Tackling Tough Cleanup Challenges: The Necessity of Deep Cleaning in Critical Situations

Call Bio-One of Houston South anytime, 24/7, (713) 591-1522 for immediate expert residential or commercial cleaning. Our highly trained deep cleaning teams are equipped to handle all biohazard and trauma scene cleanup complexities and hazards.

You need a deep cleaning company when there's a high risk of contamination, or regular cleaning isn't enough.

Some of the common scenarios that necessitate deep cleaning services include:

Biohazard Contamination: If there's a high risk of contamination or regular cleaning doesn't cut it, you need a deep cleaning company. Examples include crime scenes, unattended deaths, suicides, or accidents.
Infectious Disease Outbreaks: In an outbreak of contagious diseases (like COVID-19, norovirus, or MRSA), deep cleaning is essential to disinfect facilities and prevent the spread of the disease.
Hoarding Situations: Homes or properties where hoarding has occurred often require deep cleaning to remove accumulated debris, waste, and sometimes biohazards.
Drug Laboratories: Properties that have been used for the production of illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamine, require deep cleaning to remove toxic ch
emicals and residues.
Mold Remediation: In cases of significant mold growth, deep cleaning is necessary to remove mold and its spores and to prevent future growth.
Animal Infestation and Waste: Situations involving animal infestations (like rodents or insects) or significant amounts of animal waste (such as from pets or pests) often require deep cleaning to remove contaminants and odors.
Fire and Smoke Damage: After a fire, deep cleaning is necessary to remove soot, ash, and smoke residue and to deodorize the property.
Flood and Water Damage: Deep cleaning is crucial after flooding or significant water damage to prevent mold growth and to restore the property.
Odor Removal: Persistent or severe odors, often caused by tobacco smoke, pet odors, or lingering smells from cooking, may require deep cleaning to eliminate them effectively.

*Deep cleaning services are required when there is a significant risk of contamination or standard cleaning methods are insufficient.*

Beyond Surface Cleaning: The Comprehensive Process of Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning is a thorough and specialized process that goes beyond standard cleaning. It involves removing, cleaning, and disinfection of areas contaminated by biohazards, such as blood, bodily fluids, chemical spills, or other potentially infectious materials.

Here’s what typically is involved in deep cleaning for biohazard situations:

Assessment and Planning: The first step is to assess the extent of contamination and plan the cleanup process. This includes identifying the types of biohazards present and determining the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning agents to be used.
Containment: The affected area is often contained to prevent cross-contamination. This might involve sealing the area or using physical barriers to ensure biohazards do not spread during cleaning.
Removal of Biohazards: All biohazardous materials, such as blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated items, are carefully removed. This step is critical for safety and to prepare the area for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Cleaning: The area is then thoroughly cleaned, including washing all surfaces with appropriate cleaning agents. Special attention is given to porous materials and the hard-to-reach regions where biohazards might have seeped.
Disinfection: After cleaning, disinfect the area to kill any remaining pathogens. This step is crucial in a biohazard situation to ensure the area is safe for human occupancy. The disinfectants used are typically more potent than standard cleaning products and are chosen based on the types of biohazards present.
Deodorization: Biohazard scenes often have strong odors. Part of the deep cleaning process may involve deodorizing the area to remove any lingering smells.
Waste Disposal: All biohazardous waste is disposed of following local, state, and federal regulations. This is a critical step to ensure that the biohazardous materials do not pose a risk to others.
Final Inspection and Testing: The area may be inspected after cleaning to ensure it meets safety standards. This might involve specific testing methods to confirm that all biohazards have been effectively removed.

Deep cleaning requires trained professionals who understand how to safely and effectively dispose of hazardous materials. It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about ensuring the area is thoroughly sanitized and safe for people to return to.

The Hidden Dangers of DIY Deep Cleaning in Hazardous Situations

Attempting to perform deep cleaning, especially in situations involving biohazards or other hazardous materials, without professional training and equipment can pose several risks and hazards.

