With the Met Office issuing yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across parts of the UK, Brits have been trying various things to keep warm. Freezing temperatures across the country have meant that people have been buying hot water bottles to keep toasty at home – so much so they are selling out.
John Lewis has said sales are up sixfold on last year, with several popular models out of stock online. A spokeswoman for the department store told The Guardian : "Hot water bottles have been in very strong demand during the cold snap. Given their current popularity, we recommend customers to purchase soon to avoid disappointment."
Argos has also sold out of water bottles in several of its stores.
While hot water bottles can be a great way of keeping warm at home, they also come with some risks.
Many don't realise that hot water bottles have expiry dates, and if they are used incorrectly they can lead to horrific injuries.
Recently, a mum from Brynamman in Wales shared that she was left with "horrendous" burns after a hot water bottle exploded.
A pharmacist has now issued an urgent warning so others can avoid getting injured.
Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist at Chemist Click online pharmacy warned: "Do not put boiling hot water straight into the hot water bottle, wait a couple of minutes to prevent the risk of scalding.
"The temperature of water that has been left to cool for two minutes will still heat the bottle."
Abbas also urged people to "check to see that the hot water bottle has been manufactured to British safety standards".
You should also "only fill the hot water bottle to two thirds of the capacity" and "always use a cover over your hot water bottle".
The pharmacist added: "Ensure that the hot water bottle's cap has been screwed on safely. You can tip it upside down over a sink, in a manner that any water inside will not touch your skin."
There are other ways you can try to keep warm at home without turning your heating on higher.
For example, energy experts have suggested that you should make sure you don't have furniture such as a sofa in front of your radiator.
Experts at Utility Bidder said this blocking the radiator could cause it to absorb most of the heat.
How are you keeping warm during the cold? Let us know in the comments below.
