TEST THE WATER ... SET THE HEATER ... PREVENT SCALDS
Hot water can burn just as seriously as fire. Scald burns can leave disfiguring scars. Such burns can happen to anyone, but children and the elderly suffer most of the 2,600 injuries each year by hot water from home faucets. The Brunswick Fire Department wants the public to know how to prevent such burns.
The major cause of scalds in homes is a water heater set too high (140-150 degrees). Most adults will suffer a serious, third degree burn if exposed to 150 degree water for only TWO SECONDS. The sensitive skin of children burns much easier. To test the hot water in your home, use a candy or meat thermometer at each faucet. If the water is over 125 degrees, turn down your hot water heater. Besides avoiding scalds, this will also save energy and money.
If you have an electric water heater, ask the electric company if it will lower the temperature for you. If you are in an apartment, ask the maintenance department to help. If you adjust it yourself, turn off the current by switching off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse. Electric heaters have two controls which need to be set. Remove the upper and lower access panels, pull aside the insulation over the thermostats and use a screw driver to turn the dial of the controls. DO NOT TOUCH ANY OTHER AREA. Replace the insulation and panels. Turn on the current. Don't use hot water for two hours. Check the temperature the next morning.
For furnaces using fuel oil, contact your supplier to lower the temperature. This will not affect the heating capacity of the furnace.
Even after lowering hot water temperatures, it would be wise to take these precautions: