FRV recommends that any smoke alarms at the property be checked to ensure they are in working order and positioned appropriately, as these provide critical early warning in case of a fire in the home. The installation of additional smoke alarms is recommended in properties with high fuel loads – especially in areas where people sleep to ensure they have the earliest possible warning of a fire and time to escape.
Research has identified that hoarding increases the risk of having a fire and reduces the likelihood of the occupant/s being able to escape safety. Fires in these homes also increase the risk to responding fire fighters, emergency services and neighbouring properties.
Every 4-6 days FRV firefighters respond to a fire or emergency where there is hoarding and/or environmental neglect.
Hoarding increases the risk of fire because:
- Accumulation of possessions results in an abnormally high fuel load and greater opportunity for ignition, it can increase the size, spread, and severity of a fire. This makes it harder to contain and extinguish.
- Blocked exits and narrow internal pathways impede escape for the occupant. This can also delay firefighters from accessing a property in an emergency.
- Non-functional gas or electricity may result in unsafe cooking and heating practices.
Risk reduction recommendations
FRV recommends that in the first instance you make risk reduction a priority rather than large scale removal. Individuals or agencies assisting those affected by hoarding should:
- Install smoke alarms and test them
- Unblock exits
- Widen internal pathways
- Check utilities are connected
- Prioritise removing clutter from around cooking area and stove tops.
- Ensure clutter is removed from around heaters and electrical items and discourage the use of open flame.
Contact
For further hoarding related information please submit a form.
For further advice on Hoarding and Environmental Neglect, visit: FRV's Hoarding and environmental neglect page.
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