Hoarding as a Health & Safety Risk Station Commander Dominic Furby

Hoarding Misconception is that hoarders are messy people

Understanding Hoarding Behaviour Personnel are aware that Hoarding typically manifests itself in 3 ways: Acquisition Saving Disorganisation 1. Acquisition- Compulsive buying and/or accumulation of free items e.g. Newspapers, Junk Mail. Motivated by belief that by having them they are bringing comfort or ‘rescuing’ items. Provide sense of security, (especially if they are a victim of crime) 2. Saving: 3 reasons- ‘Sentimental’ possibly motivated by grief due to item holding memory of loved one ‘Instrumental’ Stems from a history of deprivation ‘aesthetic’ Items seen as too beautiful 3. Items of value are mixed in with rubbish, hoarders often have difficulty info processing/decision making

Clutter Image Rating Scale Crews are trained to identify Hoarders through the ‘Clutter Image Rating’

WYFRS Response on identifying Hoarders Level 1or 2 Carry out Home Fire Safety Check (HFSC) with specific advice & possible family support Liaise with Partner Agencies Level 3 Carry out HFSC and refer to Specialist Prevention Personnel Level 1 or 2- Use appropriate language

WYFRS Response on identifying A hoarder Level 4-9 Carry out an enhanced HFSC Add appropriate information to ‘Turn-Out’ information Information shared on ‘Safety Critical Information Point’ HFSCs arranged at neighbouring properties Partner Agencies informed if not already involved Enhanced HFSC: Inspection of every room of property is carried out and tailored advice provided Fully tailored escape plan discussed with occupant with alternative escape routes highlighted Smoke detection fitted in all areas at most risk of exposure from fire Inspection of external areas of property and advice given on storage of refuse and recycling Specific consideration given to the provision of any other intervention methods

Referrals West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (Calderdale) handled over 50 hoarding cases in the last 3 years 90% of these were referrals generated from Partner Agencies

Partnerships Together Housing West Yorkshire Police Mental Health Services Victim Support Environmental Health Waste Management Adult Safeguarding Calderdale Help in Bereavement

Potential Health & Safety risks for Firefighters High fire loading Rapid fire spread Increased fire severity and heat Restricted access/egress points Entrapment of crews by falling stacks Reduced visibility Hose lines becoming trapped by stack collapse Imposed load from possessions and additional water leads to early structural instability Increased likelihood of vermin around property

Any Questions? B.A. DEPT