Here are some of the critical dangers associated with DIY deep cleaning in such scenarios:

Exposure to Biohazards: Handling biohazardous materials like blood, bodily fluids, or medical waste without proper protection can expose individuals to harmful pathogens (such as HIV, hepatitis, or other viruses and bacteria) that can cause serious illnesses.
Chemical Hazards: Without proper knowledge, the use or mixing of cleaning chemicals can lead to dangerous reactions, toxic fumes, or burns. Certain chemicals require specific handling procedures to avoid health risks.
Inadequate Disinfection: Without the proper techniques and agents, a DIY cleaning might not effectively eliminate harmful microorganisms, leading to the risk of infection or disease spread.
Mold Exposure: In mold remediation cases, disturbing mold colonies without proper containment can spread mold spores, potentially causing respiratory issues and other health problems.
Psychological Impact: Cleaning up after traumatic events, like a crime scene or an unattended death, can be emotionally and psychologically distressing, especially for those who have a personal connection to the incident.
Physical Injury: Deep cleaning can involve handling sharp objects, heavy lifting, or working in awkward positions, leading to bodily injuries.
Improper Waste Disposal: according to local, state, and federal regulations, biohazardous and chemical wastes require specific disposal methods. Improper disposal can lead to environmental hazards and legal consequences.
Respiratory and Skin Irritation: Exposure to dust, mold, chemical fumes, and other irritants during cleaning can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, or allergic reactions.
Structural Damage: With proper knowledge, cleaning efforts might avoid causing property damage, such as discoloration, material degradation, or structural issues.
Inadequate Equipment: Professional deep cleaning often requires specialized equipment (like HEPA vacuums, industrial-grade dehumidifiers, or ozone machines) that are not typically available to the average person.
Cross-Contamination: There’s a risk of spreading contaminants to other areas of the property if proper containment and cleaning protocols are not followed.

*Attempting to perform deep cleaning, especially in situations involving biohazards or other hazardous materials, without professional training and equipment can pose several risks and hazards.*

The High Stakes of Unqualified Deep Cleaning: Risks and Repercussions

Significant consequences can exist if an unqualified company undertakes deep cleaning, especially in situations involving biohazards or other hazardous materials. These can range from health and safety risks to legal and financial repercussions.

Here are some of the potential consequences:

Health Risks: The most immediate concern is the potential health risk to individuals. Ineffective cleaning can leave behind harmful pathogens or contaminants, leading to the spread of infections or diseases. This is particularly dangerous in healthcare facilities, schools, or homes.
Cross-Contamination: An unqualified company may not follow proper protocols for preventing cross-contamination, potentially spreading biohazards to other areas of the property, which can amplify the health risks.
Exposure to Chemical Hazards: Improper handling of cleaning chemicals or failure to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can lead to chemical exposure, which can cause burns, respiratory issues, or other health problems.
Legal and Compliance Issues: Strict regulations govern the handling and disposal of biohazardous materials. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties.
Liability for Future Health Issues: If the cleaning leads to health issues for future occupants or visitors, the property owner or the unqualified cleaning company could be held liable for any resulting damages or medical expenses.
Damage to Property: Inexperienced cleaners might use inappropriate methods or chemicals, potentially causing damage to surfaces, materials, or structural elements of the property.
Increased Costs: Inadequate cleaning may require a professional service to clean the area again, leading to increased costs. Additionally, any damage caused by improper cleaning methods can be costly.
Loss of Insurance Coverage: In some cases, insurance companies may require qualified professionals to perform that biohazard cleanup. Using an unqualified service could void specific insurance policies, leading to significant out-of-pocket expenses for repairs and remediation.
Reputational Damage: For businesses, using an unqualified cleaning service can lead to reputational damage, mainly if it results in health issues for employees or customers.
Psychological Impact: In cases of trauma or crime scene cleanups, improper handling of the situation can exacerbate the psychological impact on those affected, primarily if the cleanup is not performed with the necessary sensitivity and discretion.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance: The Need for Professional Biohazard Cleanup

Hiring a professional biohazard cleanup company for deep cleaning is crucial for several reasons, particularly in situations involving hazardous materials or contaminants.

