Hoarding Can Negatively Impact Fire Safety

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Stacks of items can block windows and doors preventing escape or rescue during a catastrophe like a fire.

You may know someone that is a hoarder or be a hoarder yourself. If so you understand the many struggles that hoarders face when dealing with their mental and emotional well being and physical condition of their home. My grandmother was a hoarder; there was clearly defined path through her house carved out from the stacks of books, items of clothing, and unopened packages she ordered during late night TV. My family didn’t look into the proper ways to discuss her situation with her, and more often than not it would lead to months-long arguments. She only agreed to let us help her after she learned a friend of hers that also struggled with hoarding, passed away in a fire and that she couldn’t escape because her way was blocked by her belongings.

The local fire department helped us to clear out my grandmother’s home and explained how hoarding isn't just a danger to those that live inside the house, but also to those that may be the ones that try to save them in the event of a fire. Piles of belongings can obstruct entry/exit points such as doors and windows. Stacks of items may impair and slow movement or prevent crawling to avoid smoke inhalation, or they may fall and cause injury.  

If you know someone that may be in an unsafe situation because of hoarding contact your local fire department to see if they have a Hoarding Taskforce that specializes in working with those that deal with hoarding. Even if they do not have a task force, they may have resources available like a contact for support groups to help start the discussion about hoarding.