn pot handles inward and never leave cooking food unattended.
- Bathroom Precautions: Set your water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit and supervise children in the bath.
- Sleeping Areas: Extinguish candles before sleeping and keep heat sources away from fabrics.
- General Home Safety: Test smoke alarms regularly, charge devices safely and store chemicals out of reach.
Burn injuries continue to be a significant public health issue, with more than 398,000 people seeking medical care for burns in the U.S. in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Compared to the overall population, children under five were twice 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.
UofL Hospital is home to the first and only verified Burn Center in Kentucky. Our staff works as a multidisciplinary team to care for patients with chemical, electrical, flame, thermal and scald burns, as well as patients with complex wounds and skin conditions. We see 300-350 patients annually from all over the tri-state area, and our goal is to assist patients and families toward recovery and getting back to their life.
For more information about the Burn Center, call 502-562-BURN (2876). Also, see resources from the ABA.