Here are the key reasons why it’s essential to rely on professionals for such tasks:

Expertise and Training: Professional biohazard cleanup technicians are specially trained to handle hazardous materials safely. They understand the risks associated with different types of biohazards and know the appropriate procedures for effective cleanup and disinfection.
Proper Equipment and Materials: These professionals have access to specialized equipment and cleaning agents not typically available to the public. This includes personal protective equipment (PPE), industrial-grade disinfectants, HEPA filter vacuums, and other tools necessary for thorough and safe cleaning.
Health and Safety Compliance: Professional cleanup companies know the regulations and guidelines set by OSHA, the EPA, and other regulatory bodies regarding handling and disposing of biohazardous materials. This ensures that the cleanup process complies with health and safety standards, reducing the risk of legal issues.
Effective Removal of Biohazards: Professionals are trained to remove and disinfect the area. This is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases and infections.
Prevention of Cross-Contamination: Professional cleaners follow strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring that biohazards are not inadvertently spread to other areas during the cleanup process.
Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste: Biohazardous waste requires special handling and disposal methods. Professional cleanup companies are equipped to dispose of this waste safely and following local, state, and federal regulations.
Reduced Emotional and Psychological Burden: Cleaning up a traumatic scene can be emotionally and psychologically distressing, especially for those who have a personal connection to the event. Professionals handle the task with sensitivity and discretion, alleviating this burden from family members or property owners.
Time and Efficiency: Due to their experience and resources, professional teams can complete the cleanup process more quickly and efficiently. This is particularly important in business or public settings where time is of the essence.

Bio-One: Our Certified Expertise Make us the Ideal Choice for Deep Cleaning and Biohazard Cleanup

Bio-One is your trusted partner in reclaiming your space from biohazardous messes. Here's why you should choose us:

Quick Local Response: Bio-One is available 24/7. As a locally owned service, our expert estimators can be at your doorstep promptly to kickstart the cleanup process. We exclusively employ Bio-One-trained local technicians who are always ready to get to work immediately cleaning your home from top to bottom.
Our Expert Estimator: Every situation is unique, so we begin with a personalized, in-person consultation with our expert estimator. Before we start, our estimator inspects the affected areas, understanding your specific circumstances and expectations with attention to detail. Our comprehensive estimates include labor, disposal, time constraints, equipment, and more.
Our Highly Trained Technicians: Bio-One stands out with our Bio-One Training System (BOTS). Each local Bio-One operation contributes to our nationwide network of owners, creating a wealth of knowledge and experience. Our technicians are trained to the highest standards, empowered by shared expertise, and committed to understanding your needs.
The Deep Clean Process: Your privacy and discretion are paramount. Our experienced crew, typically two to four technicians, works efficiently, with most projects taking less than one to two days. You have complete control over the schedule, timing, and working conditions. We arrive inconspicuously, use unmarked vehicles, handle proper disposal, and even donate items to charities if you wish.
The Results: We not only restore your space to its safe, pre-traumatic condition but also disinfect all hard surfaces, including furniture, countertops, flooring, walls, appliances, and more. Your space will be ready for any necessary restoration work.
Our Insurance Expertise: Navigating insurance processes can be daunting. Let Bio-One take the burden off your shoulders by opening the claim and directly collaborating with adjusters on your behalf.
The Bio-One Promise: Compassion and competence are our core values. At Bio-One, help comes first, and business comes second. Our owners lead compassionately and provide our clients with respect and professionalism.

Call Bio-One of Houston South anytime, 24/7, (713) 591-1522 for immediate expert residential or commercial cleaning. Our highly trained deep cleaning teams are equipped to handle all biohazard and trauma scene cleanup complexities and hazards.

FAQ

What exactly is involved in the deep cleaning process?

Deep cleaning goes beyond standard cleaning by removing, cleaning, and disinfecting areas contaminated with biohazards like blood, bodily fluids, and chemical spills, ensuring a thoroughly sanitized environment.

When is a deep cleaning service necessary?

