Proclamation 

National Burn Awareness Week (#NBAW), February 1 – 7, 2026

WHEREAS, burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury in our Nation, where tragically, children, the elderly, and the disabled are especially vulnerable to burn injuries, and almost one-third of all burn injuries occur in children under the age of 15; and 

WHEREAS, in the United States, the CDC reports that 398,000 people received medical care for burn injuries in 2021, with 252,000 deaths from injuries related to hot objects or substances (e.g., contact burns); and 

WHEREAS, compared to the overall population, children under five were 2.0 times as likely to be seen for burn injuries at a hospital emergency department. Young adults from 20 to 29 had 1.4 times the risk, and those in the 30-39 age group had 1.3 times the risk of the general population; and 

WHEREAS, the primary causes of injury include fire-flame, scalds, contact with hot objects, and electrical and chemicals. Many injuries occur in the workplace. Today, 96.8% of those who suffer burn injuries will survive. Unfortunately, many of those survivors will sustain serious scarring, life-long physical disabilities, adjustment difficulties; and 

WHEREAS, National Burn Awareness Week, an initiative of the American Burn Association, is a coming together of burn, fire, and life safety educators to make the public aware of the frequency, devastation, and causes of burn injury as well as consistent and authoritative measures to prevent these injuries and how to best care for those who are injured; and 

WHEREAS, the theme for 2026 National Burn Awareness Week is “Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play – Preventing Burns in the Workplace”, where a common risk of injury exists from fire injury in the workplace; and 

WHEREAS, significant research and medical advances have dramatically improved burn care and treatment, aided rehabilitation, shortened hospital stays, and increased burn survival rates. Aftercare support for the physical and emotional effects of burns has also played a key role in the successful reintegration of burn survivors into our communities. Furthermore, burn safety education and prevention efforts continue to reduce the number of people who suffer burns each year; and 

WHEREAS, many people devote their lives and careers to treating, caring for, supporting, and rehabilitating burn injury survivors, including those performing vital work in burn research and development. Dedicated firefighters risk their own lives every day to protect others, as well as burn foundations and other life safety professionals who promote burn injury awareness and prevention. 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Madison County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaim the week of February 1st through February 7th, 2026, as National Burn Awareness Week. 

Approved National Burn Awareness Week (#NBAW) Proclamation (PDF)