Are you dealing with the unexpected death of a loved one? An unattended death is actually quite common, particularly for those who live alone.
Coping with a loss is hard enough, let alone facing the reality of cleaning up after an unattended death. We understand that this can be incredibly difficult and want to help make it as easy as possible for everyone involved.
This guide offers step-by-step directions on how to properly clean up after a loved one's passing. Our guide provides answers to common questions about crime scene cleanup services. You don’t have to worry about figuring out the details yourself.
Learn how you can safely handle this overwhelming task of death cleanup with ease.
An unattended death is a term referring to when the deceased is not discovered for an extended amount of time. This ranges from days to weeks or even months. It can be extremely heartbreaking.
Unattended deaths are most common with elderly individuals who live alone and don't have any family or friends to check in on them regularly. Alternatively, they can be the consequence of an accident, suicide attempt, or even homicide.
Death triggers a rapid decomposition process. During this time hazardous germs are released into the air around the body within hours of passing. These bacteria will begin to spread and affect nearby materials. It can be even more challenging if there is blood cleanup to consider.
The stench of putrefaction is caused by this bacteria, and eradicating it requires a careful and specialized approach. Cleaning the floors with bleach or discarding the bedding alone are not enough solutions here.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of discovering an unattended death, your very first action should be to call 911.
After the authorities show up to examine and assess the tragedy, even if no criminal activity is suspected, their assistance will be invaluable. The police can guide you in reaching out to your local coroner so that they may transfer the body for further examination at a morgue.
Crime scene cleanup will have different considerations than suicide cleanup, so it's important not to tamper with any potential evidence. Call Bio-One Houston North 346-831-7405.
As the death was unaccompanied, those close to the departed may remain unaware of their passing.
Try to connect with the individual's closest friends, family members, churchgoers, and other acquaintances to inform them of their passing.
Cleaning up hazardous bio-matter can be dangerous to your health and safety. Don't take the risk of attempting it alone. Instead, entrust a professional cleanup service with substances like bodily fluids, blood, and other pathogens.
Doing so will ensure that you are protected from any form of contamination or illness caused by these materials.
It's also best to delay collecting sentimental items from the deceased's residence, as they might be contaminated.
No one should ever have to face the trauma of cleaning up after an unattended death alone. We hope this article has been able to provide you with some clarity and guidance on how to handle such a difficult situation.
If you are dealing with an unattended death right now and need assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact Bio-One Houston North. Speak to our experienced and sympathetic team today.
Hoarding is a special circumstance that requires more than your average house cleaner. Here's why you'll need to hire a biohazard cleaning service.
Have you recently discovered that a family member is living in unsanitary conditions?
If so, then you understand how traumatizing and unsettling this can be. Hoarding is a serious mental health condition. It can pose a number of health and safety risks to those living in and around the affected environment.
In these situations, it is essential to use a professional biohazard cleaning service. Here we look at the benefits of hiring biohazard cleaning services rather than attempting to deal with the mess yourself. Keep reading to learn more.
Hoarding environments often contain hazardous materials. This includes mold, bacteria, feces, and chemicals. These are materials that can pose a threat to the health and safety of those in the area. A professional biohazard cleaning service has the training and equipment to remove and dispose of these materials.
Biohazard cleaning services have specialized training and expertise. They understand how to handle hazardous materials and disinfect the affected area. This is essential for preventing the spread of disease and illness.
Be sure to check with the authorities in your area. Many local and state regulations require professional cleaning of this type of environment. A professional biohazard cleaning service is aware of these regulations. This means they can ensure compliance to avoid potential penalties or fines.
Hoarded environments can attract pests and rodents. This creates the potential for the spread of diseases. Keep in mind that the spread of diseases poses a threat to the health and safety of others in the area. A professional biohazard cleaning service can help to eliminate these pests and prevent their spread.
Biohazard cleaning services understand the sensitive nature of hoarding situations. This means they always exercise discretion and confidentiality to ensure the privacy and dignity of those involved.
A professional biohazard cleaning service has the equipment and experience for the job. They are able to clean and disinfect the affected area using methods that help to reduce the risk of recontamination and ensure the safety of those in the environment.
Hiring a professional biohazard cleaning service can provide peace of mind. After all, you'll know that the affected area has been disinfectd and cleaned from top to bottom.
Biohazard cleaning services understand the complexities of hoarding. Thus they can provide a compassionate and understanding approach to the cleaning process. This includes working with a hoarder and their family to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.
Living in the filth created by hoarding is no laughing matter. This guide to the benefits of hiring a biohazard cleaning service will help you make the right decision for your loved ones.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our hoarding cleanup specialists.
Thanks to pop culture, the public knows more about the crime scene cleanup process than a few years ago. But many are still unaware of their responsibilities when crimes occur on their property. This can leave them in a lurch when they discover that it falls to them to arrange for cleanup after sudden deaths or other incidents.
Murder scene cleanup can be particularly distressing to deal with. Violent crimes are traumatic and it's understandable to assume the authorities are there to help. Learning that police and paramedics aren't responsible for picking up the pieces can make the situation harder to cope with.
Finding the right cleanup company is one of the best things survivors can do for themselves. Here are the key points to consider when selecting a cleanup provider.
Finding a provider that serves your area may seem like a given, but it's not as straightforward as you may think.
It's not unusual for a trauma and death cleanup company to pay for advertising in your city even if they're located hours away. Online advertising, in particular, often casts a broader net than necessary.
You should likewise avoid services that rely on toll-free numbers. These often connect to call centers that can be located almost anywhere.
Instead, seek out a cleanup company that you can confirm is based in your area.
As recently as the 1990s, the trauma cleanup industry was largely unregulated. Public awareness of blood and fluid-borne illness wasn't as widespread as it is today, and the lack of industry oversight made companies hard to rely on.
That changed over the last few decades, consumers still want to do their due diligence when selecting a service provider. The company you choose should be insured, have all the pertinent bloodborne pathogen certifications, and follow OSHA personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and remediation processes.
Dealing with death is always traumatic, especially if the victim was a friend or loved one. To make this difficult process as easy as possible, you want a cleanup provider who is not only quick and thorough, but compassionate as well. This includes handling cleanup after violent crimes with discretion and confidentiality.
If a death occurred in a private residence, dealing with personal effects is another concern you want your cleanup provider to handle with care. A quality provider can work with you to recover valuables found at the scene as well as sentimental items like photographs.
Your service provider can also help you handle insurance claims and deal with adjusters. This will take the burden off your shoulders and allow you to deal with other pressing matters.
Whether you're dealing with murder scene cleanup, undiscovered death, or some other form of trauma cleanup, you don't need to handle the situation alone. Instead, you should always reach out to qualified professionals as soon as possible.
Bio-One Houston North is on-call 24/7 to help you navigate these difficult circumstances. We're licensed, fully insured, and compliant with the CDC and EPA regulations. To learn more and arrange for quick and compassionate cleanup services, contact us today.
What does trauma cleaning involve? How do you choose the best cleaning company for trauma cases? Check out this list to learn more about trauma cleaning.
During the pandemic, UNICEF shipped more than 653.4 million items of PPE to 140 countries. But, PPE equipment existed for years before the pandemic.
For instance, trauma cleaners rely on this equipment.
However, many people have never encountered trauma cleaning before until something tragic happens.
So it's important to learn what trauma cleaners do and why they are essential for traumatic events and a crime scene cleanup.
Compared to regular cleaners, trauma cleaners have the personal protective equipment required to clear crime scenes. For example, large-scale blood spills, industrial accidents, and suicides.
Here are four more things you need to know about trauma cleaning.
1. Cleaning for Violent Crimes
It's easy to assume that trauma cleaning is just like regular cleaning; therefore, you don't need to hire a professional to clean up a crime scene.
Although, this isn't the case when it comes to cleaning the blood and other complications after a traumatic event. Professional trauma cleaners will clean every inch of space and ensure the area is safe.
This is the only way to guarantee that a location is entirely free from bacteria and other hazardous substances. For example, here are the most common risks associated with a trauma scene cleanup:
So, you need a professional to clean the space to eliminate dangerous bacteria left in a room after a traumatic event.
2. Training Experience
Cleaning up after a traumatic experience requires specific knowledge of applying products and equipment used when treating blood stains and other dirt.
Trauma cleaners are highly trained to deal with large or small cleanups that need to be thoroughly cleaned. If you don't hire a professional trauma cleaner, blood could be left, and you could have to replace entire rooms.
They have all the necessary equipment, such as biohazard suits, goggles, multilayer gloves, and respiration masks.
3. Compassionate Cleaners
Unlike regular cleaning jobs, trauma cleaning requires a compassionate and calm person to do the job. You must treat the situation carefully when facing crime scenes or personal traumatic events.
This is vital when dealing with personal family members or loved ones. Thankfully, a professional trauma cleaner knows exactly how to handle the cleanup and communicate empathetically with the people at the scene.
Experienced trauma cleaners will have seen several situations, so nothing will surprise or unsettle them when showing up for a job. Therefore, you can ensure that the service will complete a cleanup.
4. Efficient and Affordable
The final thing to note about trauma cleaning is that it's efficient and affordable. Depending on the size of the cleanup, a team of trauma cleaners will complete the job within 24 hours.
You can also hire a trauma cleaning service for affordable rates, so your space can be cleaned as soon as possible. Just remember to ask about experience and research the best services before hiring a team.
Luckily, our team is experienced and ready to help.
Trauma Cleaning With Care
Finding a company that understands the emotion of trauma cleaning is important. But, it's equally important to acknowledge the importance of the science behind clearing pathogens and removing blood.
The good news is that we can help you with a trauma cleanup, no matter the size.
You can find out more about our services on https://www.bioonehoustonnorth.com. And if you have any other questions, you can reach out and schedule a service.
There's another death from suicide in America every 11 minutes. That's 45,979 lives lost every year. 1.2 million more attempt to take their lives.
These numbers depend on the time of year. The rates increase in spring and fall.
Discovering a suicide scene is one of the most harrowing experiences anyone can have. The next step after overcoming the initial shock is finding a way to remove the mess left behind.
Read on to learn 3 questions you should ask a biohazard company before a suicide cleanup.
A reputable biohazard cleanup service should be able to show you their license if you ask them to. If they're not, find another option as soon as possible.
They also need the proper insurance to keep you and their workers safe. They should at least have liability, worker's compensation, and commercial automobile insurance.
Biohazard cleanup companies can clean up hoarding situations, homicide scenes, and other hazardous situations. Basic training helps them handle a wide variety of scenes.
They should have passed additional courses in areas related to suicide. For example, OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires bloodborne pathogens training for blood cleanup.
You can also determine their level of experience by asking about how many past suicide cleanups they've done. Even if they don't specialize in it, they should be familiar with what it entails.
Ask for pictures or information about their past work. Find out more about the experience that their past clients had to see if it was positive or negative. See if the service is willing to give you references.
A suicide cleanup service's level of skill and experience is obviously important, but so is the way that they work with you. A suicide isn't just any biohazard scene, and it requires an extra level of empathy and compassion.
The right service will respect your need for privacy. Ask them about how they'll make sure no information about the scene gets spread to the public.
Make sure to find a service that's empathetic and compassionate while working with you from the moment you first call them to the day they finish the job. They should never be rude or dismissive when they answer your questions. The best ones will follow up with you and provide additional resources such as contact information for counselors they recommend.
Always ask about a suicide cleanup service's licensure and training to make sure they're qualified. Ask what insurance they have to protect you and themselves. Determine how experienced they are by asking about how many previous suicide scenes they've worked on.
The emotional aspect of the cleanup is also important. Talk to them about what measures they use to protect your privacy and make sure they treat you with compassion and respect.
Bio-One of Houston North https://www.bioonehoustonnorth.com is a biohazard company with the experience and compassion you need. Get our suicide cleanup services today.
Are you wondering if you really need professionals to clean up a biohazard? The answer is yes!
https://www.bioonehoustonnorth.com
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!
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.