Deep cleaning is required in situations with significant risk of contamination, such as biohazard contamination, infectious disease outbreaks, hoarding scenarios, drug lab presence, mold growth, animal infestation, fire/smoke damage, flood/water damage, and severe odor issues.

Why can’t I perform deep cleaning myself in a biohazard situation?

DIY deep cleaning in biohazard situations can expose you to harmful pathogens, lead to chemical hazards, inadequate disinfection, and other risks due to a lack of proper training, equipment, and compliance knowledge.

What are the risks of hiring an unqualified company for deep cleaning?

Hiring an unqualified company can lead to health risks, cross-contamination, chemical exposure, legal issues, property damage, increased costs, loss of insurance coverage, reputational damage, and psychological impact.

What makes professional biohazard cleanup companies the right choice for deep cleaning?

Professional companies have the necessary expertise, training, equipment, and knowledge of health and safety compliance to ensure effective biohazard removal, prevention of cross-contamination, and proper hazardous waste disposal.

How does Bio-One ensure the safety and effectiveness of its deep cleaning services?

Bio-One employs trained professionals with access to specialized equipment and cleaning agents, adhering to strict protocols for safety and compliance and ensuring thorough disinfection and deodorization.

What types of properties and scenarios does Bio-One handle for deep cleaning?

Bio-One handles a variety of properties, including homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and businesses, and scenarios ranging from crime scenes to infectious disease outbreaks and hoarding situations.

How does Bio-One manage the emotional and psychological aspects of biohazard cleanup?

Bio-One approaches each situation with sensitivity and discretion, providing compassionate and professional service that reduces the emotional and psychological burden on those affected.

Can Bio-One assist with insurance claims for deep cleaning services?

Yes, Bio-One can help navigate insurance processes, including opening claims and collaborating with adjusters, to alleviate the burden on clients.

What sets Bio-One apart in terms of customer satisfaction and service quality?

Bio-One boasts a 5-star Google rating, reflecting excellence in service, a commitment to compassion and competence, and a client-first approach in all biohazard cleanup and deep cleaning tasks.

The World Health Organization estimates 15% of all healthcare waste to be biohazardous!

That's a significant amount of hazardous material that needs handling. Biohazard waste is also known as biochemical waste. It poses a serious threat to public health and the environment. That's why there are proper guidelines to follow.

Employing a medical waste disposal company is necessary for anyone dealing with waste.

The Critical Role of Professional Biohazard Waste Disposal Services

Professional biohazard disposal services play a crucial role in human and environmental protection. It ensures that biohazard waste is treated, managed, and disposed of in a way that mitigates risks. These risks pertain to public health, safety, and the environment.

These companies are well-versed in regulatory standards and best practices. They are best known for handling hazardous materials.

By employing their expertise, organizations can ensure compliance with local and international laws. They can avoid hefty fines and maintain a safe environment for their staff and the community.

Navigating the Complexities of Medical Waste Disposal

Medical waste disposal is not a simple task. It involves several complex processes, including segregation, packaging, transportation, treatment, and final disposal. These processes need precision and care. This is to prevent contamination and the spread of diseases.

A small misstep in handling can lead to dire consequences! It can cause infections or diseases and pollute the environment.

A professional waste disposal company has the necessary cleanup knowledge. It also has skills and equipment for the job at hand.

They train their staff to handle biohazard waste effectively. The goal is to ensure each step in the waste management process is of the highest standard.

This greatly reduces the potential for errors and mishaps.

If that happens, it could pose a risk to public health and safety.

Why Professional Biohazard Disposal Services are a Must

Employing professional biohazard disposal services provides a host of benefits. They ensure safety and compliance. They bring efficiency and reliability to the waste management process.

There's a reduction in the staff burden and they can focus on their core responsibilities.

These companies often offer sustainable disposal solutions. They contribute to environmental preservation by minimizing waste and recycling where possible.

Furthermore, these services also provide invaluable peace of mind.

The assurance that biohazard waste is being managed responsibly is vital. Organizations should not have to worry about potential legal repercussions. Another worry for them not to have is harm to their reputation due to improper waste disposal.

The Biohazard Bottom Line

The management of biohazard waste is a vital, yet intricate task. But, it carries significant risks.

Employing a professional medical waste disposal company is not a matter of convenience! It is an essential step to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency. Waste continues to be a significant byproduct of vital services. The role of professional biohazard disposal services is more important than ever.

Let's value their role and embrace their services for a safer and healthier tomorrow. Contact us now to hire a biohazard waste expense

Bio-One What to Ask Before Hiring a Crime Scene Cleaner

The roots of crime- and trauma-scene cleaning companies can be traced to the 1990s, and at that time only a dozen or so companies existed. The industry was widely unregulated and awareness of contamination risks were relatively non-existant.

"I was young and dumb and saw something you only see in movies, so I quickly shut the door, took a deep breath, sat on the couch with the widow and told everyone else to get her out of here and take her to lunch, and we’ll clean this up for her," said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, Founder of Bio-One Inc. "We were just trying to help a lady in her greatest time of need, and that’s for me how I got into the crime scene and cleaning business." Read Nick's story in Franchise Times.

Today, there are hundreds of companies that advertise crime and trauma scene cleaning, and a simple Google search may prove overwhelming when you're experiencing one of the most traumatic moments in your life. To help, we've listed pre-qualifying questions to ask before choosing a crime and trauma scene company.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaner

There are a number of key questions to ask crime and trauma scene cleaning technicians or business owners to properly root out which one is best for your goals and circumstances.

Are you local? When there's a blood spill, response time is key to prevent biohazards from spreading and to ensure quick remediation. Several businesses may pay for online advertising in your city, but their technicians could be 3 or more hours away. Furthermore, avoid calling toll free numbers. "These numbers often lead to call centers. We're local. They're not," said Ginger Akemon, owner of Bio-One in Jacksonville, FL.
Is your business certified and insured? Professional crime and trauma scene cleaning companies should have bloodborne pathogen certifications, they should follow OSHA personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and remediation processes, and they should have insurance for their business.
What is your process for disposing biohazardous waste? Once the remediation is complete, the accumulated waste will need to be disposed in accordance to local state guidelines. Make sure the business owner or technician is aware of these guidelines and has an appropriate plan for disposal.
What happens to valuable or personal items that are impacted? At Bio-One, we are trained to be mindful of valuable and perceived valuable items, such as pictures, wallets, or a baseball card collection. Professional crime and trauma scene cleaners should ask if there are valuable items to keep an eye out for, and they will keep the family informed if these items are found.
How will you charge for your services? In most cases, home insurance will cover the cost of biohazard remediation - less your deductible. Ask if they can open a claim on your behalf, taking this burden off your shoulders. If you don't have homeowners insurance, it's OK to ask for a free estimate so you can compare costs between other local companies.
Will you be discrete during and after the job? Michele Amoranto, Bio-One owner in Oceanside, CA, always assures her clients that discretion is top of mind while her team is onsite. Bio-One vehicles are unmarked and technicians will designate work areas to don and doff PPE out of view from neighbors.
Do you have a list of resources that can help after the cleanup? You may need flooring replaced or fresh drywall installed, which will also be covered under your home insurance claim, and a recommendation could help speed up the reconstruction process. Additionally, many crime and trauma scene cleaners have connections with local counselors and victim's advocates. In west Texas, Bio-One owner, Garrett Spooner, always offers a list of free mental health resources and states that, "Being volunteers of our local Crisis Intervention Unit, we consider our job incomplete without making sure our clients' mental health, grief process, and other issues our clients may have, are addressed."

Last but certainly most important, make sure the business you speak with shows care and compassion for your situation. They should want to do everything possible to support you and your loved ones.

If you are searching for a crime and trauma scene cleaner, Bio-One is here for you. All of our offices adhere to our business motto Help First, Business Second and are available 24/7. Click here to search for a Bio-One team near you.

Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up Week 7 Thin Gold Line Help First Business Second

Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.

Here is Week 7 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.

