Prevent A Tragedy In Your Home

She suffered 85% burns to her body and sadly died 3-weeks later in hospital.

The inquest into her death concluded in January, with the opinion that this tragedy could have been avoided. The hot water system involved in the accident was an electrically heated one, which used an immersion heater.

Although no formal advice has been issued by Government, we are currently identifying all properties with similar hot water systems to those where Rhianna lived in Somerset.

We have already advised our contractors that any new immersion heaters installed should have a secondary safety cut-out.

Head of Technical Services, Mike Harrison says, "We are working proactively to prevent such a tragedy happening here in Poole.

"We have been fitting immersion heaters with a secondary cut-out for almost two years, and we have spoken to our contractors about further steps we can take. We really need residents to help too, by keeping an eye out for the warning signs."

"Although the chances of a repeat incident are extremely low, we are taking this very seriously and will keep you advised of any further developments."

Warning Signs

THREE CHECKPOINTS THAT COULD BE AN EARLY SIGN OF A PROBLEM:

• Is there HOT water constantly coming through the COLD tap?

• Is the temperature of the HOT tap much hotter than normal?

• Can you see steam coming out ! of vent pipes or roof line?

Systems may become at risk under the following combination of conditions:

• If the HOT water is heated by an electric immersion heater

• If the thermostatic cut out fails

• If a fault goes unnoticed for several hours

• If the COLD water storage tank is plastic

• If the water storage tank is above a sleeping area