Use Caution when dealing with Hot Water

Hot water can be dangerous.  Adults and children alike can be scalded if your hot water system is not set up properly.  Rabun County Assistant Fire Chief Justin Upchurch offers this hot water safety advice.  “Even the water coming directly out of your water heater can cause burns if it is too high.  All water heaters have a thermostat where you can regulate that.  So, you should always try to set your water heater to 120 degrees or just below the medium setting.  This lower temperature reduces the risk of scalds and burns.  For bathing or showering, you should try to keep the water temperature and not let it exceed 100 degrees.  If you lower the water temperature setting on your water heater you will need to test it at a faucet.  Allow the water to run for 3-5 minutes and then test it with a meat cooking thermometer.  If it is hotter than 120 degrees, adjust the temperature of the water heater and wait a full day to allow the temperature in the tank to adjust then you can retest and readjust as needed.  If you have kids in the home and you are giving them a bath, don’t leave them in the bathroom alone while the tub is filling, that’s a drowning issue as well as a hot water issue.  Before placing the child in the bath, test the water.  Fill the tub by running cool water first and then adding the hot water.  Mix it thoroughly and check the temperature by moving your hand, wrist, and forearm all around the water to make sure it is warm and not hot to the touch.  They also are making anti-scald devices on tubs and showerheads that reduce the water temperature and keep it around 120 degrees.  These are available online and in some hardware stores.”  Hot water at 154 degrees or warmer will scald you instantaneously.  It takes 2 seconds for a first-degree burn with 140-degree water, and 3 minutes for a first-degree burn with 120-degree water.