CLEVELAND — February 7 kicks off National Burn Awareness Week— a time to focus on preventing burn-related injuries, something the Ohio State Fire Marshal says happens mostly in our homes.
"In the United States, every year about 400,000 people receive medical care for some kind of burn-related injuring," said Kevin Reardon, Ohio State Fire Marshal.
Reardon says Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Ohio responded to almost 2,000 cases of burn-related injuries in 2019 and 2020. This year they hope to spread awareness about electrical burns with the theme "Electrical Safety: From Amps to Zaps." While the data the Fire Marshal receives will not indicate the severity of each burn case, he says all burn cases are preventable.
Here's how you can protect yourself from potential electrical burns:
- Do not overload power outlets.
- If you have a major appliance, like a refrigerator, a stove, or a microwave, dishwasher, plug it directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip.
- Make sure extension cords are not worn, broken, or frayed.
- Do not run extension cords under carpeting.
- Perform routine maintenance on your heating and ventilation systems.
- Do not pull on the end of the cord that's plugged into an outlet.
- Invest in smoke alarms or detectors.
- Have an escape plan.
For more information, click here.
