The Danger of Your Garden Hose
by Elizabeth MacDonaldWater boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
You would NEVER let your child play with boiling water.
What about water that has hit 120 degrees? Scary to even think about right?
Did you know that your garden hose poses a danger of burning you, your child, and your pet? That’s right. During the heat of the summer, the garden hose acts as an insulating boiler to any water it is holding. Researchers have found this water to reach over 120 degrees Celsius when a hose is left in the sun for just two hours.
You know what is scary? I have left my kids’ sprinkler hooked up to the hose after it was used! Thank goodness, no one was hurt.
Summer months lead to a 25% increase in emergency room visits, of which is an increase in injured children from trampolines, bicycles, and burns.
An Arizona mom learned how dangerous the sitting hose water can be in the heat. She decided to fill up a baby pool for her 9-month-old son to play in on a hot afternoon. There was a sprinkler head attached to the nozzle, and once the water was turned on, the little boy was sprayed by the sprinkler. Within moments, he was screaming in pain. He received second degree burns and blisters on half his body. (Read the STORY)
I know it is hot outside, and that you are in search of every water-based play activity possible to entertain your child, but be cautious and run the hose for a few minutes before letting anyone near the running water.
The best safety advice is to unhook the hose after use and drain it before putting it away in a shaded area.
PLEASE do not throw the hose into an inflatable baby pool or water table and turn it on. Your child may sustain severe burns while playing with this water.
