The Happiest Place on Earth

Maria Melendrez

By: Maria Melendrez

The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation has been essential in my growth and development as a young adult. The Foundation has become my second family, a family who has provided me with something money cannot buy: self esteem, support, and happiness.

When I was five years old I began attending Champ Camp. I was scared and insecure. Not only because I was going to be away from my mother, but because I was not a fluent English speaker. However, being part of an environment where I did not have to hide my scars and be afraid of what others might say or think, made me feel like I was at home. My cabin mates and counselors taught me some English in order for me to be able to communicate with everyone.  By the end of the week I was happy and sad to go home. I was entirely happy because I would be with my family and share the adventures that I had experienced, but I was sad because I wanted to continue to have fun and be MYSELF!

After the first time I went to camp everything was different, the fear of being rejected was not as strong as before and the need to hide my scars did not fill my head. My family was very pleased with my new attitude. As a child I was not aware that I had grown up so much within just one week; a week that I look forward to with great enthusiasm. Champ Camp is a wonderful place, not only because of the beauty that surrounds it but because of the beauty that makes it. What makes camp are the counselors, campers and of course everyone who fundraises and donates to make it possible. Throughout the years I have continued to grow. I am very comfortable with myself and I am proud to be a burn survivor.

Champ Camp and the events throughout the year bring together many different people, with different ethnic backgrounds, showing us that we are not alone in the struggle against our insecurities and traumas. For example, this past year I overcame the fear that I felt towards the ocean and tried surfing with great people that gave me comfort and strength to overcome my fear. But what I am proud of the most is the fact that now I am able to walk around with a sleeveless shirt allowing my scars to be shown.

The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation has inspired me to give back the support and the love. I am proud to say that I have begun giving back by volunteering in two different events. Those events are the beginning of a long journey that awaits me whether it is as a doctor, nurse or firefighter! I am not sure how it is that I will give back yet, but I always keep in mind that if it was not for the Foundation I would have not the confidence and self empowerment to fight against the odds.

For more information on this year’s Champ Camp please visit http://www.aarbf.org/services/champcamp.htm.

Have a Fire-Safe Holiday!

Each year, nearly 156,000 fires in the United States occur during the winter holiday season claiming nearly 630 lives, 2,600 injuries, and $936 million in property damage. Of these, 47,000 residential structure fires kill 530, injure 2,200, and cause an estimated $554 million in property damage.

Fire loads increase throughout the home during the holiday season. Many homes are decorated with seasonal garlands, electric lights, candles, banners, or displays. Probably the most popular addition to the home during the holiday season, and a significant fire hazard, is the Christmas tree. Dried – out fir and pine Christmas trees ignite easily and can accelerate fire growth by spreading rapidly to nearby combustible materials in the home.

Safety Tips

Watch children:

See that matches and lighters are out of their reach. Teach them to stay away from candles, fireplaces, fireworks, and space heaters.

Choose Toys Wisely:

For Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, and birthdays, pass up those that could be highly flammable. Make sure electric toys are labeled for fire safety, and keep them from your tree.

Give Space to Space Heaters:

Make sure you have at least three feet from any combustible surface. Never use gasoline, or diesel fuel; only kerosene fuel goes in a kerosene heater. Make sure this type of heater is legal in your area.

Party Safely:

New Years, Hanukkah, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Birthdays – make sure every festive occasion is fire safe. Costumes and decorations must be flame-retardant or non-combustible. Keep matches way from small children

Check Out Lights:

Make sure all Christmas and Hanukkah lights are labeled by a testing laboratory. Replace any worn sets or those with loose connections. Outside, use labeled outdoors lighting. Inside, do not overload outlets. Never put lights on a metal tree. Always unplug everything before you leave your home or go to bed.

A Fire-safe Fireplace:

Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, if necessary, at least once a year to clear out soot and creosote that can ignite and burn. Always use a firescreen. Only burn materials designed for a fireplace, never paper which can fly out your chimney. Put ashes in metal containers and never store them in your home. It is a good idea to have a spark arrester installed on top of your chimney.

Care with Candles:

Always put candles in candlesticks before you light them. Keep candles away from curtains or other combustible materials. Never put them in windows or near exits. Never leave candles in reach of small children.

Choose a Fresh Tree:

Look for a tree without shedding needles. Trim it’s trunk at an angle before you put it in a non-tip stand. Make sure it is watered constantly and placed way from all exits and sources of heat. All man-made trees should have fire-retardant labels.

Install Smoke Detectors:

Place smoke detectors on every level in your home. Check their alarms according to manufacturer’s directions and change the batteries at least twice a year.

Source: National Fire Protection Association 2009

Have a Fire-Safe Holiday!

Preschoolers Ride Tricycles for AARBF

Preschoolers at BTEEP riding their tricycles to raise money for burn-injured children.

On Wednesday, November 18, dozens of excited preschoolers in bike helmets rang their handlebar bells as they raced tricycles at the Burbank Temple Emanu El Preschool (BTEEP) during their annual Mitzvah Day Trike-A-Thon. An enthusiastic crowd cheered on the kids who were raising money for their school and AARBF. Donations were based on the number of laps that were completed by the preschoolers. Proceeds received by AARBF will go to Little Heroes, a camp for pre-school burn survivors.

“The Trike-A-Thon is always so much fun for the kids and their families, and it is a great way to raise funds to support the important work that non-profit organizations do right here in our city,” said BTEEP Director Carol Miller.

The day also kicked-off with a presentation from AARBF Burn Prevention Coordinator Margarita Rodriguez. She educated the preschoolers on burn safety by teaching them “Stop, Drop & Roll,” “Hug A Firefighter,” and “Crawl Low and Go,” all important life-saving techniques.

The BTEE preschoolers are thrilled that the money will send burn-injured children in their age group to Little Heroes and AARBF is very proud of the children at BTEEP for their generosity and big, big hearts.

Thanks, BTEEP!

About Burbank Temple Emanu El Preschool

Burbank Temple Emanu El Preschool is a non-profit school for children two years through five years of age. The school is affiliated with the Association of Early Childhood Education and the Jewish Bureau of Early Childhood Education.

About the Little Heroes

In partnership with the Firefighters Burn Institute, AARBF hosts the Little Heroes Preschool Burn Camp, a model burn recovery program designed for pre-school burn survivors ages 3-6 years old, their siblings and caregiver(s).  This unique three day program empowers children with their families to understand and cope with physical and emotional challenges associated with burn recovery.

If your organization is interested in a burn prevention presentation please contact us at info@aarbf.org.

Preventing Juvenile Set Fires

Juvenile firesetting is a rapidly growing problem. Every year over half of all arson arrests are juveniles – which is the only crime in which juveniles are arrested more than adults. Children who set fires either accidently or on purpose cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage each year. Juvenile set fires are not only costly, but extremely dangerous as well. Juvenile firesetting places the lives of the firesetter, other family members, other people in the community, and firefighters at risk. Juvenile firesetting accounts for over 300 deaths and 2000 injuries a year. It should also be noted that over 30% of the fires that kill children are set by children.

Did you know that the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation has an intervention program for juveniles who have set fire or are interested in fire play? Most children, at some point in their lives, will play with fire. Over 80% of these children, without intervention, will likely play with fire again. AARBF’s Fire FRIENDS (Regional Intervention, Education, Network & Delivery System) program helps to drastically decrease juvenile set fires.

Fire FRIENDS is a program located out of Orange County that provides intervention education to juveniles who are at risk of playing or setting a fire. Every year over 100 children ages 4-18 are taught about the danger of fire and the consequences of certain decisions.

Partnering with Orange County fire departments, OC probation & court system, Chapman University, and other parents and educators, Fire FRIENDS provides vital intervention and education on several different levels, ranging from 1 hour fire prevention course, to 6 hour classes that teach not only fire prevention, but also legal consequences, and how to make good choices. Behavioral health services are also offered to Fire FRIENDS enrollees.

Fire FRIENDS recognizes that there are many reasons children set fires; either out of curiosity, as a cry of help, or for more delinquent reasons. Fire FRIENDS successfully helps each child and family, no matter what the cause, by helping not only to change the behavior, but to change what causes the behavior as well.