Thank You to the Thin Gold Line

The second week of April is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications professionals who dedicate their lives to serving the public. Often called the thin gold line, 911 dispatchers are true heroes behind the scenes.

Coast to coast, Bio-One teams found fun and unique ways to recognize the Thin Gold Line.

Bio-One Helps Homeless Man with Vehicle Clean Up

This week, News San Diego reported "Homeless man's story inspires San Diego mom to enlist community's help", featuring Rene Flohr and Nicki Chipp-Flohr, owners of Bio-One. The Bio-One duo spotted a NextDoor post asking for anyone who could help 79 year-old, Les, who had been living out of his vehicle and was recently diagnosed with skin cancer. His vehicle was floor to ceiling full of items, and Bio-One was ready to help clean and disinfect the vehicle so it could be sold or donated.

In a message to Bio-One owners, Nicki said, "I am very proud of what we are doing to help someone. I thought you’d all appreciate it, since we live the Bio-One motto of #helpfirstbusinesssecond." We couldn't agree more!

Read the entire story on News San Diego.

A "Week in the Life" at Bio-One

The Bio-One team in Tuscon, AZ had a busy week with work ranging from COVID-19 disinfections, mold remediations, bird dropping clean up, medical waste disposal, suicide remediation, and more.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to be a crime and trauma scene cleaner, we recommend read through the Tuscon team's Weekly Wrap-Up!

Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaners at Bio-One

Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up Week 6 Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaning COVID-19 Disinfection

Here is Week 6 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.

Cherokee County Biohazard Remediation

Lives in the Atlanta area were forever altered on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 after a shooting spree at three metro Atlanta spas left eight people, including six Asian women, dead within the span of 45 minutes.

Our hearts and sympathies are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.

Two weeks after the tragic events in Atlanta took place, Bio-One answered the call to remediate the spa in Cherokee County. Led by Michele O'Brien and Rebecca Phillips, the Bio-One team provided a quick response and thorough decontamination. Read more in our recent blog post.

Bio-One Cherokee County Massage Parlor Biohazard Remediation

Tragedy in Rock Hill, South Carolina

As details from the tragedy in Rock Hill, South Carolina unfold, one Bio-One team paid special tribute to the victims, first responders and other local law enforcement officials. Bio-One owners, John and Jen Symons, live in Rock Hill and experienced the police response first-hand. "It's a tight-knit community. We just can't believe it," said Jen Symons.

Their team is currently in communication with local law enforcement, and activity supporting neighbors through this difficult time.

COVID-19 Disinfection at Dojo

This week, we're spotlighting the Atlantic City team where they are regularly disinfecting Ganguly's Mixed Martial Arts. According to Bio-One owner, Victor Russomanno, "We are contracted with a local martial arts studio to disinfect them weekly. In addition to their in-house protocol, we use an electrostatic sprayer to ensure maximum coverage and protection, to ensure those who are training are staying safe through our efforts."

Across the United States, Bio-One teams actively disinfect local businesses, government buildings, and residents in the fight against coronavirus. Learn more about our COVID-19 disinfection process.

Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up Week 4 Hoarding Trauma Scene Back the Blue

Here is Week 5 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.

Chocolate Spill Makes for a Sweet Cleanup

In Scranton on March 25, Juan and Nicole Morales received a call for a "chocolate" cleanup. Assuming this was code for a sewage back-up, they rushed to scene to find a different situation entirely. Approximately 100 gallons of milk chocolate had spilled, covering asphalt outside a local business.

This is certainly the sweetest smelling job a Bio-One office has ever taken, but Nicole clarified, "That smell was nice for the first few minutes but at the end I felt sick. Good thing we had an awesome team that pushed through and got this done!"

After scraping the chocolate with a forklift and pressure washing the area, the Bio-One team received a five-star review. Well done!

Bio-One Milk Chocolate Spill Before and After

Behind the Scenes with Citizen's Academy

Many Bio-One owners sign up for their local Citizen's Police Academy to acquaint themselves with the activities of their local police department. This week, Bio-One owner, Ginger Akemon, in Jacksonville, FL earned her Citizen's Police Academy certificate from the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

"Definitely a learning process. Each County has their own, my goal is to go to each county's classes. This was 10 weeks long and over an hour drive each way, but well worth it, " said Ginger.

