THE DANGERS OF HOARDING

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Hoarding Services in Ventura, California

THE DANGERS OF HOARDING

People with hoarding disorder excessively save items that others may view as worthless. They have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions, leading to clutter that disrupts their ability to use their living or work spaces. It became hazardous for anyone who goes in or around the house.  People with hoarding disorder compromise their own safety and relationships just to hold on to items that they have become emotionally attached. Here are some of the most common dangers of hoarding and the extensive steps involved in the clean-up process.

1. INJURIES

Piles in a hoarded home can become as high as the ceiling and can collapse and cause injury to anyone in their way. All kinds of items lie scattered all over the place, making it very easy to trip and fall. This may result in broken bones and fractures, sprains and wounds.

2. FIRE

Fire is one of the main dangers in a hoarded home as the large number of accumulated items creates an abnormally high fuel load. Fires can easily occur when objects cover a heating vent or damaged wires. Clutter obstructs pathways and first responders.

3. AIR QUALITY

Clutter comes dust and odors from decaying waste products. These can cause serious air quality issues in the hoarder’s home that may cause respiratory problems for people and pets.

4. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE

Over time, hoarding can cause damage to the building itself due to the overwhelming weight of the excessive contents hoarders put in them.

5. BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Clutter can prevent technicians from performing necessary maintenance on HVAC equipment and sprinkler systems, creating a safety hazard.

Hoarding clean-up is not an easy task, those helping with the clean-up process need to come prepared with tools and cleaning equipment to remove the trash and clean the home. This includes things like heavy-duty trash bags, empty boxes, buckets, gloves, cleaning agents and disinfectants, mops and brooms. It is best done by restoration professionals who have the expertise and equipment to perform the job efficiently and safely.

 In need of a team to help restore a space where hoarding has been an issue? Contact our team SERVPRO of Ventura, call us at (805) 656-3911.