Hoarded homes can be at a higher fire risk. The number of possessions can also lead to exit routes becoming blocked, making safe evacuation more difficult. Fires spread much faster, especially if doors cannot be closed and where there are flammable items such as newspapers or cardboard lying around.
Safety tips to prevent a fire in a hoarded home
If someone you know lives in a home that is dangerously full of belongings, they can live more safely by:
- Planning how they would escape their home in a fire and practising this
- Installing working smoke alarms and testing them every week
- Making sure flammable items are kept aware from heaters, cookers and open flames
- Checking electrical wiring
- If they smoke, practicing safer smoking habits and following our advice for smoking safety
- Booking a free home fire safety visit where we will install free smoke alarms and specialist equipment, as well as have a positive conversation with the person about keeping safe in their home.
If there is a fire
- If you have a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
- If your clothing catches on fire, remember: stop, drop and roll.
Check if your home is fire safe
For free advice unique to you and your home, complete the online Home Fire Safety Check.
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