It isn't at all pleasant to think about, but people die alone all the time, and sometimes, they remain undiscovered for days, weeks, or longer. Often, such people lived apart from family and friends or were suffering from hoarding or antisocial disorders.
In cases of an unattended death, a professional unattended death clean up will need to be undertaken after the removal of the dead body.
Any biohazard cleanup should only ever be undertaken by a licensed and insured professional biohazard cleanup service. This is especially so when dealing with the aftermath of an undiscovered death. Amateur attempts to properly and completely clean and disinfect such conditions are likely to fail. Failure to completely remove all traces of biological fluids can result in an unhealthy environment.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Discovering the unattended death of a friend or family member is a stressful, potentially traumatic experience. Professional undiscovered death clean up companies understand this and always treat the deceased's property and home with dignity and respect.
First, they'll explain the remediation process, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Then, once they've evaluated the scope of the job, you'll be issued a written estimate of the costs involved. You'll also be appraised of payment and financing options at this time. If necessary, the remediation team can work with your insurance company.
DEATH OR DECOMPOSITION DAMAGE
Once the deceased has been removed from the affected area, it's essential to remove and remediate all traces of biological fluids. As deterioration occurs, bacteria and escaping gasses produce a horrible odor. This process can begin a day or so after death, though the process may be considerably quickened by excessive heat.
If all the biological materials aren't thoroughly cleaned and disinfectd, the structure could become potentially unhealthy and therefore uninhabitable.
Depending on how long the deceased has remained undiscovered, the odor of death may permeate porous materials such as carpets, drywall, books, linens, furniture, and clothes. In such cases, affected materials will need to be discarded. Affected drywall and carpets must likewise be removed.
CLEANING, DISINFECTING, AND DEODORIZING
While inspecting the area where the unattended death was discovered, and during the entire remediation process, biohazard cleanup specialists will be fully suited in HAZMAT protective gear. For your protection, they will also insist that you do as well, should you enter the structure.
Using specialized cleansers and technology, the remediation team will then begin cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing all surfaces in the affected area. Once every trace of biological fluids has been removed, the air in the structure will be tested using Adenosine Triphosphate. This ATP Flourescent Testing is the same used in hospitals and the healthcare industry to ensure the highest levels of sanitation.
CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of the bioremediation process, you'll be issued a certificate of completion. This document attests to the fact that the structure in question has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfectd in accordance with all applicable health and safety standards. When the time comes to sell the affected home, building, or domicile, such a document can come in handy as a negotiating tool.
If you've had the unfortunate experience of discovering a friend or loved one who has died unattended, or if an undiscovered death has occurred at a property you own, don't make the mistake of thinking you can clean the area yourself. Biohazard cleanup is always best left to the professionals.
Licensed biohazard remediation companies offering unattended death cleanup services have the experience, tools, and proper personal protective equipment necessary to handle such potentially dangerous jobs thoroughly and safely.
We are delighted to announce our sponsorship of the First Responder Relay in Las Vegas on October 16th. The First Responders Relay is a 9 person 48-mile running relay with stages ranging from 4.0 miles to 7.7 miles. The relay is competition comprised of first responder personnel from throughout the United States and the World, and is hosted by the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF).
There is still time to register, but don't delay! Registration closes September 18. Visit www.CPAF.org to join us in Las Vegas!
A blood spill resulting from an accident or crime is not only off-putting and upsetting; it can be hazardous. Aside from being a visual reminder of our mortality, a blood spill may contain harmful pathogens and must be attended to carefully.
As a general rule of thumb, blood spills or stains larger than a standard dinner plate should be referred to licensed and certified Biohazard Remediation professionals. Far more than a cleaning service, Biohazard Remediation involves removing blood and bodily fluids, cleaning, and disinfecting affected areas.
Dealing with blood spills and other potentially harmful biohazards can be dangerous work. The risk of coming into contact with harmful bloodborne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis is significant, which is why remediation professionals are trained to work with blood and bodily fluids safely.
If the spill you're dealing with is small enough to pass the dinner plate test, and you know or are reasonably certain the blood is pathogen-free, there is a ten-step process experts recommend if you want to give cleaning it a go yourself:
SUIT UP!
