1. HOARDING
&
DWFire

2. Discussing today:
Risks to people living with hoarding
Risks to fire crews attending an incident in a property with hoarding
DWFire interventions that can help to lower the risks

3. Risks to the occupant if a fire occurs:
Individual cannot easily escape
Rapid fire spread
Increased smoke development
Entrapment

4. Windows and doors blocked or sealed due to rare use
Faulty or excessive use of extension leads for electrical
equipment
In the absence of electricity or gas, the use of candles
for light or burning materials for heat (eg. paraffin
heaters, gas canisters, etc.)
Hoarded combustible materials such as newspapers, magazines, wood, books and flammable liquids – increases fire spread

6. Risks to Fire Crews:
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 and at a lower temperature

7. Hose can become trapped or force a stack collapse
Increased likelihood of rats and insects within or around the property
Emotionally charged, frightened or aggressive occupants
Animals trapped within a property
Obstacles on stairs and in walkways - slip, trip and fall hazards
Reduced visibility
Human waste contaminated containers and spillages
Search patterns restricted by the volume of stacked possessions

9. Statistics show that fires in a normal residential property will stay contained to the room of origin in 90% of fires.
In a home with hoarding, that percentage drops to 40%, indicating that hoarded materials promote the spread of fire through a dwelling.

11. Safe and Well Advisor Team
Team covers the whole of Dorset & Wilts
Locality based
Appointment based visits
Give valuable, lifesaving advice with regards to fire risks in the home
SAIL (Safe & Independent Living) - signpost to other partner agencies
Public Health training for healthy conversations inc substance misuse, mental health, eating habits etc
Targeting those most vulnerable – however advice available for all
Joint visits if required
Fit free smoke detectors if required
Work alongside partner agencies/organisations to locate and help vulnerable people

12. Using the Clutter Rating Tool
We have been using the Clutter Rating Tool for a number of years.
The Safe and Well Team and even the Fire Crews, keep a copy with them at all times.
If a property is a Level 4 or above, this is recorded on our mobilising system. This ensures the fire crews are aware of the risks in the property before they arrive at the fire.
Please refer through any residents you feel would benefit from a free Safe and Well Visit. Even if their home is not at a level 4, our early interventions will still be of benefit.

13. The Safe and Well Advisor will help with:
The installation of correctly sited smoke alarms within the property
Looking at a viable escape plan, taking the clutter into consideration
Discuss safer ways of smoking if required
Stress the importance of closing doors where possible
Use of linked smoke alarms to careline in certain circumstances
Work alongside partner agencies in helping the individuals

14.
Call to refer for a
Safe and Well Visit.

15. Safe and Well Research & Development Coordinator
Any Questions ?
Sarah Moore
Safe and Well Research & Development Coordinator