When Clutter becomes Dangerous Flyer (PDF)

When Does Clutter Become Dangerous? 
Most of us live in “cluttered” houses.  The 
thing about clutter is that it can accumulate 
to the point of creating a dangerous  
situation without a homeowner ever          
realizing that it is happening.   
 
How do we know if our clutter is a 
safety issue? 
Here are some thing to look for: 
 Clutter Prevents Movement: When the amount of clutter in a home causes you to climb 
over or maneuver around belongings in the course of normal living, there is a safety issue. A    
narrow pathway around the home with items piled high /multiple electric cords/ shoes and       
clothing/ magazines, books or newspapers. This kind of situation is an open invitation for a        
serious fall or preventing you from safely exiting during an emergency situation. It may   
also block Emergency Medical personnel from accessing you in a health crisis. 
 Clutter is a Fire Hazard: Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire       
injuries. Adults 55 or over face a higher risk of cooking fire death than other age group. Something 
that could catch fire was too close to the equipment in 9% of cooking fires and 15% of deaths. 
Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels 
or curtains — away from your stovetop.  Never use your cooktop or oven as a storage 
space. 
More Fire and Life Safety Tips  can be found at: 
www.waterfordct.org/fire-services  
or follow us on Facebook 
Town of Waterford, CT Fire Prevention 
or contact: 
Kathy Peterson 
Community Safety Educator 
860-444-5892