You're going to want to be wearing a decent pair of rubber gloves when cleaning blood spills and stains. It's a good idea to consider eye protection, too, should any blood or fluid splash or spatter during the removal process.
PREPARE
The last thing you want is for a sharp object to pierce your gloves as you're removing a blood spill. Remove any sharp or potentially sharp objects in or around the spill using tweezers.
CLEAN
Absorb as much of the spill as possible with cloth towels. You can place the towels directly onto the spill. Once soaked, place the contaminated linens in a biohazard bag for later disposal.
CLEAN AGAIN
Once the majority of the blood's been removed, check to ensure the room is well ventilated, then pour a registered disinfectant with a broad-spectrum kill claim onto the stain. Let the disinfectant sit for ten minutes, then clean with a cloth rag, moving from the outer circumference of the stain inward.
ONE MORE TIME!
While it may seem redundant, it's best to play it safe and clean and disinfect a third time when dealing with potentially dangerous blood spills. Using damp cloth towels, go over the affected area one last time.
DISPOSAL
Contact your area health department for directions on how to dispose of contaminated towels and protective equipment, which should be double-bagged and labeled "biohazard."
LOOK YOURSELF OVER
After cleaning even a small blood spill, you'll want to shower, or at the very least wash your hands well. Before you do, check yourself for any contaminants that may have made it past your protective equipment.
Keep in mind that all but the smallest of blood spills should be removed, cleaned, and disinfected by trained and licensed professionals. If you require blood-spill remediation in the St. Louis area, call the experts at Bio-One today, or visit online anytime at www.bioonestc.com.
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The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) is proud to announce that the 2021 United States Police & Fire Championships (USPFC) are now Presented by Bio-One, Inc.
Operating under the motto, "Help First, Business Second," Bio-One provides high-level decontamination and biohazard cleanup services while offering clients the privacy and compassion needed at difficult times. Bio-One operates in 41 states with over 110 locations and is committed to providing first-class service.
"We are thrilled to add Bio-One as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2021 USPFC because First Responders warrant our support," said California Police Athletic Federation President LC Collins. "Bio-One’s reputation is second to none, and with their partnership, we can offer first responders a health and wellness outlet. We look forward to working with them for years to come."
Founded by San Diego Police Lieutenant Veon "Duke" Nyhus, The United States Police & Fire Championships were first held in San Diego in 1967. Duke recognized the need to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among the Public Safety and First Responder community members.
The USPFC caters to active and retired public safety and first responders who participate in Olympic-style competitions and open to individuals representing firefighters, law enforcement, and officers from corrections, probation, border protection, immigration, and customs across the country. Traditionally athletes compete in 45+ sporting events from biathlon to motocross across 35+ venues in Southern California.
"At Bio-One our support for Law Enforcement and Fire Service Officers is unwavering, and we're thrilled to partner with the California Police Athletic Federation during this memorable event," said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, founder of Bio-One. "We wish each athlete success and look forward to celebrating these everyday heroes."
The 2021 USPFC Presented by Bio-One will take place from June 10th to the 19th in venues across San Diego, California, and strengthen the relationship between First Responders and the community for many years to come!
About the United States Police and Fire Championships
The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) is the parent organization of two multi-sport programs designed for peace officers and firefighters. The World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) are open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world. The United States Police & Fire Championships (USPFC) are open to active or retired public safety and first responder personnel from an eligible agency within the USA. For more information, please visit www.uspfc.org.
Losing a loved one in an accident is incomprehensibly painful. The seeming unfairness and randomness of the moment is almost impossible to accept at first as grieving friends and family members try to rationalize what happened. They often feel guilty for not doing enough to prevent the death despite the fact that the incident was entirely out of their control. But nobody can prepare for the sudden and unexpected. Accidental deaths are by definition unnatural and unintentional. They include slips and falls, traffic accidents, poisonings, accidental weapon wounds, drownings, fire injuries, head traumas, industrial accidents, choking deaths, explosions, and natural disasters. Fatal accidents have always been a leading cause of death in America. But unfortunately, they are becoming more common.
