DHR Health, McAllen Fire Department to host burn prevention awareness event

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — DHR Health and the McAllen Fire Department are hosting an event in honor of National Burn Awareness Week.

This year, National Burn Awareness is observed from February 2 through the 8.

The free community event aims to provide public safety tips and resources on burn injury prevention.

"I think one of the most important things for burn prevention is burn awareness," said Dr. R. Dewayne Edward, DHR Health Level 1 Trauma Center surgeon.

Edward says the vast majority of burns seen at DHR are scald burns, which are caused by contact with hot liquids or steam.

"Hot liquids burn far more people in the Valley than actual fires and children are more susceptible to those burns," Edward continued.

McAllen Fire Department's mascot Sparky the Fire Dog and DHR Health's mascot, Dr. Ted E. Bear, will also offer safety tips.

The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the McAllen Palm View Library located at 3401 Jordan Rd.