A home that is cluttered can become unmanageable in an instant. This is especially true when life feels overwhelming. Unfortunately, there are many people who suffer from these circumstances every day. Hoarding is a condition that affects between 2% and 6% of all individuals between the ages of 55 and 94 in the United States.
This disorder can cause some minor problems for sufferers and impact their relationships with others and their ability to engage in social activities. It can also have more serious effects on their health and safety. It is critical to understand when it is time to seek outside sources for assistance in dealing with some of the most common hazards associated with it.
The Hazards of Hoarding
Hoarding can result in health code violations. Unfortunately, it can also create several hazards that place the health and well-being of occupants within the home or building at risk. Here are some of the most common.
It Can Be Hard to Navigate Through
It is extremely easy for stuff to become piled high and wide throughout the home when dealing with a hoarding disorder. As more and more items are brought inside, halls, doors, and other passageways become blocked. This can make it difficult or nearly impossible to exit the home in case of an emergency. It can also prevent emergency medical services and law enforcement officers from entering the home to assist those in need.
It Increases the Risks of Fire
Another hazard associated with this disorder is the increased risk of fires. When items get piled on top of the furnace, stove, and other ignition sources, there is a heightened risk of a fire occurring. Even a small fire in these conditions can quickly escalate into a very dangerous situation.
Hoarding Can Obstruct Smoke Detectors
If a fire is started in the home, hoarding conditions can block the smoke detectors and prevent those inside from being alerted. When too many items are piled on top of each other, it can obstruct the smoke detector and result in the fire spreading rapidly before anyone is even made aware.
There Is a Risk of Being Trapped
In extreme cases, there is a chance that individuals may become trapped inside their homes. This is particularly true in cases where people bring so much stuff inside their homes and stack it too high. The items can fall over and land on top of occupants, trapping them below. This can be extremely dangerous and could even result in the loss of life.
It Can Result in Structural Damage
If hazardous conditions remain for an extended period, it has the potential to cause structural damage. This can render the home completely uninhabitable and force the occupants out.
If you are dealing with this type of situation, it is important to know that there is help available. Your best bet is to seek guidance from our professional biohazard cleaning company.
Hiring a Professional Biohazard Cleaning Company
Trying to clean up a hazardous situation on your own is not typically a good idea. In fact, it can actually be quite dangerous to try to handle a hoarding situation on your own. Rather than taking a risk, it is important to seek guidance from our professionals at ZBM, Inc. There are several reasons why depending on our professionals is the best option.
Bloodborne Pathogens Can Be Dangerous
Hoarding situations can be extremely hazardous. There is always a risk that there may be some type of bloodborne pathogen present that you are unaware of. In some cases, exposure can be hazardous to your health. Bloodborne illnesses and diseases can spread through contact, and without the right training and equipment, you may be at risk of exposure or infection.
You Can Become Exposed to Infectious Diseases
There is also a risk that there may be some type of infectious disease present as a result of an unknown biological hazard. This can quickly spread if items are not handled properly and with extreme caution. When proper prevention and control measures are not exercised during the cleaning and decontamination of the space, there is a chance of being exposed to an infectious disease.
There Is a Potential for Accidental Exposure
Properly trained cleaning crews will know all of the protection gear and equipment that is needed to handle the job safely. Without adequate training, there is a risk that you may become exposed to blood, animal waste, bodily fluids, or other microbiological waste. Having a professional team handle this situation will ensure everything is done safely and correctly.
The Job Is Very Labor Intensive
There is a lot involved in cleaning up a hoarding situation. All of the items will need to be properly handled and disposed of. You will need to know the best strategy for handling the job layer-by-layer instead of just diving in. This will ensure that everything is moved out and taken care of to prevent further issues or damage.
There Is a Significant Chance of Being Injured
When handling this type of situation, there is an inherent risk of being harmed. Working around unstable piles of materials that can fall down and cause injuries at any time can be quite challenging. However, professionals are thoroughly trained on how to handle these situations with care and professionalism.
Ensure the Proper Supplies and Equipment Are Used
Hoarding cleanup is very demanding and labor-intensive. It is vital to have all of the right equipment and supplies to take care of the job. These items can include specialized chemicals, ladders, boxes, trash bags, and various other tools and equipment. Our team will assess the situation, determine exactly what is needed, and ensure that we have it on hand to get the job done.
Contact Our Professionals Today for Help
If you are dealing with a hoarding situation and are interested in professional cleaning services, our team at ZBM, Inc. is available to help. We can come to your location and take care of the clean-up so you can take back control of your life. To get started, reach out to our professionals today.