According to the non-profit National Safety Council, accidental deaths increased 96 percent over the last 25 years. Though they decreased significantly between 1950 and 1980, fatal accidents have been growing rapidly since the mid-1990s.Despite our innovation in creating safer technologies, today’s rate of 52.2 deaths per 100,000 people hasn’t been seen since the mid-1970s. Now, accidents are the number one leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 44, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For all demographics, they are the third leading cause of death nationwide, with 169,936 deaths reported by the CDC in 2017.
While researchers have not reached a consensus on why accidental deaths are increasing, the NSC points to three trends to explain the rise, including increases in poisonings, motor vehicle deaths and falls among older adults. All of these injuries are preventable, they say, arguing on their website that institutions “have not consistently prioritized safety at work, at home and on the road”. Poisonings, the leading unintentional injury among CDC data, increased 11 percent between 2016 and 2017 . The NSC attributes the growth to the opioid crisis, which claimed the lives of 47,000 Americans in 2017 .
To put the CDC data into perspective, 466 people die from accidental injuries every day The number of friends and family members affected by the death of a loved one is even higher, resulting in an ever-growing community of people who must find ways to manage their grief. Bio-One works with these families every day to facilitate their steps towards recovery.
When fatal accidents happen, we dedicate our resources to helping families restore their home or business in a safe, private and efficient manner. Because first responders do not decontaminate crime scenes after they respond to a call, we step in to ensure that families are not exposed to disease and other dangers. Crime scenes harbor harmful bloodborne pathogens that contaminate the immediate area, leaving everyone on the property vulnerable to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Our licensed technicians use powerful, environmentally safe chemicals to thoroughly disinfect the area so you can rest assured that your family will be safe. We work with an appreciation for your valuables and will replace furnishings if need be. In hoarding situations, we remove clutter that may present a danger to other inhabitants, including feces and other biological waste.
When you give us a call at your local Bio-One office, we’ll immediately connect you with a representative that will address your unique situation. Because we value your time during this difficult moment, a team will be dispatched to your home or business within an hour to complete the service. When they arrive, they’ll come in unmarked vehicles to safeguard your privacy. Our team approaches their work with the sensitivity it demands and endeavors to address your needs with the compassion it deserves. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We are on standby 24/7/365.
We often forget about the people left behind in the wake of a homicide. News stories reveal who died but often fail to identify how their death impacts their loved ones. When someone is murdered, their family, friends and significant others endure one of the most traumatic experiences that anyone can face. These survivors are some of the least researched crime victims in America, and they are everywhere. According to the most recent FBI data, 16,214 Americans were murdered in 2018. For every one of those individuals an average of 7 to 10 relatives were severely impacted, according to an estimate by Lu Redmond, a homicide grief expert.
If the murder rate remains consistent, Redmond’s estimate means between 113,000 and 162,000 Americans will become homicide survivors each year. That’s in addition to the pool of survivors who already lost loved ones in previous years. Though the lack of research makes it impossible to quantify how many total homicide survivors there are in America, the number is high enough to warrant concern for how they are treated by health professionals.
For survivors, the grieving process is almost impossible to endure. Though loved ones will grieve in different ways depending on their relationship with the victim, the loss is shocking, unimaginable and absolute. They never had a chance to say goodbye to their loved one, and the plans they both shared will never come to fruition. This realization may be sudden. In some cases, it may take years. Some survivors find it difficult to accept a loved one’s death at first, resulting in a delayed reaction that is triggered by a situation that reminds them of the victim. According to the National Center of Victims of Crime, grief symptoms include shock, disbelief, numbness, changes in appetite and sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating, anger, confusion, increased anxiety and fear. Financial loss, depression and family conflict are also common symptoms.
Discovering a murdered loved one in the home can trigger post traumatic stress disorder. After the first responders leave the scene, some survivors may feel compelled to clean up the aftermath themselves. Confused that the paramedics don’t complete this work, they may think the cleanup process is their responsibility and act immediately. After all, they want to restore the scene as quickly as possible. Operating in a state of shock, they’ll remove the blood stains, body tissue and contaminated materials from the home without recognizing the threat to their physical and mental health. In addition to exposing their body to dangerous bloodborne pathogens, survivors may experience traumatic flashbacks of the experience in the future and suffer from heightened anxiety and emotional numbness. These PTSD symptoms prolong the recovery process, making it even more difficult for survivors to cope with their new lives.
