February 3, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal: COLUMBUS, Ohio – In recognition of National Burn Awareness Week, which runs Feb. 2-8, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is raising awareness about steps Ohioans can take to prevent burn-related injuries inside and around their homes.
Organized by the American Burn Association, this annual event emphasizes the importance of burn safety education and taking proactive measures to reduce burn risks in homes, apartments and other living spaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 398,000 individuals seek medical attention for burns each year, with children under five being twice as likely to visit the emergency room for burn-related injuries.
This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live,” encourages Ohioans to take simple yet effective steps to make their homes safer and prevent potentially life-changing burns.
Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon says many burn injuries that happen at home can be avoided.
“There are burn risks in every home across the country, but the good news is the vast majority of burns that occur inside the home are preventable,” Reardon said. “Burn prevention starts with small, deliberate changes that can make a big impact. Through education and proactive measures, Ohioans can help protect their families and reduce the likelihood of burn injuries.”
SFM offers the following tips for reducing burn risks at home:
- Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if necessary.
- Develop, review and practice your fire escape plan.
- Check and learn to use your fire extinguisher.
- Move flammable materials away from heat sources like stoves, space heaters and outlets, and regularly inspect space heaters for damage.
- Commit to kitchen safety; never leave cooking food unattended, use timers and keep handles on cooking pots and pans turned inward.
- Make sure electrical cords are not frayed and never overload outlets.
For more information on burn and fire prevention tips, visit com.ohio.gov/fire and ameriburn.org. You can also learn more about how to reduce burn and fire risks in your home by listening to the latest episode of “Protecting What Matters,” a podcast by the Ohio Department of Commerce.
About the Division of State Fire Marshal
The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio’s chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.
