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Fire Inspector Speaks Out About Compulsive Hoarders

January 13, 2012 By Avery Associates

Hoarders Houses Are Fire Traps

London house clearance specialists Jeffrey Avery & Associates point out tht one of the main risks posed by compulsive hoarding is that of fire. The collections amassed by hoarders can be incredibly dangerous for them as hoarders and for neighbours due to the fire risks which they lead to, and sometimes the results can be tragic. A hoarder’s house clearance is the only way to reduce the risk of fire…..

Now, in an article in CommunityPress.Cincinnati.com, a fire inspector has spoken out about his experiences with hoarders, saying that they can be found in all demographics, rich or poor, male or female.

In the article, Bill Long describes hoarding as “like being an alcoholic”, following his experiences over a period of 40 years working for the Cincinnati Fire Department. Most of his experiences came during his period working in fire prevention.

Long felt sorry for the hoarders, saying how he “pitied them”. But he was also aware of the dangers they posed, especially for fire fighters, who could end up getting killed.

In the article he describes cases he experienced, such as the man who had so many books that he literally had to crawl over them to get around the house, as well as a property which had frozen cats inside.

The article goes on to look at treatment options for victims, and the fact that hoarding can be caused as a result of a loss or developed throughout adolescence.

Long also said, that when he found evidence of hoarding and wanted to enter a house, he would often not be allowed in because the hoarders were worried that he would force them to get rid of some of their items.

This is classic hoarding behaviour, as hoarders will often form such a strong bond with their possessions that to get rid of them would be traumatic. Indeed, there have been cases of suicides reported when hoarders have been forced to part with their possessions.

Overall, the article provides a fascinating insight into the real-life encounters with hoarding that many of us will never get to experience due to the secretive nature of the condition.

Do you own a property affected by hoarding? Call us immediately. Cleaning up a hoarding property is no easy feat, so make sure you only employ professionals. For discreet and confidential advice Call Jeffrey Avery directly on 0800 567 7769

Filed Under: Compulsive Hoarding Tagged With: Bill Long, Cincinnati Fire Department, compulsive hoarding, fire inspector, frozen cats

Our House Clearance Services

We provide a full house clearance and property management solution:

  • We clear hoarded houses, regardless how big or how cluttered
  • We clear all types and sizes of property, irrespective of location, or access is restricted or where parking is difficult or not available.
  • We can help avoid water damage by draining the central heating system.
  • We can secure the property and change the locks.
  • We can reinstate the gardens and maintain them whilst the property is empty.
  • We can provide 24 hour security to eliminate the risk of squatting or unlawful occupation.

As well normal house clearances we specialise in clutter clearance and we can clear a hoarded house which may contain years of accumulated possessions, or which have abnormal amounts of general household items, sometimes as a result of compulsive hoarding syndrome.

Equally we can help to clear a property where the occupants were previously unwell and unable to care for themselves or their property which sometimes results in insanitary, dangerous or just plain unpleasant conditions.

More info

What We Do

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Client Reviews

Oct 6, 2020
by Edward Harvey on Avery Associates
Probate Contents Valuation London

Dear Jeffrey, Following your recent valuations, one for the property and the other for personal belongings etc, at the property in Lower Road London... Read More

Oct 5, 2020
by Mr Wood on Avery Associates
House Clearance In Oxford

Dear Jeff. I can not thank you enough . The house clearance wen like clock work. What a great team you sent me. Mr Wood

Oct 5, 2020
by Michael Hasning on Avery Associates
House Clearance Abingdon

“Avery Associates have supported me as the Executor to my late mother’s estate. In the first instance I found their website an excellent source of information... Read More

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Avery Associates
291 Mitcham Rd
Tooting SW179JQ

Tel: 0800 567 7769 or 0208 640 0044

Services provided throughout London and the Home Counties. View our clearance case studies.


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