The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, the state’s only burn center, recognized National Burn Awareness Week Feb. 2 - 8. This year’s theme, Preventing Burns at Home, highlighted education and prevention of burn injuries.
“Even a small burn injury can be a life-changing event,” Alisa Savetamal, MD, center director, told News 12 CT. “Prevention is the best thing.”
“Three-quarters of all burn injuries happen in the home,” said Jason Bresky, RN, trauma and burn injury prevention and outreach coordinator, Bridgeport Hospital.
Experts say the vast majority of burn injuries are preventable.
The American Burn Association identified top areas in the home where people can take simple safety measures:
- Kitchen: Never leave the stove unattended and turn all pot and pan handles inward.
- Bathroom: Set water heaters below 120 degrees Fahrenheit and supervise children during baths.
- Bedroom: Extinguish candles before sleeping and keep heating devices away from other items.
