How hot is too hot?

From cleaning dirty dishes to providing a warm bath or shower in the cold of winter, a steady supply of hot water helps keep a house running. But how hot is too hot? Once water temperatures reach a certain level, serious burn injuries can happen in a flash. Always follow these simple rules to make sure your family stays safe from overly hot water.

• Be sure to regularly check the temperature setting on your water heater. And always avoid any setting higher than 120 degrees. (At 125 degrees, a child’s skin will burn within three seconds.)
• Consider adding anti-scald devices on showers and faucets. They can help prevent water temperatures from exceeding 120 degrees.
• Check water temperatures with your own hand before allowing children into the tub.
• Make sure all faucets are clearly and correctly labeled HOT and COLD.
• Always turn cold water on before hot water and turn hot water off before cold water.
  
  For even more ways you can help keep you and your family safe, check out our safety page.