Bio-One works with communities across the nation to avoid this outcome. We employ certified technicians that respond to scenes of violent crime and clean up dangerous biohazards that pose a threat to you and your family. When we receive a request for our services, we’ll send a team to the job site within an hour to assess your situation and perform a comprehensive cleaning solution that restores the property. Our powerful, environmentally friendly chemicals eradicate harmful pathogens that spread Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, giving you assurance that you will be safe long after the area is decontaminated. We’ll dispose of the infected materials that cannot be salvaged and replace flooring and other furnishings if we need to. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, we’ll return it to its pre-incident state so you can focus on recovering.
We conduct this work because we want to help people who have been left to deal with a difficult, painful task. That’s why our company motto is “Help first, business second.” We don’t ask for payment until after the job is complete because we want to remove the safety threat from your home as quickly as you do. Every person on our team will arrive on-site with an understanding of the trauma you are going through and a respect for your privacy and personal needs. Contact your local Bio-One office today and we’ll immediately connect you with a representative that can assist you. We are available 24/7/365.
Although eight years have passed since the world’s top mental health experts classified hoarding as a unique compulsive disorder, the problem persists throughout the country. Researchers say that up to 20 million Americans suffer from this illness, which is described as an obsessive tendency to accumulate troves of objects with no practical value.Because hoarding is historically stigmatized and underdiagnosed, this number is likely a conservative estimate. Even more troubling, hoarding is expected to increase as the population ages and mortality rates rise. But the studies that dole out these numbers understandably focus on hoarders over other stakeholders in the community. Hoarders’ actions impact far more people than reflected in the data. Fires and collapsing structures caused by unstable hoarding situations jeopardize the safety of neighbors and government workers. Even animals suffer. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a quarter of a million animals are hoarded each year. But the people afflicted by the disorder’s worst consequences often live in the same household as the hoarder.
Families deteriorate as high levels of dysfunction, increased conflict and financial uncertainty hinder intimacy and devastate the emotional wellbeing of everyone in the home. Objects overwhelm the space and are guarded zealously by hoarders who are pathologically unable to discard anything they deem valuable. Hoarded items commonly include old newspapers, rotting food, cardboard boxes, pets, excessive piles of clothes and furniture that dominates the home. Space becomes constricted and practically unlivable, prompting hoarders to carve narrow passageways out of the clutter to navigate between rooms.
But despite the extreme measures’ hoarders take to endure these living conditions, the situation cannot be controlled. There is no space for shared activities among the family and no room to use necessary facilities like ovens, showers and beds. In fact, the concept of “space” alters entirely. Children may have to sleep on couches in the living room or in bed with parents to circumvent the clutter. Activities like eating, reading and sleeping are subject to the limitations of space and the normalcy of disorder.
The effect of living like this leads to feelings of isolation, depression and vulnerability. Confounded by the fact that the hoarding family member is usually controlling, stubborn and sensitive to criticism, other people in the home often feel undervalued and powerless. Any attempts to remove the clutter are met with fierce opposition and outrage by the hoarder, who suffers from severe distress when confronted with the notion of losing their valuables. Aware of these consequences, the family usually lives in isolation, refusing to invite friends and relatives over to the home out of embarrassment. These claustrophobic conditions extend to the mind, which is overwhelmed by feelings of frustration, helplessness and anxiety. Financial strains ensue as the hoarder spends money on items that have no discernable value to other family members. As the acquisition of objects greatly outweighs the removal of other objects, credit limits are reached and space disappears, leading to home maintenance fees, financial debt and increasingly frequent family altercations.
Onlooking children often find themselves torn between parents in these situations. Child protective services may be invoked at some point, breaking up the family and degrading the bond between child and parent even further. This possibility weighs heavily on the minds of older children, who often feel compelled to silence for fear that they will be relocated by the authorities. Child protective services are often justified in removing them from the home. Households governed by an extreme hoarder are vulnerable to disease, air pollutants, pests and fires. Children in these homes also face stunted social and cognitive growth as they endure harsh living conditions and parental strife. Moreover, research indicates that hoarding behaviors are learned and adopted by the children of hoarders, who may subsequently pass these tendencies down to their own kids.
