Good afternoon from the chamber of hoarders. The weather is turning nice and it’s time for the winter slumps to end. It’s time to get out into your area to see if anything has changed, such as a hidden hoarder that has now been revealed.
A “hidden hoarding” is a person that has a hoarding condition that is ashamed or embarrassed to have anyone inside their home because it is compacted with belongings. They will keep themselves as reclusive as possible until someone stumbles upon their hoard. Often the first people to discover this are emergency responders. If the person has a medical emergency, fire alarm, or possible trespasser the call is sent to the proper public service branch. We they call 911 we rush to help then find a hidden truth.
Often when a home reaches its maximum capacity the hoard will spill out into the yard, garage, car, or porch area. During the winter months the hidden hoarders will become exposed as they make room to heat their homes thus making it visible from the exterior the conditions inside. As you make your way through you may just happen to notice something that might cue you in to the hidden hoarding,exposing what is lurking inside. We are not permitted to enter a private dwelling it is only speculation, but it can also be an educated guess.
If you suspect it you should share it! That’s right, if you highly suspect someone possibly be a hoarder what good is the information if you’re not on the call? If you suspect that hoarding conditions possible is present you should send an email, text, or write something on your stations chalk board to warn the other crews that there is danger behind the doors. I have been in the fire service for a long time and one thing seems to stay constant. A lack of inter-departmental communication, I’m sure that this doesn’t apply to all of you but I will take a stab that it pertains to some. Take the time to share your suspicions with the other members that behind those doors might be a HOARD.
Thanks for taking time in the chamber, keep your eyes open for more exciting information here at Chamber of Hoarders.com……