This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live,” focuses on the simple, everyday actions we can all take to minimize burn hazards in the places we spend the most time—our homes.
Health & Wellness
Burn Awareness Week: Burn Prevention and Expert Burn Care Go Hand-in-Hand
At UC Health, we’re committed to advancing care for patients affected by burns, whether thermal, chemical, or electrical. During Burn Awareness Week 2025, we want to spotlight the critical importance of burn prevention and encourage simple, actionable steps that can protect you and your loved ones at home.
Burn Prevention: Simple Steps for a Safer Home
Burn injuries are some of the most common household incidents, yet many are entirely preventable. Whether it’s a scald burn from hot water, a flame burn from a candle, or an electrical burn from faulty wiring, simple precautions can significantly reduce risk.
Fire Safety Tips for Every Home
Test Smoke Alarms Regularly & Install Smoke Detectors:
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends testing smoke alarms every month.
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and inside bedrooms.
Change batteries at least once a year and replace the entire unit every 10 years.
Use Fire Extinguishers & Fire Safety Plans:
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces.
Teach family members how to use it properly.
Create and practice a fire escape plan with all household members.
Be Cautious with Open Flames & Heating Elements:
Never leave burning candles unattended; use flameless LED alternatives.
Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable materials like curtains and furniture.
Use oven mitts when handling hot cookware to prevent thermal burns.
Store items like cleaning supplies, papers, and other flammable materials away from heat sources or open flames. Store items like cleaning supplies, papers, and other flammable materials away from heat sources or open flames. Make sure your kitchen and storage areas are organized and free of hazards.
Safe Use of Fire Pits & Fireworks:
Fire pits should be at least 10 feet away from buildings and trees.
Supervise children around fire pits and never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
Fireworks are a leading cause of severe burns—leave them to professionals.
Preventing Scald Burns & Hot Liquid Injuries
Adjust Water Heater Temperature:
Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scald burns.
Use anti-scald devices on faucets and showerheads.
Be Cautious with Hot Drinks & Cooking Areas:
Keep hot drinks like coffee and tea away from the edges of tables.
Never carry hot liquids while holding a child.
Turn pot handles inward on the stove to prevent accidental spills.
Protecting Children from Scald Injuries:
Safe Kids Worldwide reports that young children are at the highest risk for scald injuries.
Keep kids out of the kitchen while cooking and use back burners whenever possible.
Electrical & Chemical Burn Prevention
Prevent Electrical Burns:
Avoid overloading outlets and replace damaged electrical cords.
Use outlet covers to protect children from electrical shocks.
Prevent Chemical Burns:
Store flammable liquids, cleaning products, and household chemicals out of reach.
Wear gloves and protective gear when handling chemical product

UC Health’s Commitment to Comprehensive Burn Care
While burn prevention is key, burns still occur, and when they do, you need the highest level of care. UC Health is proud to house the region’s only ABA-Verified Burn Center, which provides the most advanced treatment for thermal, chemical, and electrical burns. Our burn center is equipped to manage all aspects of burn care, from emergency treatment to long-term recovery.
Key Features of UC Health’s Burn Center:
ABA-Verified Burn Center: We adhere to the highest standards of care as recognized by the American Burn Association (ABA). This certification ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment in a facility designed specifically for burn recovery.
Multidisciplinary Team: Burn care requires a team of specialists working together to support each patient. Our team includes burn surgeon
s, nurses, wound care specialists, and therapists, all focused on providing seamless care from the initial treatment to full recovery.
Leading in Innovation: UC Health is a leader in burn care innovation. We are one of the few centers in the region to offer RECELL Treatment, a groundbreaking technology that enhances skin regeneration and accelerates healing. This cutting-edge treatment helps patients recover faster and with less scarring.
Patient-Centered Focus: Our approach is focused on you—the patient. We provide comprehensive, individualized care that supports both your physical and emotional well-being throughout your recovery journey.
Access to the Region’s Only Level 1 Trauma Center
As part of UC Health’s comprehensive academic health system, our burn center is integrated with the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. This means that if you or a loved one experiences a severe burn injury, you can be assured that you will receive the most advanced trauma care, alongside expert burn treatment, all in one location.

The Bottom Line: Prevention and Expert Care Go Hand-in-Hand
Burn prevention is the first step, but in the unfortunate event that a burn occurs, you need access to expert care. At UC Health, we are proud to offer the highest level of burn care in the region, backed by our innovative treatments, multidisciplinary team, and a commitment to patient-centered care.
As we observe Burn Awareness Week this year, take a moment to evaluate your home for potential burn hazards and implement simple safety measures. Your actions can make a life-saving difference. And if a burn injury does happen, trust UC Health’s Burn Center to provide comprehensive, compassionate care every step of the way.
How to Reach UC Health’s Burn Center: 584-BURN
If you or someone you know has suffered a burn injury, do not hesitate to call 584-BURN (584-2876) for immediate assistance. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through the next steps, ensuring that you receive the care you need at the right time. Whether you need urgent medical advice or assistance with transport to our facility, 584-BURN is your first step toward recovery.
Your health and safety are our top priority, and we are here to help every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about UC Health’s Burn Center, its services, or the 584-BURN hotline, feel free to contact us or visit our website for detailed information.