Hot Water Bottle Safety

A hot water bottle is a container filled with hot water used to provide warmth when applied to a sore spot. Hot water bottles can cause serious burns when not handled with care.

Prevention/Solution

• Replace hot water bottles once a year or sooner if you notices signs of deterioration. Before filling it up, check for cracks or leaks. Do not use boiling water as it may damage the rubber. Use warm water heated in a kettle. Keep the bottle away from your body over a sink when filling it up. Fill it until about two-thirds full. Keep the filled bottle out of reach of children.

Warning

• Never apply a hot water bottle directly to skin as it may cause serious burns. Wrap it in a towel. Leaving the bottle for longer than 15 minutes on one part of the body may cause severe burns. Do not lay on a hot water bottle as it may burst.

Benefits

• Hot water bottles soothe aches and pains and also can keep you warm at night. According to the Planet Green website, you can save on energy costs by substituting your electric blanket or heater with a hot water bottle by placing it under the blanket and removing it before going to sleep.