Hidden Dangers of Hoarding

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Hoarding can have implications for the safety of those that live in the home in the event that a fire occurs.

Here at SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City, we deal with all sorts of damage and disasters. SERVPRO is proud to offer biohazard cleanup and remediation services. One specialized cleaning service we offer is the cleanup of hoarding sites. Hoarding refers to the persistent difficulty to part with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. Hoarding behaviors can increase the likelihood that fire damage might occur in a home, and can put those who live in the household at a heightened risk of an accident or injury in the event that a fire does occur.

Hoarding is a major fire hazard due to the amount of items and clutter present. Items may be too close to sources of heat, which increases the likelihood of a fire starting or spreading more quickly. Cooking may also be unsafe in the homes of hoarders, as flammable items may too close to the stove, oven, or other smaller kitchen appliances.

Hoarding may impede the firefighter’s ability to do their job. The excessive amount of objects and clutter in the home makes it difficult for firefighters to put out the fire and to locate occupants within the structure. Additionally, falling objects and blocked entrances & exits make working in the structure more dangerous in general.

Hoarding increases the risk that the homeowner or dweller can be will killed or injured. Many individuals who exhibit hoarding tendencies are more likely to die in a fire due to exits being blocked, which results in them not being able to escape the structure quickly enough. Additionally, falling objects put individuals within the structure at an increased risk of injury.

If you or someone you know struggles with hoarding behaviors, reach out to SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City for help. We treat each and every customer with the utmost respect and understanding. Our team understands that this type of biohazard cleanup may be an emotionally stressful time for some people, but we are here to help you every step of the way.