City of San José

During National Burn Awareness Week (February 2–8, 2025), the San José Fire Department joins the American Burn Association in raising awareness about preventing burn injuries and fires in the home. This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live,” highlights 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.

Burn Prevention Tips

• Kitchen Safety: Store flammable items away from heat, turn pot handles inward, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, keep hot liquids spill-proof, and never leave cooking food unattended.
• Bathroom Precautions: Set your water heater below 120°F and supervise children in the bath.
• Sleeping Areas: Ensure electrical cords are in good condition, avoid heating pads without an auto shut-off feature, and keep heat sources away from fabrics.
• General Home Safety: Test smoke alarms regularly, store flammable items away from heat, and clean lint from the dryer after each use.

Burn injuries continue to be a significant public health issue, with more than 398,000 people seeking medical care for burns in the United States in 2021, according to the CDC. Compared to the overall population, children under five were two times 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.

Remember, burn prevention starts with education and small, actionable changes in our daily lives. For more information, please visit https://ameriburn.org/advocacy-and-prevention/burn-awareness-week. Stay safe, San José!