A British woman who “refuses to pay for heating” has been left with “horrific” burns after using boiling water in a hot water bottle.
Kate Jones has always relied on a combination of a hot water bottle and an electric blanket to get her through the winter months – especially with prices rising in the past year.
The 30-year-old from Scotland, who now lives in London, hasn’t turned the heating on since November last year, after receiving a £127 bill for one week’s use.
But after using her trusted hot water bottle, she was shocked to notice a burn across her stomach – which she claims developed over several hours.
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“I’ve been using hot water bottles on and off since I was little – I honestly had no idea that you’re not meant to use boiling water in them, but it does make sense,” she told Need To Know.
“I also work from home so it’s a godsend.
“The burn actually happened gradually; I was sitting at my desk with the bottle against my stomach for hours.
“I was distracted by my work so didn’t notice just how hot it felt.
“The next morning, my partner – who was staying over – pointed out the strange mark covering most of my stomach.
“The burns looked horrific but thankfully weren’t too painful.
“I’m just grateful it’s not a permanent scar, it could have been so much worse.”
Despite the incident, Kate doesn’t plan to turn the heating on.
She is however hesitant about using a water bottle again and is now forced to spend time in cafés and bars where she can keep warm for free.
She said: “The reality is that I can’t afford to pay upwards of £300 a month just to stay warm.
“I’ve always had to make do with a hot water bottle and electric blanket as I live on my own.
“So now I work from places like Wetherspoons as much as possible to avoid using the hot water bottle.
“I’m half tempted to bin it, but the electric blanket only does so much good, so I’ve kept it, in case there’s another cold snap.
“My stomach is on the mend now, thankfully, but I dread to think how many other people are in a similar situation.
“I can’t be the only one who’s had a burn like this.
“With energy companies reporting sky-high profits, it just felt right to share my story to show the hidden dangers that can arise when you refuse to pay extortionate energy bills.”
As reported by the NHS, it is best not to use boiling water in a hot water bottle to avoid a burn or injury.
It is advised not to use such products as a cushion or sit on it.
Hot water bottles should also be checked regularly for signs of wear and tear as even more severe burns can arise when they burst.
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