Staying safe at bedtime
A hot water bottle or electric blanket may be your best friend at bedtime during these cold winter months, but being warm and cosy can be dangerous. Remember to be careful and Have a Hmmm before you or your whānau hit the pillow this winter.
As winter hits the country, families all over New Zealand are trying to stay warm and cosy at bedtime, which often entails a hot water bottle or two.
Our data shows that almost 4,600 New Zealanders have made claims for hot water bottle related injuries in the last five years, with almost 900 claims just last year.
The winter months – June, July, and August – saw more than 50 percent of the hot water bottle related injuries for the year.
Alongside hot water bottle injuries, electric blanket related injuries and wheat bag incidents often occur during this time of year.
The most common injuries were to the lower leg, chest, and hands.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker says there is nothing better than being warm and cosy in bed when it’s cold outside but encouraged New Zealanders to be careful.
“Hot water bottles can be really dangerous, especially when boiling hot water is used,” says Whitaker.
“We know that suffering a burn injury can be a debilitating injury, and in some cases a lifelong injury.”
Have a Hmmm before you hit the pillow
In 2022, the leading age group for hot water bottle related injuries was 65+, followed by children aged 14 years and younger. The data also shows that women were almost three times as likely to have a hot water bottle injury compared to men.
Whitaker said people should ensure their hottie has a safety stamp that looks like a daisy.
“We need to ‘Have a Hmmm’ before we get ready for bed,” he says.
“For children and our older people, use the bottle to warm the bed, then remove it before the person gets into bed.
Hot water bottle best practice
Our research shows 90 percent of injuries are predictable and therefore preventable. ACC partners with Safekids Aotearoa to reduce the number and severity of injuries to children at home.
Each week, more than five children are burned severely enough to be admitted to hospital. Burns are a risk in every home, especially from hot water and liquids.
“We recommend never using boiling water to fill your hot water bottle because this can cause the bottle to split or leak,” Whitaker says.
“Make sure the top is firmly closed before using. Use a cover or wrap the bottle in a towel before using — this will help prevent burns.”
Whitaker says it’s important to check hot water bottles regularly for any splits or perishing. If the bottle is damaged, replace it with a new one.
ACC hot water bottle safety tips
- Never use boiling water - this can cause the bottle to split or leak
- Make sure the top is firmly closed
- Use it to warm the bed, then remove before the person gets into bed
- Use a cover or wrap the bottle in a towel before using - this will help prevent burns.
- Check your hot water bottles regularly for any splits or perishing - if damaged, get a new one
