The American Burn Association is excited to officially kick off this year’s National Burn Awareness Week, Electrical Safety from Amps to Zap (A to Z) starting February 7 through February 13, 2021.
“More than 400,000 people receive treatment for burn injuries each year, tragic accidents that young children are more vulnerable to than adults. To mark the seriousness of these injuries and honor the work of the burn centers, teams and patients, I am proud to join with Representative Joyce to introduce a bipartisan resolution to commemorate National Burn Awareness Week,” says Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05). “We are joining together to honor those impacted by these tragic accidents and raise awareness about the importance of working to prevent burn injuries. We also join to thank the first responders and health care providers who care for burn patients each and every day.”
National Burn Awareness Week (NBAW) is a window of opportunity for organizations to mobilize burn, fire, and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities. This year’s theme focuses on electrical safety, a common risk of injury that exists from unprotected electrical outlets, improperly used extension cords, lightning, and workplace electrical injuries.
“Each and every day, we are helping survivors of preventable burn injuries. The statistics are compelling, yes, but the most important thing to remember is that each survivor is a person, with a family and a life ahead of them, says William L. Hickerson, MD, FACS, President of the American Burn Association. “We want to educate the public on commonsense steps they can take to protect themselves and those they love.”
The ABA will be hosting an NBAW webinar Wednesday, February 10, at 8:00 AM CT on Electrical Burn Injury: Impact, Prevention, Care, and Recovery. ABA Burn Prevention Committee Chair, Stephanie Campbell, MS, RN, will moderate a multi-disciplinary panel about electrical burn injuries and their impact.
Annually, the ABA develops educational resources to assist in promoting the week-long event among the burn community including a guide on opportunities to participate in, a proclamation, and social media graphics.
We invite you to use #NBAW on social media, add your own letter to the alphabet for electrical safety, or share one of our pre-made graphics, all available at ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-awareness-week.
