Hoarding — 5 Fire Damage Risks
Hoarding is a condition that can pose serious hazards including unsanitary conditions and risk of injury as well as the risk of fire. Extreme clutter can increase the risk of fire, but also exacerbates the fires ability to spread quickly which could lead to devastating damage, injury, and even fatality.
Most don’t associate hoarding with a fire hazard or mold damage. However, the clutter resulting from piles of clothing, electronics, flammable cleaning products and the like can increase the risk of fire in multiple ways such as:
- Flammables near heat sources such as ovens, stoves, and heating units can catch fire easily.
- Buildup of items that can harbor pests and rodents that chew on electrical wiring causing fire.
- Candles burning in an environment that is littered with clothing and other flammable items can ignite.
- The clutter can cause a hazard during fire emergencies by blocking important exits for escape.
- Mounds of household items can restrict mobility throughout the home which can impede authorities access during a fire or other emergency.
Tips for Fire Safety
- Install fire detectors and test previously installed detector’s.
- Prepare a fire escape plan, or visit National Fire Protection Agency for tips on how to make one.
Hoarding can be a dangerous behavior. The risk of fire is bar none one of the most prevalent dangers of hoarding because of how quickly a fire can spread in a home with lots of debris. Hire a professional to provide debris removal services and discuss fire safety tips to lower the risk of fire and injury. Fire damage restoration experts can help to restore the damage caused by fire and will aid in cleaning up and restoring any contents that have been damaged.
