Burn Injury Resource Center

Is a governmental agency that investigates and responds to any case of potential child abuse or neglect. Its purpose is to ensure that children are safe and to prevent any further abuse or neglect by the parents or the legal caregivers. CPS also helps families to get the services needed to guarantee a safe and a healthy home. CPS protects children from physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect by the parents or the legal caregivers.

A suspected case of child abuse or neglect must be reported. Anyone can report a case of child abuse or neglect but professions who have regular contact with children like hospital personnel, teachers, social workers, and police are required to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect by New York state law. The person who reports a case doesn't need to have any evidence of child abuse or neglect. A suspicion to a reasonable degree based on behaviors, observation and other information is enough to make a report. The 24 hour New York State Central Register number is 1-800-342-3720. When calling the person will be asked specific information and the report will be accepted if the information provided meets the legal criteria for child abuse or neglect. Depending on the county that the family lives in, the report will be given to the CPS in that area.

The CPS will assign a caseworker to meet the family and assess the situation to determine if there is child abuse or neglect and the steps required to deal with it if there is a case.

Among the rights they have, parents have the right to:

1. Be notified that a report has been made and the CPS has to notify the parents in writing within seven days.
2. Be given the contact information of the case worker and his/her supervisor (name, phone number and which department), if not given, the parents should ask for it.
3. Ask for a copy of the information in the Central Register report, all the information in the report can be given to the parents apart from information regarding the person who made the report.
4. Ask the caseworker and the supervisor about the case progress and its status.
5. Parents should save all the documents and papers they get and attend all the meetings regarding the case.
6. Be told by CPS about your rights if a case of child abuse or neglect is found.
7. Request to change the information in the report if the parents think that the information in the report is inaccurate.
8. Ask any question they have about the case. Don't hesitate to ask any question you have about your case.

Talk to the caseworker you are assigned to if you are not getting the services that you need. Services that are available differ from one place to another. Some programs and community services are free.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. It is quite toxic to humans and other oxygen-breathing organisms. Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when enough carbon monoxide is inhaled. (See carbon monoxide poisoning)

Low levels of carbon monoxide are always present in air. It can also be produced from incomplete combustion of flame fueled devices such as fireplaces, furnaces, stoves, vehicles, space heaters and others.

Breathing carbon monoxide fumes decreases the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low levels of oxygen can lead to cell death, including cells in vital organs such as the brain and heart.

A carbon monoxide detector is a device with an alarm that is designed to detect elevated levels of carbon monoxide, the detectors can be AC powered, battery operated or hardwired. The AC powered unit may have a battery backup. As the weight of CO is almost identical to the weight of normal air, the detector can be installed near the ceiling or on a wall. The detector shouldn't be placed near a fireplace and shouldn't be installed near a smoke detector so that you are able to distinguish between a CO and a smoke detector alarm when there is an emergency situation.

CO detectors should be present in every home and each level needs a separate detector. If you have one CO detector it should be installed near the sleeping area and make sure that the alarm is loud enough so that you can wake up when it sounds.

When the alarm sounds, don't panic, try to stay calm because the alarm is intended to sounds before you experience symptoms. Evacuate the house, gather all the members of household out to a safe area where there is fresh air. Check if anyone is experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (see CO poisoning), if yes than call 911. Ventilate the area and identify the source of the carbon monoxide and make sure that your appliances are checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Prevention of CO poisoning:

• Install a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Test and replace the detector according to the instructions of the manufacture, check the batteries according to the manufacture instruction.
• Check the battery once per year.
• Inspect and properly maintain heating system, chimneys and appliances.
• Use non electrical space heaters only in well ventilated areas.
• Don't use a gas oven or stove to heat your house.
• Don't burn charcoal inside your home, garage, tent or camper.
• Don't leave cars running inside the garage.
• If you are using a kerosene heater indoors, make sure there is good ventilation

When buying a CO detector consider the location you want to install the detector in, the power source and the installation ease.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

From the book I Will Not Be Broken by Jerry white.

