Ottawa Public Health has put a lot of time and effort into defining the problem of hoarding. They have identified that in a recent survey of hoarders exhibited the following problems:
- Fire Hazard…………..45%
- Risk of Falling……….39%
- Unsanitary Conditions.32%
- Medical Problems…….27%
- Poor Ambulation……..26%
All of which can lead to inaccessible, inoperable or unsafe operation of:
- Stove/oven………….. 57%
- Fridge/freezer ……….45%
- Kitchen sink/water….42%
- Bathtub………………42%
- Water……………….20%
- Toilet………………..10%
- This may all be compounded by additional influences such as rodents or insects.
Sites that go beyond the hoarding stage are dubbed trash houses. Trash houses may have all the problems of the above properties with added concerns of structural issues if neglected too long or drug paraphernalia if the house has been abandoned.
Proper remediation of these sites goes beyond just trash removal but may also require disinfection, mould remediation, odour control, and structural repairs. Proper safety and disposal guidelines should be followed.
One Call Services will work with the authorized contact to ensure the contents and the structure are dealt with in the most appropriate manner.