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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a caution following a significant rise in burns linked to hot water bottles and microwaveable heat pads, urging the public to adopt critical safety precautions to avert serious injuries.
National Burn Awareness Day 2025, observed on Wednesday, October 15, will focus on the hazards of inadvertent burns from these common household items. Recent data from Children’s Burns Trust and the International Burn Injury Database (iBID) highlight a 100 percent increase in such injuries over the last five years.
In 2024 alone, over 1,000 cases were recorded, the highest annual number in over two decades. RoSPA advises hot water bottle owners to inspect both the age and condition of their bottles.
Individuals are also warned not to overfill them, to refrain from lying or sitting on them, and to employ a fabric cover or towel to prevent direct skin contact.
These measures are particularly vital for households with children, who face the greatest risk of burn and scald injuries.
Ken Dunn, a retired consultant burns and plastic surgeon, and Vice Chair of The Children’s Burns Trust, stated: “It’s concerning to witness such a notable rise in burns due to hot water bottles, especially among young children. These injuries can have enduring physical and psychological repercussions, underscoring the importance of prevention.
“As we enter the colder months and consider the ongoing financial challenges many households face, we advise families against using hot water bottles for children. If they are used in the home, remember two key safety tips: never fill them with boiling water and always verify the rubber flower symbol on the neck, indicating the hot water bottle’s production month and year.”