Some people stay victims which is a type of defense mechanism that follows trauma. Sympathy is welcomed at time of need but some people continue to invite that sympathy because it is comfortable. Every survivor eventually has to take responsibility for his/her life and break this habit of victimhood.

Saying things like "if only I return back to the past to make this right" or "if I didn't drive the car on that time", if only so and so hadn't happen and so on will not change anything and will keep you attached to thoughts that will pull you in the darkness of the past. People who can't let go of their Victimhood will not be able to think positively, take positive actions or relate in a healthy way to others. They will not participate in daily life in an effective way.

You have to make choices to nourish the survivor in you and others. Finding your inner thriver and ignoring your inner victim. By tracing how you think and speak, you can climb out of victimhood. Try to do things that you like such as listening to your favorite songs, donating money to charities, volunteering charity work or other things that work best for you which will help you to find your thrive within you.

Tulsa Firefighters Educational Clowns Burn Camp:

Oklahoma

This is a 5 day camp for burned children and children who have any disfiguring type of injuries. More than 100 counselors and volunteers participate in this camp ranging from firefighters, burn nurses and many other volunteers. Camp activities include western town theme, go cart track, petting zoo, team building games and much more. Children in this camp have fun, learn and have an experience that they won't forget. Every year there is a different theme and each child will receive many things including a burn camp shirt, hat, camp packet, toys and much more.

For more details see the website.

Email: huffytheclown@cox.net

Phone number: 918- 857-6351/ 918-698-8812 /Cellular: 918- 693-3376

Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation: Camp Oo-U-La

Georgia

This camp is sponsored entirely by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation and is totally free of charge. It's the first and only camp serving children who survived a burn injury. In this camp survivors will have the opportunity to face social and physical challenges among their peers in a friendly, family type setting. The camp has goals, in this camp an atmosphere of conditionless love and acceptance is provided. Many activities will be provided that give the survivors a sense of accomplishment. Survivors will share their similar experiences and will form a social network that will help building self-esteem. In this camp the child will be seen on the inside not just the scars on the outside. The staff is dedicated to do their best to help and support these children and many of them are burn survivors themselves.

For more details see the website.

Email: campdirector@gfbf.org

Phone number: 404-320-6223

Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp:

Illinois

This Camp is open to children ages 8-16 that have experienced a burn injury requiring hospitalization in Illinois. A safe environment will be provided for these children were they will enjoy various activities including swimming, row boating, canoeing, fishing, archery, crafts and much more. Survivors will make new friends, built their self-esteem and share their experience with other survivors.

For more details see the website.

Email: ifsa@ifsa.org

Phone number: 847-390-0911

Missouri Children's Burn Camp:

Missouri

This camp is for children ages 6-17 who have been hospitalized for burns. In this weeklong camp, campers will participate in biking, boating, swimming, horseback riding and many other outdoor activities. Survivors will have fun, learn, share their experience with others and know that they are not the only ones with the burn injury. Survivors will develop new skill, make new friends and will have an experience that will not be forgotten as their lives will be different after this camp.

For more details see the website.

Email: brsg@sbcglobal.net

Phone number: 314-997-2757 or 866-997-BURN or 866-997-2876

Fax: 314-997-0903

Central Virginia Burn Camp:

Virginia

This camp was established in 1994 by the Charlottesville Professional Firefighters Association. Children between the ages of 7 and 17 can attend this camp and participate in various activities in a safe and a fun environment. The staff does their best to meet the physical, social and psychological needs of theses survivors. This camp gives firefighters who are part of the burn staff the opportunity to share their experience with these children. Since its inception firefighters from across the Commonwealth and numerous organizations have assisted in making the Central Virginia Burn Camp a success since.

For more information see the website.

Email: cvbc1999@yahoo.com

Phone number: 434-263-6566

Louisiana Burn Camp:

Louisiana

This Camp is held in June every year at Camp Alabama in Choudrant, LA for Children ages 5 to 17 who have survived burn injuries. Many activities are practiced including fishing, arts & crafts, swimming, boating, canoeing, volleyball and much more. Campers enjoy air-conditioned cabins, pavilion, dining hall, playground, canoeing, swimming pool, and much more.

For more details see the website.

Email: burnfoundation@percyrjonhson.org

Phone Number: 318-675-6853

Camp I-Thonka-Chi:

Texas- Dallas

This camp is sponsored by Parkland Memorial Hospital; the meaning of the camp is "a place that makes one strong or fearless, not afraid to face life". Survivors in this camp participate in various activities which include fishing, canoeing, arts and crafts and much more. Adult burn survivors join the Parkland Burn Center staff to serve as volunteer counselors to the children. Participation by adult burn survivors provides role models who, in spite of similar injuries, have gone on to lead normal, productive lives. Children in this camp share with others burn survivors their experience and what they have gone through making them feel that they are not alone and that there is support.

For more information see the website.

Email: dcrump@parknet.pmh.org

Texas Burn Survivors society- Camp David:

Texas-San Antonio

This camp is designed specifically for pediatric burn survivors aged 7 to 15 and is open to all survivors, regardless of ethnicity, language, or religious affiliation. In this camp which is a week of fun and adventure, children will gain self confidence and learn from others who have been through the same experience. With the help and support of the dedicated staff, these children will learn that nothing is impossible and that there is no limit to their potential. The camp also hosts Teen retreat twice a year which is a three day event, designed for young adults aged 15 to graduating high school senior. Survivors or children and siblings of burn survivors who have been impacted by the burn injury can attend this retreat and participate in various activities.\

For more information see the website.

Email: tbssinfo@sbcglobal.net

Phone number: 210-824-8499

Camp Janus:

Texas

This camp is held annually in which survivors aged 5-18 who sustained a burn injury will have fun and adventure. A multi-disciplinary team of professionals from a wide spectrum of the community staffs this camp. A positive therapeutic, recreational and educational experience will be provided by the team of volunteers for all campers. Children in this camp will have the opportunity to meet and socialize with other children as well as participating in many activities which will enhance their physical and psychological recovery.

For more information see the website.

Email: lora_oswalt@mhhs.org

Phone number: 713-247-3050

Wisconsin Alliance for Fire Safety: Burn Camp:

Wisconsin

It's a one week Summer camp for youth ages 7-17 who have endured a significant burn injury, in this camp these survivors will have fun, learn, make friends, and share their experience with other survivors. They will develop self esteem which will help them to cope with their life beyond their injuries. Activities in this camp include swimming, hiking, Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Rides, arts and crafts and much more.

For more information see the website.

Email: info@wafs.org

Phone number: 800-315-0911

Gas leak is dangerous and may lead to serious consequences if an explosion happens. That's why it's important to react quickly if you smell gas. The following things are to be done when smelling gas:

• Gas smells like a rotten egg.
• If you are inside and smell gas, worn others who are inside and leave the area where you smell gas to an outside area.
• Ventilate the area by opening the doors and windows but don't waste time inside.
• Call the gas company or 911 if you suspect there is a gas leak from after you are outside the area.
• Avoid lighting a match, smoking, lighting a candle, using a lighter, using a cell phone or a regular phone until you have left the area. Do Not turn the light on or off as this may generate a spark that may lead to ignition of the gas.
• When you smell gas outside, stay away from the smell and worn others about the smell.
• Turn off the gas meter if you can do so safely.
• Don't try to fix the leak yourself.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

It's a service of the World Burn Foundation. The World Burn Foundation is an international non-profit organization that has offices in several nations. The World Burn Foundation help survivors who have suffered severe burn trauma as well as assisting survivors get the services and support they require to help speed their recovery.

For more details see the link.