LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Surrounded by a group of firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and medical professionals, Commissioner Mike Alderson Jr. announced Tuesday that St. Mary’s County would join the national initiative to observe National Burn Awareness Week in 2025. Led by the American Burn Association, this initiative seeks to spread awareness and promote burn prevention in communities across the nation.
“I think it gets overlooked a lot,” Alderson said during his opening remarks. “We encourage all residents to observe this week by supporting fire safety education, honoring the work of our first responders and medical professionals, and committing to burn prevention in our community.”
On display during the announcement was the essential relationship between MedStar Health, first responders, and the general community of St. Mary’s County, which work together tirelessly to safeguard lives.
One former firefighter, while describing her experience responding to a young woman who suffered severe burns after a friend poured gasoline on a campfire, captured the spirit of the week.
“These are 100% preventable,” she said. “And when you follow the course of someone’s tragedy… this young lady I speak of is now married, has her college education, and is pursuing her life dreams. But that tragedy—for that family, for that individual, for that community—is really impactful to them, to the first responders, and to the healthcare professionals that care for them. And if by one story we can prevent that for one additional family, that impact is so far-reaching.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 398,000 people suffered fire- or burn-related injuries in 2021, and 252,000 sustained injuries from contact burns via hot objects, with a combined total of 650,000 victims. Around 30,000 people are admitted to hospitals across the country annually. Thanks to modern medicine, 97.7% of all burn victims ultimately recover to some extent, with most recovering fully to lead normal lives. However, an estimated 3,800 fire-related deaths occur every year, averaging one death every two hours and 17 minutes.
This year, the American Burn Association has announced that the focus of National Burn Awareness Week will be on fires within living spaces. The association provides the following guidelines to help prevent household fires and hopes that by spreading awareness, more families can avoid the trauma they often bring.
General Fire Safety Tips
- Keep cords out of reach.
- Do not leave candles unattended.
- Check smoke alarms monthly.
- Charge devices and store chemicals according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Preventing Fire Hazards While Cooking
- Turn pot handles inward.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Use oven mitts when handling hot items.
- Don’t multitask when carrying hot food.
- Use stable, heat-resistant dishes.
- Keep hot liquids spill-proof.
- Use timers when cooking.
Handling Hot Items Safely
- Use oven mitts when handling hot items.
- Don’t multitask when carrying hot food.
Cooking and Eating Smarter
- Use stable, heat-resistant dishes.
- Keep hot liquids spill-proof.
- Use timers when cooking.
Storage Areas and Small Spaces
- Store flammable items away from heat.
- Clean lint from the dryer after each use.
- Ensure ventilation in small storage areas.
Bathroom Safety
- Set the water heater below 120°F.
- Check bathwater with a thermometer.
- Supervise children in the bath.
Sleeping Areas
- Extinguish candles before sleeping.
- Check heating devices for safety.
- Keep heat sources three feet away from fabrics.
- Avoid heating pads without an auto shut-off feature.
- Ensure cords are in good condition.
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