In 2016, 3,390 civilians died from fire-related injuries. This included 2,880 deaths in residential structural fires, 150 deaths in other structural fires, 355 deaths in vehicle fires, and 85 deaths in other types of fires.
In addition to these deaths, many serious and expensive burn injuries occurred. It is estimated that more than 485,000 people receive medical attention for burns in the United States and Canada every year. Minor burns may be treated doctors’ offices, while more significant burns are typically treated in emergency rooms and burn centers.
Burn injuries can be devastating. They are painful and can result in lasting physical problems depending on the specific part of the body that is hurt and the degree of the burn.
The best way to avoid burn injuries and fatalities to is prevent fires from occurring. Accordingly, the American Burn Association has designated the first week of February as Burn Awareness Week. This year from February 4–10, 2018, the American Burn Association is calling on various organizations to raise awareness about burns and how to prevent them.
It’s a M.O.B Mentality
The 2018 theme for Burn Awareness Week is Mechanisms of Burn (M.O.B). The national campaign features a law and order theme where the many causes of burn injuries are featured as criminals that are being sought by “Police Commissioner Sean O’Safety.” The campaign seeks to educate people about how the different causes of fires can result in different burns and about how different people (such as young children) may be hurt in different ways.
What If You’ve Already Suffered a Burn Injury?
If you’ve already been hurt in a fire, then you may be eager to participate in this burn awareness education campaign so that you can help prevent other people from suffering similar injuries. Additionally, you are rightfully focused on your own recovery. It is important to talk to your doctors about all of your treatment options and to consult with a lawyer if you were hurt in a fire that was caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact us online or call us directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule your free constulation.