Mother of Burn Patient Encourages Kitchen Safety During Burn Awareness Week

In December 2021, Kohen, an active 1½-year-old, grabbed onto the cord of a nearby rice cooker while sitting at his high chair in the kitchen.

Like many curious toddlers, he yanked down on the cord, dumping its contents into his lap and causing third- and fourth-degree burns to his abdomen and thighs. Kohen was rushed to the nearest hospital’s emergency room.

“It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever been through,” said Kohen’s mother Kaitlyn. “After the accident we completely reorganized our kitchen and moved his high chair far away from appliances, counters and anything with a cord. Our kitchen is a complete safety-zone now.”

Kaitlyn will never look at her kitchen the same and hopes that by sharing her story, she inspires more parents of young children to create a safe kitchen environment in their homes. She encourages parents to read the tips and tricks on Shriners Children’s Be Burn Aware page to keep children burn-free.

Here are a few kitchen safety tips to use at home:

• Turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the oven top and place on back burners out of reach of children
• Wear short sleeves or roll up sleeves when cooking
• Keep something, such as a lid or cookie sheet, nearby to cover a pan if it catches fire