More Safety Tips
Hot Water Hazard
Hot water can also be a safety hazard. Set your water heater thermostat to 120⁰ F to help prevent scalding. The minimum recommended temperature for a dishwasher, however, is 130⁰ F. You can still set your water heater temperature to 120⁰ F if your dishwasher has a water-heat option.
Regardless of the water heater thermostat setting, consider installing widely available anti-scalding devices to help prevent injury.
Young children and senior citizens are especially susceptible to scalding. Check the temperature in the bathtub by moving your hand around in the water before placing a child in the tub. Remember – NEVER leave a child alone in the bathtub for any reason.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows
Sanitary sewer overflows can be caused by a number of factors, such as extreme weather events, line deterioration, debris in the line or other blockages. Overflows contain everything that goes down your drain – water from washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, showers, and toilets. Although the toilet water is diluted when combined with the other sources of wastewater, an overflow may still expose you to harmful bacteria. Avoid contact with sanitary sewer overflows. If contact with the wastewater cannot be avoided, wash thoroughly with soap and water to prevent illness.
If you notice a sanitary sewer overflow, avoid the area and report the issue immediately by calling the City’s Emergency Utility Service at 513.785.7550 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff can also pose a hazard. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, stormwater runoff is the leading cause of water pollution as it washes everything from animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, and other pollutants down drainage ditches and into creeks. Even if there were no sanitary sewer overflows in your area, do not let your kids or pets play in stormwater. If they do, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Also disinfect toys that fall in drainage ditches.
To learn about relatively easy methods to reduce storm water runoff and improve storm water management and use on your property, such as rain gardens and rain barrels, view the City of Hamilton's Landscape Guide for Developers, Businesses and Homeowners.