Street Level View
As we drive the streets in our districts we should be on the lookout for unique challenges. These include a hoarder home and the potential for a response. When driving past these homes you should be looking out for some typical cues:
- Hoarded front yards
- Large privacy fence covering back yard
- Cluttered front porches
- Blocked windows
- Overgrown shrubs, bushes or trees
- Multiple vehicles in yard that are full
These cues and clues should trigger a need for further investigation. If you suspect one or more of the above you should begin to investigate a little deeper, but how?
[caption id="attachment_543" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Aerial view of a Cluttered House
Overhead View
Without an invitation or a need we cannot enter your property but the eye in the sky always knows. Taking to your computer and using tools such as Google earth can let you get a bird’s eye view of the property to confirm your suspicions. Find a point of interest, address, or something to give you a reference point and view the property from overhead. This perspective will allow you to view the backyard, side yard, and potentially the windows without physically walking the property.
Read More about Pre-Fire Planning Here:
http://chamberofhoarders.com/3-things-your-department-should-do-about-hoarding/
Read more about Non-Fire Dangers in Hoarder Homes Here:
http://chamberofhoarders.com/hoarder-homes-more-dangers-than-fire/