Is your child showing interest in fire? Use the opportunity to teach your child about the dangers of fire. If the problem still persists, you may want to contact your local fire department. It only takes one match to cause so much damage.

If you are interested in the Fire FRIENDS program or would like to help us support this valuable resource, you can visit our website at http://firefriends.org/ or contact Lindsay Chisler at 1-888-492-2876 or Lchisler@aarbf.org.

Central Coast Relay

Firefighters, Sparky the Dog and Smokey the Bear demonstrating prevention messages.

The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation Burn Relay in San Luis Obisbo County had two goals this year; raising money for the foundation and teaching fire safety.  It was very apparent that both of these goals were met as firefighters gathered at the Farmers’ Market in San Luis Obispo Thursday night after a day of visiting schools throughout the county.

They were joined by Action News’ own Tony Cipolla and Sheri Small teaching fire safety to more than 6,000 kids across the county.

AARBF would like to send a special thank you to each of the participating agencies:  Arroyo Grande Fire, Atascadero City Fire, Camp Roberts Fire, Cayucos Fire, Grover Beach Fire, Morro Bay Fire, Paso Robles Departments of Emergency Services, Oceano Fire, San Luis Obispo Fire, San Miguel Fire, Santa Margarita Fire, Templeton Fire, Diablo Canyon Fire, Hearst Castle Fire, CAL FIRE/San Luis Obisbo County Fire, Cambria Fire Department, Diablo Canyon Fire. This event would not be without the continued support of the Chiefs in each of these communities.  We would also like to personally thank Captain Steve Knuckles of the Morro Bay Fire Department, Bill Murphy, Chief Rikki Heath, and  Es Berliner with CAL FIRE for their continued dedication to organize and execute such a wonderful event.

Firefighters were able to raise nearly $13,000 for the foundation!  To view photos please visit click here.

Have a Fun, Not Scary Halloween

By: Amy Hengst

Halloween is supposed to be spooky in a fun way, not terrifying. But when I was just seven, my costume caught fire and I ended up in the hospital for a week.

My story will show you why it’s important to follow fire safety tips for Halloween.

Our neighbors around the corner had set up a haunted house in their garage that year. I was waiting in line and peered inside. There I saw a skeleton, lit by black–light, sitting up in mechanical slow motion.

What my mom didn’t know was the neighbor’s kids had set up the haunted

house, and had put pumpkins around the yard with candles behind them.

My skirt grazed a candle, and I looked down and saw the bright orange flames. I was on fire. I couldn’t think—I just started running.

My mother knew “Stop, Drop, & Roll” and pushed me to the ground to put the fire out. When the firefighters arrived, they held up my arm to pour cold liquid over my burns. I could see black folds of skin and grass peeling off.

After the accident, I was hospitalized for a week and wore pressure garments for two years to reduce scarring.

Since then, products like battery tea­–lights and fire–retardant costumes have become more commonplace. Yet, accidents still happen.

Follow these tips to keep your kids and neighbors safe for Halloween:

• Use electric or battery lights instead of candles.
• If you must use candles, place them carefully inside the pumpkin
• Keep lit candles out of reach of dangling clothing or props
• Supervise children carefully while setting out decorations and trick-or-treating
• Wear fire–retardant costumes
• Remember, “Stop, Drop & Roll.”
• Check that children’s costume props aren’t sharp and make sure they are carrying props safely
• Help point out and educate children about any dangers you see
• Be aware of other holiday dangers when carving pumpkins, baking, and so on.
• Use safety tools, and keep fire, hot water, and other dangerous elements out of reach.”

Be Fire Smart and Don’t Get Burned

October 4-10th is Fire Prevention Week, a time to focus on burn awareness and prevention. Keep your family and home safe from the leading causes of home fires.

Here are some tips to prevent fires in your home:

• Make sure your furnace or chimney is checked every year.
• Check to see if you smoke detector is working properly once a month.
• When you change your clocks, change the batteries in your smoke detector.
• Make sure all electrical cords are in good condition.
• Plug appliances and lights into separate outlets.
• Put portable space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire and never leave them on when there is no adult supervision.
• Develop a home escape plan – get instructions here.
• Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended, especially if you have children.
• Keep your clothes dryer vent and filter free of lint.

