A toddler suffered severe burns after being sprayed with a garden hose that had been left lying in the sun.
As Scotland bakes in record-breaking temperatures, people are being warned of dangers brought on by the heatwave that we haven't had to face in previous summers. A picture from the US shows the horror result of a garden hose being left out in direct sunlight after it was used to spray down a child.
Taken in Las Vegas, where temperatures can often reach over 40C, the image shows the tot covered in burns after they were showered with a hose that had been left outside in the heat. The picture was posted to Twitter by the Las Vegas fire department to prevent others making the same mistake while out in the sun, Wales Online reports.
The caption reads: "Here in Las Vegas, a garden hose exposed to direct sunlight during summer can heat the water inside the hose (not flowing) to 54C-60C degrees which can cause burns especially to children & animals."
To keep people safe they advise people to "let the water flow a few minutes to cool before spraying on people or animals".
Speaking about the high temperatures and the weather warning deputy chief medical officer, Chris Jones, said: “Extreme heat warnings are not issued lightly by the Met Office and the potential health risks need to be taken seriously. Very high temperatures can be dangerous for everyone but elderly people, children, those with chronic health problems and vulnerable people who may struggle to keep cool are at a higher risk.”
The Government has provided some vital tips for staying safe in Wales as heat temperatures hit record-breaking levels.
Heat can affect anyone but poses a greater risk of serious harm to some groups of people. Remember to think of those who may be more at risk from the effects of heat – these include the following:
- older people, especially those over 75
- babies and young children
- people with a serious chronic condition, particularly dementia, heart, breathing or mobility problems
- people with serious mental health problems
- people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control (for example, diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers and antipsychotics
- people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example, from gastroenteritis)
- people who misuse alcohol or drugs
- people who are physically active (for example, soldiers, athletes, hikers and manual workers)
What you can do
- Stay out of the heat, cool yourself down, keep your environment cool or find somewhere else that is cool.
- Look out for neighbours, family or friends who may be isolated and unable to care for themselves; make sure they are able to keep cool during a heatwave.
- Get medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.
- Make sure medicines are stored below 25°C or in the fridge (read the storage instructions on the packaging).
- Carry on taking all prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional. But be aware that some prescription medicines can reduce your tolerance of heat.
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