Do you have a person in your life who may be a hoarder? Hoarding is a condition where a person has persistent difficulty discarding personal possessions. The large amount of possessions fill the home and prevent the normal use of the space. Living space becomes cluttered. It may be unusable. Hoarding brings distress and emotional health concerns.
So why does hoarding increase fire risks?
Cooking is unsafe if flammable items are close to the stove or oven. Heating units may be too close to things that can burn. They might also be placed on unstable surfaces. If a heater tips over into a pile, it can cause a fire. Electrical wiring may be old or worn from the weight of piles. Pests could chew on wires. Damaged wires can start fires. Open flames from smoking materials or candles in a home with excess clutter are also very dangerous. Blocked pathways and exits may hinder escape from a fire.
How does hoarding impact first responders?
Hoarding puts first responders in harm’s way. Firefighters cannot move swiftly through a home filled with clutter. Responders can be trapped in a home when exits are blocked. They can be injured by objects falling from piles. The weight of the stored items, especially if water is added to put out a fire, can lead to building collapse. Fighting fires is very risky in a hoarding home. It is also extremely difficult to enter the home to provide medical care. The clutter also impedes the search and rescue of people and pets.
How can you help reduce the risk of fire injury?
When talking to a person who hoards, focus on safety rather than the clutter. Be empathetic and match the person’s language. If they call it hoarding, then you can call it hoarding. Help the residents make a home escape plan. Stress the importance of clear pathways and exits and practice the plan often. Exit routes may change as new items are brought into the home. Install working smoke alarms in the home and test them at least once a month. Talk to members of the fire department to alert them of your concerns.
