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Hoarding Concerns

Monday, 16 February 2015 at 07:12

Hoarding can be a risk to firefighters.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Fire Department say they are receiving more and more calls regarding hoarding concerns at residences within the city.

Public Information Coordinator Lisa Woods explains the definition of a hoarder.

As Woods highlights, hoarding not only poses health risks to the residents but carries a number of fire related dangers too.  "...often have blocked exits which prevents the escape from the home and in addition many people who are hoarding are injured when they trip over things or when materials fall on them.  For firefighters it can be a risk due to obstructed exits as well, as well as falling objects and excessive fire load that could lead to a collapse and it makes fighting these fires and searching for occupants far more difficult."

Woods encourages those with concerns or cases of suspected hoarding to call her at the Woodstock Fire department (519-537-3412 ext 5203).  "We are hearing about it more often, it seems that our phones are ringing with more inquiries about it and individuals wondering what they can do to help family members or friends, they've heard about it.  It just seems to be more in the limelight because there are many more incidents happening across Ontario and across Canada of course so we're hearing about it more often.  And people just want to be safe and want to help."

Woods added if it is a matter they can not assist with, they will direct the calls in the right direction.

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