What is Hoarding?

Hoarding includes all of the following:

• A person collects and keeps a lot of items, even things that appear useless or of little value to most people.

• These items clutter the living spaces and keep the person from using their rooms as they were intended.

• The collection of these items causes distress affects the person’s ability to undertake day-to-day activities.

Who Struggles with Hoarding Behaviour?

The onset of the difficulties with hoarding can start in early teenage years but people may not seek help for hoarding for many decades. Estimates suggest that serious hoarding problems are present in at least 2% - 5% of the population.

WHY IS HOARDING AN ISSUE FOR FIRE SAFETY?

Hoarding can cause problems for either yours or other people’s personal wellbeing and safety. Trips and falls are more common. The risk of a serious fire is also escalated. This guidance is intended to provide you with tips on fire safety and also practical steps you can take to help yourself.

Install smoke alarms on each level in your home. Keep them free from dust and test them once a week.

• Keep cooking areas clear.
• Do not place items on or close to heaters, lamps or other electrical equipment.
• If you smoke use an ashtray and never leave a lit cigarette unattended. To ensure that cigarettes are extinguished run the ashtray under the tap.
• Keep escape routes and external doors clear.
• Do not store cylinders in your home as they are a serious hazard during a fire.
• Keep candles away from anything that can catch fire. And never leave them unattended.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms.