Anthony the Fire Ant brings safety messages to kids

While gasoline is important, it also can be very dangerous. Its fumes can quickly ignite, causing serious injury or death. �Gasoline has only one use� to fuel an engine. Any other use is misuse� is the theme of Shriners Hospitals for Children�s 2008 Burn Awareness campaign.

February 3-9, 2008, is Burn Awareness Week, and Shriners Hospitals for Children will use this week to kick-off a year-long campaign focused on preventing gasoline burn injuries.

A new coloring book, featuring Anthony the Fire Ant; classroom lessons, posters, stickers, pens and other materials are available at www.burnawarenessweek.org.  A video, targeted to a teen audience, is also available and features the story of a Shriners Hospitals burn patient, Austin Bailiff.

Austin, 15, of Cashmere, Wash., knows first-hand the dangers of playing with gasoline. One day in March 2006, Austin and a friend were �bored.� Looking for something to do, they found an old work glove, and wondered if motor oil would ignite the glove. When it didn't, they poured gasoline into the glove and set it on fire. What they didn't realize before pouring gasoline into the glove was that a small tag inside the glove actually had caught on fire during their first attempt with motor oil.

Before both teens knew what hit them, the gasoline fumes ignited, covering Austin and burning 90 percent of his body. The doctors who initially treated him gave him a 10 percent chance for survival.

Luckily, the Bailiff family found Shriners Hospitals for Children � Northern California, where Austin is now receiving care. His story is featured in the video, which is targeted for teen audiences.

The video and other burn prevention educational materials and promotional items can be ordered through www.burnawarenessweek.org.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment at no charge � regardless of financial need.