Next to the kitchen the bathroom is the place where thousands of people are burned every year. It can take only seconds to sustain a burn that leads to permanent scarring, or even death.

The majority of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of five. Health and Safety professionals urge everyone to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to preventing accidents, this decrease in temperature will conserve energy and save money.

Most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for two seconds. Burns will also occur with a six-second exposure to 140 degree water or with a thirty second exposure to 130 degree water. Even if the temperature is 120 degrees, a five minute exposure could result in third-degree burns.

How To Test Your Water Temperature

Experts suggest that the best time to check the temperature of your water is in the morning, when the water in the tank is hot and no one has used any. Turn on the hot water at and let it run for a minute or two. Hold a candy thermometer or an outdoor thermometer in the stream of water until the temperature reading stops rising. If your hot water setting is too high, follow the directions in your water heater manual or contact your electric/gas company for assistance in lowering your water temperature.

Double-check your water temperature again 48 hours after resetting.

Never take hot water temperature for granted, even if your are certain that it is correctly set. Always hand-test before using - each and every time.