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prevention

Prevent Burns Before They Happen.

Most burn injuries are preventable. The ABA offers trusted resources and practical tips to help raise awareness, promote safety, and protect lives from lasting harm.


National Burn Awareness WeekFact SheetsBurn Incidence Fact Sheet

Who's Treated in Burn Centers?

Insights from the Burn Injury Summary Report reveal who is most affected by severe burns and how care is provided across U.S. burn centers.

97.7% Survival Rate

Specialized burn care leads to high survival rates. 

40 = Median Age

Patients range widely in age, with a median of 40 years. 

66% Male, 34% Female

Men make up two-thirds of burn center admissions. 

41.7% Flash/Flame Burns

The most common cause of admission—open flames and flash burns.

32.2% Scald Burns

Scald injuries are the second leading cause of admissions.

10.8% Contact Burns

Caused by direct contact with hot surfaces, metals, or appliances—often in home or workplace settings.

3.7% Chemical Burns

Result from exposure to strong acids or alkalis—common in industrial settings or household cleaning accidents.

2.9% Electrical Burns

Caused by electrical current passing through the body, can lead to deep tissue injury not visible on the surface. 

8.7% Other Causes

Includes less frequent sources like radiation, friction, or unknown causes not categorized elsewhere. 

What Do National Burn Injury Numbers Tell Us?

Burn injuries affect hundreds of thousands annually, with most being preventable. The Burn Incidence & Treatment in the U.S. Fact Sheet sheds light on how, when, and where burns occur, informing prevention, education, and outreach efforts.

398000

Fire or burn-related injuries (2021) 

Reported by CDC as hospital-treated burns from fires and flames. 

252000

Contact burn injuries (2021) 

Injuries from hot objects or substances, also reported by CDC.

698555

Burn-related insurance claims (2020) 

Includes multiple visits; reflects healthcare system interactions.

3800

Fire/smoke inhalation deaths annually

One death every 2 hours 17 minutes, mostly from structure fires.

29165

Burn admissions per year

Hospital admissions for burns, nationwide estimate. 

37.5%

Admissions May–August

Peak burn season, accounting for over one-third of yearly admissions. 

2.7%

Overall inpatient mortality

Mortality rate for all hospital burn admissions.

52.4%

Minor burns admissions

More than half have minor injuries with very low mortality (0.36%). 

17.8%

Mortality for extensive burns

High risk for those needing surgery and prolonged ventilation. 

Burn Prevention Fact Sheets

Easy-to-use resources designed to raise awareness of common burn risks and provide practical tips to keep individuals, families, and communities safe. View all. 

Home & Everyday Safety

Burn injuries often happen during everyday routines.


Contact Burns
Cooking Safety for All
Dry Ice Burns
View All

Children & Teens Safety

Children are especially vulnerable to burns from hot liquids, fire, and unsafe behaviors. 


Campus Safety
Pediatric Scalds: A Burning Issue
Vaping Safety
View All

Outdoor & Recreational Safety

Outdoor activities carry unique fire and burn risks.


Campfire Safety
Fireworks – Leave the Show to the Pros
Frostbite and Hypothermia
View All

Education, Data, & Advocacy

Explore tools that support education, advocacy, and research in burn prevention. 


Burn Incidence & Treatment in the U.S. Fact Sheet
Position Statement on Home Oxygen Use
Portable Fuel Container Act
ABA Advocacy Highlights
View All

National Burn Awareness Week (#NBAW)

February 1–7, 2026

Make Workplaces Safer 

Explore tools and tips to prevent burn injuries, from office kitchens to construction sites. 

Materials available Fall 2025 

Workplace Burn Tips

(Coming Fall 2025)

Poster Contest

(Available Now)

Campaign Graphics

Save time by leveraging our pre-made visual assets in English and Spanish.

(Coming Fall 2025)

Social Media Video Award

(Coming Fall 2025)

Proclamation

(Coming Fall 2025)

Press Release

(Coming Fall 2025)

Get Involved Today

Join a nationwide effort to raise awareness and promote burn prevention in homes, workplaces, and communities.

Join the ABA Poster Contest

Inspire awareness through art. This year’s contest invites young burn survivors and burn camp participants to share their stories and promote burn safety through creative expression. 


Learn More

ABA's Social Media Video Program

Raise your voice for burn prevention. Submit a video for the ABA Award or to be featured during National Burn Awareness Week 2026, and help spread awareness in a powerful, personal way.


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Advocacy

The ABA champions increased research funding and drives policies that prevent burn injuries and improve care and outcomes for patients and survivors. 


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