Hoarding is a complex mental health issue. It can also be a safety issue. Intervention needs to take place at several levels. Hoarding cleanup can be extremely costly for property owners and local governments. Hoarding can cause a variety of complications, including:
· * Unsanitary
conditions that pose a health risk
· * Increased
risk of falls
· * An
inability to perform daily tasks, such as bathing and cooking
· * Untreated
medical or psychological conditions
· * Family
conflicts
· * Loneliness
and social isolation
· * Fire
hazards
Some Signs of Hoarding:
· * Extreme
collection and storage of items in the home and yard
· * Accumulation
of combustible materials (newspapers, magazines, and rubbish)
· * Blocked
exits (doors & windows)
· * Narrow
pathway in the home
· * Rotting
food and/or used food containers
· * Insect
infestations
· * Long-term
neglect of home maintenance
· * Non-working
utilities, such as heat, running water, refrigeration
Fire Safety
Know the fire-safety risks and how you can keep yourself and first responders safe.
Risks:
Personal
items can crowd cooking equipment, making it unsafe to cook.
Personal items can crowd heating equipment, putting you at risk of having a fire.
Difficulties for firefighters:
Blocked
windows and doors make it difficult for firefighters to get into your home to
fight the fire and search for occupants.
Piles of belongings make it difficult for firefighters to move through your home quickly.
Important:
Always keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from cooking and heating equipment.
Keep doorways and windows clear for escape in case there is a fire. This will also prevent injuries from falling over excessive personal items.
Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your business and your life
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.
Visit our Life & Business Coaching website: North By Northwest
*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....
No comments:
Post a Comment