STORM Goretti has brought freezing temperatures to the UK – including Somerset – with many of us reaching for our hot water bottles to stay warm in bed and on the sofa.

However, a safety company has urged people to make sure they are using their faithful warmers safely.

The warnings come as it was revealed in 2024, around 1,000 people were admitted to burns units in England and Wales as a result of hot water bottle accidents.

Health and safety experts High Speed Training have shared some tips on how to use hot water bottles safely.

Dr Richard Anderson, head of learning and development at the company, said: “Hot water bottles are a fantastic way to beat the chill, and with energy costs remaining a concern, they are more popular than ever. However, like any household item that utilizes high heat, they aren’t without risk.”

It is recommended hot water bottles are replaced every two years, as the rubber used in their construction can deteriorate over time, making them more prone to splitting or leaking.

You can identify when your hot water bottle was made by finding a flower-shaped symbol, known as the ‘daisy wheel’, embossed directly onto the neck or body of the bottle.

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The number in the centre tells you the year it was made, and the 12 segments represent the months of the year. The number of segments with dots shows the month the bottle was manufactured.

For example, if the symbol has a 25 in the middle, and dots in the first six segments, the bottle was manufactured in June 2025. If the segments have more than one dot, the number of dots in the final (or only) filled section shows which week of that month the bottle was made. So, three dots means the third week of the month.

Dr Anderson went on: “Before filling up, check the bottle for any noticeable damage or wear and tear. Avoid filling the bottle with boiling water. This can damage the internal seams, so it’s best to leave it to cool before filling up.

“It’s also advisable to only fill the bottle about two-thirds of the way full, before expelling any remaining air and ensuring the stopper is tightened securely.

“Always use some type of cover on a hot water bottle, which helps to avoid contact burns on the skin, and avoid sitting or lying on them, as this can increase the risk of the bottle failing.

“When not in use, drain the bottle and store with the stopper removed in a cool, dry place like a cupboard.”

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