Stay Safe: National Burn Awareness Week with BrightStar Care
National Burn Awareness Week, observed during the first full week of February, is a crucial time to raise awareness about burn prevention and safety. At BrightStar Care of Santa Barbara and W. Ventura County, we are committed to educating our community about burn hazards and how to prevent them, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges. To wrap up the week, here are some tips.
Understanding Burn Risks
Burns can happen anywhere — at home, in the workplace, or outdoors. The most common causes include:
Simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of burns:
Despite precautions, burns can still happen. If they do:
Our nurses and caregivers provide support to those recovering from burns, ensuring they receive proper wound care, pain management, and assistance with daily activities. We are dedicated to keeping our community safe and informed.
Take the time to review safety measures in your home and workplace. Small steps can make a big difference in preventing burn injuries!
National Burn Awareness Week, observed during the first full week of February, is a crucial time to raise awareness about burn prevention and safety. At BrightStar Care of Santa Barbara and W. Ventura County, we are committed to educating our community about burn hazards and how to prevent them, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges. To wrap up the week, here are some tips.
Understanding Burn Risks
Burns can happen anywhere — at home, in the workplace, or outdoors. The most common causes include:
- Scalds from hot liquids like coffee, tea, or boiling water
- Contact burns from stoves, irons, or space heaters
- Electrical burns from exposed wires or malfunctioning appliances
- Chemical burns from household cleaners or industrial substances
- Sunburns, particularly in our sunny California climate
Simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of burns:
- Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) to prevent scalding.
- Use oven mitts when handling hot cookware.
- Keep hot liquids and appliances out of children’s reach.
- Check smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are functional.
- Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Despite precautions, burns can still happen. If they do:
- Cool the burn with cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10-15 minutes.
- Cover with a clean, non-stick bandage to protect the area.
- Avoid applying butter or ointments, which can trap heat.
- Seek medical attention if the burn is severe, covers a large area, or is caused by chemicals or electricity.
Our nurses and caregivers provide support to those recovering from burns, ensuring they receive proper wound care, pain management, and assistance with daily activities. We are dedicated to keeping our community safe and informed.
Take the time to review safety measures in your home and workplace. Small steps can make a big difference in preventing burn injuries!