Hoarding creates hazardous conditions that can increase the risk of fire; structural damage to the home; and disease or injury to the hoarder, other household members, neighbors and the community. Extensive storage of items in the home severely limits the hoarder’s day-to-day functioning.

Increased Risk of Fire

The accumulation of combustible materials, such as newspapers, clothing and rubbish, can pose a severe fire hazard. The amount of combustible materials creates an extremely hot, fast-spreading fire that is difficult to suppress. Escaping the home in a fire can be impossible due to blocked hallways, doorways and windows. In addition, public safety personnel’s access to the home can be hampered or blocked.

Increased Risk of Structural Damage

The weight and volume of hoarded items, often stacked from floor to ceiling, can cause structural damage, which threatens the occupants as well as adjacent buildings.

Increased Risk of Disease, Injury and Infestation

The storage of hoarded items makes cleaning nearly impossible, which can lead to unsanitary living conditions and increases the risk of disease. The lack of regular home maintenance can result in the loss of running water, heat or refrigeration. Toilets and sinks may be unusable or inaccessible. Hoarding also increases the risk of injury. Stacked items can fall on someone, or they can cause people to trip and fall. Accumulated garbage can lead to rat and insect infestations. An inspector at top of stairwell View from kitchen into the dining room water, sewer, refrigeration