Beware of hot water from the garden hose

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - If you’re spending time outdoors in the heat, you’re probably going to grab the garden hose at some point.

Whether it’s to water plants or to cool down, experts are warning you to be extra careful. Water sitting in a garden hose can reach temperatures of 140 degrees or higher, potentially causing burns to children or pets if it is sprayed on them.

To prevent any injuries, let the water flow for a few minutes before spraying anything.

“The water in those hoses can get higher than what we have in our water heaters,“ said Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District Chief Richard Stirts. ”And for sure, you could have a severe first-degree burn or maybe even a little bit worse. So when you first kick that on, you want to make sure the kids are not in the line of the nozzle spraying, let it cool down.”

After you let it flow, be sure to check the water temperature by feeling it first. When storing the hose, drain it completely and keep it in a shaded area to prevent it from overheating.

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