The strains that hoarding places on families illustrates why reaching out for help is so important. If you or a loved one are affected by this destructive disorder, please contact Bio-One for assistance. We remediate homes affected by hoarding on a daily basis and can connect you with tools that can help. We are on standby 24/7/365.
Akron, Ohio, October 1st, 2019 – Bio-One Inc. has announced the opening of its newest office, in the Akron community. Bio-One offices provide top-notch decontamination and biohazard cleanup services while treating clients with the privacy and compassion which difficult moments demand. This location will serve the Akron area, and surrounding areas, as well as assist all other franchised locations.
Bio-One located in Akron is owned by lifelong Akron residents Babs and Cuyler Costanzo. After spending years in the corporate world, Babs and Cuyler chose to start Bio-One to become more involved in serving their community and helping families in their greatest time of need.
"This is quite an honor for us, to have Babs and Cuyler own an office in the Akron area. The fact that we found a local man and woman who have a passion to help their community gives us great pride at our corporate office that we have the right people owning an office in Akron,” said Jason OBrien, CEO of Bio-One Inc. “Having Babs and Cuyler aboard signals that our constant efforts towards business and service excellence are paying off. We are proud to include Babs and Cuyler and their Bio-One office in our Bio-One family. They exemplify our company motto of Help First, Business Second."
For more information on Bio-One in Akron, please call Babs and Cuyler at (330) 888-5665 or visit www.BioOneAkron.com.
“Bio-One is here to help and serve our community when those are in need”
About Bio-One Inc.
Bio-One Inc. is the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, operating in 35 States with over 90 locations. Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and much more. Each office is independently owned and operated by a member of the local community. For more information about Bio-One Inc., visit the Company’s website at www.biooneeastbay.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE BIO-ONE INC.
CONTACTS:
Bio-One
Babs and Cuyler Costanzo
(330) 888-5665
Info@BioOneAkron.com
Bio-One Inc.
Jason OBrien CEO
720-463-3004
Property managers adopt no-smoking rules for a reason. Strong odors diminish the market values for apartment units, homes, restaurants and office buildings. According to one estimate by the National Association of Realtors, homes lose 29 percent of their worth when they’re blemished by cigarette smoke .These properties may never sell, forcing landlords to invest in expensive restoration services to eliminate the odor and turn a profit. The Kennedy Restoration Company estimates that this process costs $15,000 for every 2-bedroom apartment unit in Portland, Oregon. A study approved by UCLA and supported by the California Department of Public Health came up with a more conservative estimate. They say that restoring multiunit apartments damaged by cigarette smoke in California will cost roughly $5,000 per unit on average. Though market values will differ depending on where you live, it’s fair to say that odor remediation services are almost always costly. They’re also time-consuming and laborious. Property managers lose money when they’re unable to rent out a unit and must find time in their day to conduct tedious research into restoration options that fit within their budget. Bio-One makes this process easy. We provide the most effective odor remediation service in the industry, and work with property managers daily to find an economical solution to their unique situations.
Odor restoration involves a comprehensive process that targets virtually every item in the building, including floorboards, drywall, ceiling panels and light fixtures. Technicians must ventilate the property, disinfect all surfaces and discard items that absorb and sustain the odor. That means carpeting must be uprooted, curtains must be replaced, and walls must be repainted with sealers that trap unpleasant aromas. Odors will return if this process is not conducted thoroughly, forcing remediation specialists to undergo an exhausting and meticulous cleaning procedure for every property they work on. The arduousness of these services explain why they are often so pricey. When you call your local Bio-One office for a service, we’ll give you a breakdown of total costs. But we do not require payment until after your property is restored.
Once you contact us, we’ll typically complete the job within a 24-hour window, giving you the quickest opportunity to place your property back on the market. Our process eliminates the possibility that odors will return, which often happens when people without the right training attempt to clean the space themselves. According to PBS, cigarette smoke pollutants linger on surfaces for up to five years. Because of the pervasiveness of these compounds, weak chemicals and superficial cleaning jobs simply mask odors for a couple of days. We’ll remove porous structures in the building that retain the odor, like carpeting and flooring, and use a powerful chemical solution to eradicate surface-level pollutants. Call us today and you’ll be connected to a representative who can address your situation. We are on standby 24/7/365.