To shed light on the dangers and prevention of burn injuries associated with flammable liquids, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has thrown its weight behind National Burn Awareness Week, which runs from February 4-10. With "Flammable Liquids Burn" as its theme this year, the OSFM is aiming to educate the public on the necessity of caution when handling potentially dangerous substances.
The menace posed by unintentional burns is serious, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reporting that in 2020, 276,086 individuals required medical treatment following such injuries, while fires and smoke inhalation claimed 3,028 lives. Data gathered by the American Burn Association from 87 hospitals indicated that 91,875 people received in-hospital treatment for burns during that time, with scalds making up 32% of these cases.
Furthermore, the OSFM has brought to attention that some demographics, including children under five, are at double the risk of hospitalization due to burn injuries compared to the general population. This finding is meant to underscore the vulnerability of specific age groups and individuals, as highlighted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which states that scald burns from everyday hot liquids are a leading cause of burn injuries.
Providing insight into the lifelong challenges burn survivors face, Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera, emphasized that "the lasting physical and mental scars from a burn injury on a survivor can be life-changing," adding that these scars could lead to isolation due to both the physical and mental limitations. The statement obtained by the OSFM detailed programs and support networks available in Illinois aimed at helping individuals overcome the debilitating effects of their injuries.
Building on Fire Marshal Rivera's sentiments, Philip Zaleski, Executive Director of Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, highlighted the impact of their programs on burn victims, stating, "Our summer camp and other programs support children and adults affected by burn-related injuries, bringing much-needed strength and happiness to survivors and their families." He articulated the philosophy that despite outward changes, "I Am Me" helps survivors to affirm their unaltered identity.