In 2007, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 399,000 house fires and 2,865 deaths reported in the United States. Most of these fires and injuries can be prevented by taking basic safety precautions and practicing a family escape plan. So when you go home, review this information with your family to stay fire smart and to not get burned.

For more fire safety checklists and interactive games, visit NFPA!

To learn more about how to prevent burns and fires, call your local AARBF office and speak with a burn prevention coordinator.

USS Hornet 2009

Welcome to the USS Hornet!

You are invited to attend the AARBF USS Hornet overnight adventure on Saturday, November 7^th in Alameda. Your family will experience what life was like aboard a “floating city,” and explore the decks of this famous WWII ship from the captain’s bridge, and the engine room. Take a thrilling ride on the flight simulator and investigate modern and vintage aircrafts. You will be walking in the footsteps of astronauts and heroes because the Hornet was chosen to recover the first men to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 and 12 lunar mission astronauts! The USS Hornet event is $25 per person and includes dinner and breakfast. Scholarships may be available. For more information, or to register, call Carolyn in the San Francisco Office at 1-800-755-BURN.

The Tropical Getaway 2009

The Getaway 2008 participants

The Getaway 2009

Join us for a weekend away from it all! This year AARBF is transforming our camp for adult burn survivors and their families into the “The Tropical Getaway 2009.”  Over the Labor Day weekend, September 5^th -7^th, 2009 at Camp Oakhurst, AARBF will be bringing people from all over California to reconnect, meet other families… and try something new!

Some highlights planned for The Getaway this year:

Support Groups:  Each day adults will have the opportunity to talk about challenges they face and ways they are working through those challenges. 

Kids’ Club:  Every day kids of all ages will have activities to participate in, including a nature hike, obstacle course and arts and crafts.

Talent Show: It’s back! Bring your talent and show case your family’s talents and be the star of the show.

Family Olympics: Everyone will work together to compete in the all-camp Olympic games that will involve water games, races and tons of fun.

High Ropes Course:  Participants will have the opportunity to complete an obstacle course 30 feet in the air, face your fears with your family by your side.

 

Every aspect of camp is designed to give families the chance to enjoy each other, so join us this year as we transform Camp Oakhurst into your family’s Tropical Getaway.  Can’t wait to see you and your families there!

Please click here to acces the event and the registration information.  If you have any questions please contact Elizabeth Long at elong@aarbf.org or 1-888-492-BURN (2876)

Tips for a Safe Summer

 

Practice vigilance and protect your family from fire and burn injuries this summer! According to the American Burn Association (ABA), outdoor grilling and fireworks cause a shocking 12,000 fires a year and over 4,000 deaths are fire and burn-related.

You can keep the summer fun and safe by following these practical and easy safety tips:

Sun Safety

• Keep children under two years old out of direct sun.
• Always use and reapply sunscreen with a UV-A and UV-B protection.
• Use sun protective clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• If sunburned, do not treat it with petroleum jelly, butter, harsh soaps, over-the-counter benzocaine sprays or toothpaste. Instead, use a cool compress or flush it with cool water.

Outdoor Cooking and Camp Fires

• Establish a kid free zone 10 feet around campfires and grills; use chalk to draw a boundary line!
• Never add gasoline or starter fluid to warm coals or leave a fire unattended.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and water accessible.
• Never bury hot coals in sand –extinguish them with water instead.

Fireworks

• Fireworks cause 10,000 injuries yearly, including 4,500 children; 
• Never allow children access to fireworks.
• Do not light fireworks near buildings, trees, or other flammable surfaces and materials.
• Do not hold lit fireworks!
• Leave fireworks to the professionals.

Boating

• Inspect fuel valves and connections frequently.
• Never smoke during refueling.
• Wash skin that has been exposed to gasoline thoroughly.
• Show guests the location of any fire extinguishers.

Emergency Burn Care                                  

• If your clothes catch on fire, STOP, DROP, ROLL!
• You can cool a burn by running cool, not cold, water on it for 15 minutes.
• Remove all clothing from the burn.

Cover with a clean dry cloth and call 911.

For a full toolbox of summer safety tips, check out ABA’s Guide to Summer Safety.