Having an extreme hoarding disorder is a hazard and can result in serious fires, injuries and/or death. By having excessive amounts of material possessions in a home, it poses a massive threat for emergency response teams such as firefighters that may need to enter the space to save a life, or put out a fire.

How hoarding can be a peril ;

• Blocked exits prevent a person from being able to escape easily from their home. For example – doors not being able to open fully.
• Injuries can happen when tripping over objects or something can fall on top of a person and crush them
• Excessive fire due to flammable objects that can lead to collapsed roofing
• Finding occupants is made more difficult for rescue units
• Neighbouring properties can be affected by inordinate amounts of smoke or fire that can spread
• Hallways, windows, doors will be obstructed by debris
• Increased risk for emergency response personnel
• Risk of extreme structural damage to property
• Risk of injury or death due to being trapped under debris

If you hoard, or know someone who is a hoarder, take safety precautions to reduce risk of fire in the home.

• Have smoke alarms installed and test them regularly
• Unblock all exits including windows
• Make space for pathways
• Remove clutter around heaters and electrical items
• Remove clutter from kitchen or cooking area and stove tops
• No open flames

If your property has been damaged in a fire, call insurance and then call Steamatic. Steamatic offers damage restoration services by cleaning, repairing and rebuilding as well as toxin removal.