Hoarding Transformation in Long Beach

In Long Beach, the Bio-One team has been working hard on several hoarding projects. These before and after pictures show the detail and expertise our teams bring to each job.

If selling or buying a home is in your future, you're likely well versed the entire process, from the initial offer to closing. But are you aware that disclosing a death in the home may be required? The rules vary by state. Here's what you need to know.

Property Disclosure Documents

No matter how perfect a house looks on the outside, there is often property information a buyer needs to disclose before the sale can go through. Property disclosure documents reveal known structural issues, neighborhood nuisances, hazards, HOA details, water damage, notable repairs made to the home and death in the home.

Rules for reporting a death in the home vary by state, and variations in rules may include:

Timeframe: When the death occurred.
How the person passed away: If the death occurred naturally versus due to negligence on the property.
Hauntings: If the seller has knowledge that the property is being haunted by the dead.

To be more specific, here are three death disclosure examples as stated from experts or articles based in Texas, New Jersey, and California:

On Investopedia, Jim Olenbush, a Texas real estate broker said, “In Texas, for example, deaths from natural causes, suicides, or accidents unrelated to the property do not have to be disclosed." However, “a seller is required to disclose deaths related to the condition of the property or violent crimes."
Michele Messina, an agent with RE/MAX Villa Realtors in New Jersey, told Apartment Therapy, "If someone passed away after living a long, happy life, it’s not really something you have to disclose."
The SFGate reported that in California, if someone dies on the property, it's a material defect – but only if the death occurred within three years of the date you make an offer to purchase or rent the home.

For a state by state guide on disclosure laws we recommend visiting this resource on Nolo.com.

How to Search Property Records

If you'd like to do your own sleuthing and search property records, look no further than DiedInHouse.com. Founded in 2013, this website promises to instantly search millions of records to determine if a death has occurred at any valid U.S. address.

In a 2015 interview with Forbes.com, founder Roy Condrey stated, "I went online to find a ‘Carfax’ of sorts for deaths in homes and I didn’t find anything, but I did find pages and pages of people asking if there’s a way to find out if their house is haunted."

The service isn't free, though. Once you enter an address, you're prompted to pay a minimum of $11.99 for a single search. The report will, however, provide a number of property records including meth labs, fire, death, and registered sex offender information.

Remediating After a Death in a Home

If a death recently occurred in the home you're hoping to purchase, there may have been biohazards from bloodborne pathogens that required remediation. Consider asking the seller how the death was remediated to ensure proper steps were taken. Remediation processes may vary depending on the location of the death, how the death occurred, types of flooring, and if the death was undiscovered for days or weeks.

Bio-One technicians are trained and equipped to properly disinfect biohazards from bloodborne pathogens, and we ensure safe biohazard material handling and disposal. Once the entire area is cleaned of blood and body fluids, we also help property owners restore the location to its pre-incident state.

If you are selling a home and need a biohazard remediated or want to ensure remediation was done correctly, give Bio-One a call. Our experts not only contain and disinfect the dangerous biological materials, we carry out our work in a caring and private manner. Find a Bio-One team near you.

Here is Week 4 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.

New Start for New Haven Veteran

In New Haven County, Bio-One and Junkluggers answered the call to help a veteran and his disabled wife. The couple were overwhelmed with a hoarded home and much of their furniture would need to be disposed due to biohazardous conditions. With Bio-One's Help First, Business Second motto in mind, Bio-One owner, Matthew Hill, teamed up with Junkluggers to re-furnish the home with gently used furniture at no cost to the client.

“Anytime we can give a little more to our clients, we always seize the opportunity,” said Hill. “Junkluggers has been an awesome organization with a great mission that fits nicely into what we are trying to accomplish.”

