Illinois e-News Release
For Immediate Release
February 02,2026
Contact: Philip Zaleski, Camp I Am Me Executive Director
JC Fultz, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal PIO
OSFM and Camp I Am Me Unite to Promote Burn Safety During Burn Awareness Week
More than 398,000 people seeking medical care for burns in the United States in 2021
Springfield, IL – The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance are partnering to raise awareness about the importance for burn prevention during Burn Awareness Week February 1-7, 2026. This year’s theme, “Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play – Preventing Burns in the Workplace,” highlights how small, proactive safety steps can prevent serious injuries.
Burn injuries continue to be a significant public health issue, with more than 398,000 people seeking medical care for burns in the United States in 2021, according to the CDC. 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. Many of these injuries occur in the home and are preventable through awareness and education.
The primary causes of injury include fire-flame, scalds, contact with hot objects, and electrical
and chemicals according to the American Burn Association. 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 scaring, life-long physical disabilities, adjustment difficulties.
Burn injuries are among the most traumatic and life-altering injuries a person can experience, affecting individuals physically, emotionally, and financially. Many of these injuries, especially those involving children, are preventable through education, awareness, and proactive safety measures.
“Taking steps to prevent burns may sound simple, but with how busy people are, a simple accident or momentary slip of the mind can lead to a burn injury with impacts that go far beyond the initial incident,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “Groups like Camp I Am Me provide incredible support and help create networks where burn survivors can come together, realize they are not alone, and learn from one another as they move forward and overcome obstacles caused by their injuries.”
Workplace Burn Prevention Tips:
- Heat and Equipment Safety:?Use protective equipment when working with hot surfaces, machinery, or open flames.?
- Chemical Handling:?Follow proper storage, labeling, and handling protocols for hazardous materials.?
- Electrical Awareness:?Inspect cords and equipment regularly and avoid overloading outlets.?
- Training and Preparedness:?Participate in workplace safety training and ensure emergency response plans are visible and accessible.
“Burn Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that prevention saves lives,” said Kelly McElligott, President of Camp I Am Me. “At Camp I Am Me. “We see firsthand how fires and burn injuries can forever change an individual and their family. Our mission is not only to support burn survivors on their healing journey, but also to work alongside the fire service to prevent these injuries from happening in the first place.”
“Firefighters are often the first to witness the devastating consequences of burn injuries,” said Camp I Am Me Executive Director, Philip Zaleski. “By working together with fire departments, schools, state agencies, and likeminded organizations, we can reduce preventable injuries and ensure that when a burn does occur, survivors have the support they need to heal and thrive.”
During Burn Awareness Week, the OSFM and Camp I Am Me encourage families and communities to take simple but meaningful steps to improve safety, including:
- Practicing their home fire escape plan
- Testing smoke alarms monthly
- Keeping children away from cooking and hot liquids
- Set water heaters below 120°F and supervise children during baths
- Teaching children fire safety and burn prevention at an early age
Camp I Am Me is best known for its no cost Summer Camp experience for young burn survivors, providing a safe, empowering environment where children can build confidence, connect with peers who share similar experiences, and rediscover a sense of normalcy. Beyond the overnight camp experience and other support programs offered throughout the year, Camp I Am Me is deeply committed to fire safety and burn prevention education, partnering with Illinois fire departments to deliver community-based programs that reduce the risk of fires and burn injuries.
For more information about Camp I Am Me, its burn survivor programs, or fire safety and burn prevention initiatives, visit www.campiamme.org, or follow Camp I Am Me on social media (@campiamme).
About Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance:
Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe, non-judgmental environments for burn survivors to have the opportunity to build their self-esteem and self-confidence as they experience the various programs and activities offered throughout the year. Camp I Am Me provides free programs throughout the year to children, adults, and families that have been affected by burn-related injuries, providing them the much-needed physical, psychological, and emotional support they deserve.
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