As the temperature drops, many of us reach for something warm to keep cozy. It could be a heating pad or a trusty hot water bottle. But did you know that there’s a potential danger lurking in these comforting companions? Katie Piper, a burn survivor and advocate, is sounding the alarm and urging everyone to pay attention.

Hot water bottles are a popular choice for staying warm. They’re convenient, easy to use, and provide comfort in a matter of minutes. Most people have one at home, and they rarely think twice about using them. However, there’s a crucial detail that many of us overlook, and it can make all the difference between staying warm and suffering severe burns.

Katie Piper recently shared a post from a woman who experienced a hot water bottle burst. The woman ended up with serious burns on her skin and had to be hospitalized for a month. This heartbreaking incident prompted Piper to share the message through The Katie Piper Foundation, urging everyone to check the dates on their hot water bottles.

The woman in the post admitted that she hadn’t paid attention to the date on her bottle. Sadly, this oversight led to her being admitted to the intensive care and burn unit at Clemsford hospital. It will take her two years to recover, and she will likely carry the scars on her stomach and thighs for the rest of her life. Her goal now is to prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy by raising awareness about this hidden danger.

So, how can you ensure that your hot water bottle is safe to use? It’s simple – just check the date. Look for a flower symbol on the bottle. The number in the middle represents the year it was made, while the petals indicate the months, and the dots inside represent the weeks. If your hot water bottle is more than two years old, it’s time to say goodbye and replace it.

Old hot water bottles can deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of bursting and causing burns. Regularly checking the dates on your hot water bottles and discarding those that are older than two years is essential for your safety.

Don’t let a comforting ritual turn into a life-altering accident. Stay warm responsibly and keep yourself protected by heeding Katie Piper’s urgent warning about the hot water bottle flower. It only takes a moment to check, but it can spare you from a lifetime of scars and pain.