A few tips on handling hot water
Keep the hot water running to make sure the water reaches its full heat. The hot water cools off if there is no flow in the water pipes, thus the temperature of the water the first 2-4 minutes after turning on the water is not a correct indicator of the temperature of hot water after turning on the hot water tap.

Never let the water run for baths or a hot tub without constant supervision of the temperature. A bath that has hot water that is too hot is an accident waiting to happen. Letting hot water run first, then cooling it off with cold water should be avoided, it should rather be mixed together straight away with cold water.

Take great caution when washing floors, pails are often easily reachable for children and there have been cases in which children have stepped into pails, or the pails have spilled over causing burns on their bodies.

Do not have the water hotter than you can handle while washing dishes. A low heat suffices when dissolving grease on dishes and other kitchenware.

Particular caution should be taken if pipes and ovens are within the reach of children, for example they can possibly use them as support for standing up.

Let professionals handle all devices and appliances if there is the slightest doubt of malfunction.

Keep in mind
You must keep in mind that the water used to heat houses in Iceland is often very hot, often much hotter than its counterparts used in homes in other countries. The most common heat is around 70 to 80 degrees. Foreign visitors often do not realize this and have burned themselves very badly. Because the water is also used for bathing and dish washing and various other activities, great care must be taken while handling hot water in Iceland. Never let Icelandic hot water touch you without checking the temperature first.

Children's skin is more sensitive than the skin of adults, as is the fact with senior citizens because with age, the skin becomes increasingly more thin. Along with physically handicapped people, these are the groups in the most danger of hurting themselves; especially because their reaction time is quite slower than those of healthy adults.

The most common accidents happen in baths, showers, sinks and near water pails for washing floors, that contain hot water. These accidents happen particularly due to negligence, and along with the malfunction of devices, are the most common causes of such accidents. It is important to show vigilance while around Icelandic hot water, along with ensuring proper maintenance to decrease the odds of accidents.

Burn related accidents
Burn related accidents caused by hot water can have severe consequences, not only causing wounds and scars, especially in the case of small children. The pain caused by tissue burns can be immense.

Victims of serious burns often have to have painful operations, including skin grafts. In some cases children have to have multiple skin grafts while still growing. The operations are painful, time costly and very expensive as well as causing severe stress on the patient and his family. Keep these dangers in mind and try to avoid accidents.

Immediate reactions to burns
Cool off with cold water until all stinging sensation is gone. Use 15 to 20° degree water. Do not run the water directly unto the lesion, you should instead keep it immersed under water or wrap the area with a towel that is drenched in cold water frequently.

Never cool the burn off less than 10 minutes. If a cyst or wound starts to form on the skin area surrounding the face, neck, joints or reproductive organs, or if the burned area forms a circle across the limbs, then a doctor should be contacted immediately.