Safe, Well And Independent Living Project Co-ordinator Hoarding Disorder Conrad Hancock Safe, Well And Independent Living Project Co-ordinator

Introduction Fire & Rescue Services throughout the UK have reported incidents where Hoarding has affected firefighting operations. Identifying Hoarding Behaviour can be subjective as what it means to have a cluttered home can vary from person to person. To overcome this a risk assessment has been developed and used by Fire & Rescue Services and partner agencies .

Clutter Image: Risk Rating – Living Room

Clutter Image Rating Risk Assessment Select which image best matches the clutter in each room. Unless the property is a one room flat, a single room should not be used in isolation. This should not be used in consultation with the person displaying hoarding disorder.

Understanding Hoarding Behaviour

Incidents have been recorded throughout the UK where Hoarding has affected firefighting operations. Access and egress within the property can be restricted to narrow channels. High fire loading. Imposed load from the possessions and the additional water required can lead to early structural instability. Entrapment of crews by falling stacks of possessions. Increased heat. Flashover can occur earlier. Increased fire severity. Reduced visibility. Human waste contaminated containers and spillages. Search patterns restricted by the volume of stacked possessions. Higher workload in effecting a rescue and firefighting due to restricted access. Hoses can become trapped or force a stack collapse. Increased likelihood of rats and insects within or around the property. Emotionally charged and aggressive occupants.

Elderly Gentleman Health problems. Carers attend three times a day. A Home Fire Safety Check was carried out by the Fire Service and an aqua mist system fitted. A lit cigarette caused a fire on the arm of the chair.

Matters of Concern from the Pembrokeshire Coroner: Regulation 28: Report to Prevent Future Deaths Matters of Concern from the Pembrokeshire Coroner: That the deceased was elderly and vulnerable. The improved sharing of information about vulnerable people with the Fire Service could identify those at risk. It is acknowledged that the sharing of information of this kind may for legal reasons not always be possible. Where this information cannot be disclosed then Local Authority staff could receive training from the Fire Service. This will enable Local Authority staff to undertake Home Fire Safety Checks and implement measures to reduce the risk of fire. This training is available from the Fire Service.

House Fire Fatality The lady that lived and died at this property had mobility problems and required walking aids to get about. She was a very heavy smoker. She had Care Staff and neighbours visiting her. It was not unusual to see burns to her clothing.

House Fire Fatality The fire was so severe that the Fire Fighters could see the smoke as they were leaving the station. They arrived within 3 minutes and the property was well alight.

Fire Investigation Witnesses described the home as being “cluttered” with large quantities of combustible materials. There were cardboard boxes and plastic bags full of papers and junk mail. The front door was always ajar. Cause of fire was cigarette fallen into chair.

What can we do? Provide advice on Fire Safety Keeping escape routes clear Provide smoke alarms and safety equipment Sign posting Aqua-mist sprinkler system

Fire Suppressant Unit …… 25/01/2018 Fire Suppressant Unit ……

Home Fire Safety – Issues to Consider  Are there any Smoke Alarms at the Property? If yes, are they working, Test them! Does anyone Smoke, Drink and Take Recreational Drugs (excessive use!) Does anyone have Home Oxygen? Excessive Clutter? Hoarding is a Fire Risk! Does anyone use Paraffin based emollient creams ie E45 Carbon Monoxide Alarms at the property? – Gas, Oil, Log Burners or Open Fires Electrical Safety - Plug in Air fresheners, overloaded sockets/extension leads Cooking – Burnt Food, Forgotten / Distracted by Phone calls, Caller at the Door White Goods – Tumble Driers, Washing Machines & Dish Washers – Don’t leave unattended, also clean filters after use, especially Tumble Dryer. Importance of Escape Plan, Close Doors at Night. Free Home Fire Safety Check, Please email to: hfsc@mawwfire.gov.uk Telephone: 0800 169 1234

Contact details: Diana Harris Safeguarding Officer 01267 242656 d Contact details: Diana Harris Safeguarding Officer 01267 242656 d.harris@mawwfire.gov.uk