#HelpFirst for Heart-Breaking Scene

In South Carolina, Bio-One owner, Kris Elliott, was called to disinfect and clean a heart-breaking trauma scene. After hearing the family's story, he generously decided not to request payment for his services and shared their GoFundMe page on Facebook. As of March 20, Bio-One offices in North Carolina and South Carolina have contributed just under half of the total donations. This is #helpfirst at it's finest.

If you'd like to learn more about the family and donate, please visit their GoFundMe page.

Poker Run Supports Law Enforcement

Supporting local law enforcement is a 24/7 activity at Bio-One! In Tuscon, AZ, the Bio-One team participated in the South Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation (SALEF) poker run. SALEF collaborates with law enforcement to understand their greatest needs, and work with businesses in the community to raise money by presenting community events and submitting for grants.

Looks like they were gifted a beautiful day for cards, corn hole, and backing the blue.

Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up Week 2 Hoarding, COVID-19, Wisconsin

Here is Week 3 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.

Five 30 Yard Dumpsters

The team in Pensacola has been working non-stop on a two story home that required Bio-One hoarding services. Over the course of five days, they filled five 30 yard dumpsters, and found multiple antique pieces, photographs, sentimental items and cash that was promptly turned over to the client.

Look through the transformation photos on their Facebook page!

Backing the Blue in Omaha

The Bio-One team in Omaha dropped off bagels at the Omaha Police Department just before roll call, and Vanessa Urbach, the civilian crime and prevention specialist, tweeted a "Thank You" with shoutouts to Bio-One. Joining the conversation was our own Bio-One Twitter handle, Deputy Chief Ken Kanger, host of the What's Up Omaha Podcast, and a number of other officers in the department.

Kudos to the Omaha team for backing the blue!

Safety First

Before Bio-One teams can help first, we have to ensure safety for every technician on the job site. This week, Bio-One owners took part in conversations about safety. Topics ranged from preventing common injuries on the job to attending OSHA training with Bob Easter. Jared Lafferty, Bio-One owner in Gwinnett County, even took the conversation to Twitter and featured safety protocols his team uses while on the job.

We couldn't be prouder of our teams for putting safety first!

Here is Week 2 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.

14,000 lbs of Clothing Removed from Hoarded Home

In Indiana, the Marion County team remediated over 30+ years of hoarded clothes in a home. The team calculated that approximately 14,000 lbs of clothing were removed.

Bio-One’s teams know that every job represents a unique experience for our customers, who may have difficulty parting with deeply personal items that can range from clothing, video tapes, trash, and even animals.

Read our recent blog post answering common questions about animal hoarding.

We work with all of our clients in a step-by-step process that instills trust while properly ridding the space of items that can prove harmful. Learn more about Bio-One's hoarding services.

Bio-One Welcomes Two New Offices in Wisconsin

Two Bio-One offices launched in Wisconsin this week, and we are very excited to welcome Angela, David, Andrew, and Viktoriya to the Bio-One family. Learn about these amazing teams below!

Madison, WI

MadisonBioOne.com

Angela Welbes and David Levin are the owners of Bio-One of Madison. Both were born and raised in the midwest, and they met in 2015 while they were both living in Wisconsin. Their blended family consists of 3 daughters and a son. The COVID pandemic provided a personal reset that enabled an opportunity to join the growing Bio-One family and the ability to help the surrounding communities of Madison. They are excited to start this new venture together.

Milwaukee, WI

BioOneMilwaukee.com

Andrew and Viktoriya Gonzales are the owners of Bio-One of Milwaukee. Andrew spent the last 24 years in the banking industry, in addition to serving on boards and committees for several Non-Profits, such as NAMI, Madison Development Corp and United Way. Viktoriya originally came to Wisconsin 16 years ago to further her education and loved it so much, she decided to stay. She has spent the last 12 years in telecommunications and management. Both have a passion for giving back to their community and have a drive to help those in the Milwaukee and surrounding area who are in need.

COVID-19 Disinfections Help Seniors in Charlotte, NC

This week, the Bio-One team in Charlotte, NC announced the renewal of a COVID-19 disinfection partnership with the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. This unique #HelpfFrst service offers free disinfections to seniors, 60 years of age or older. See their Facebook post below to learn more.