Crime and Trauma Scene Remediation
Who Can Do It?
MAY 4, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE
In the state of Arizona, to remove, and dispose of biomedical waste, you must be licensed by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). In Northern Arizona, there are a few local companies that transport biomedical waste, but only 1 local, licensed company that works with city, state and federal agencies, and remediates, removes and transports biomedical waste, that company is Bio-One. Bio-One also has a location that is in Scottsdale and it services Central Arizona. Our branch in Scottsdale is trusted by city and state agencies throughout the area and has multiple contracts to speak to that.
When you have a leak, you call a plumber; when your car breaks down, you call a mechanic; so when there is a crime or trauma that occurs, you call Bio-One. There are many special protocols that need to be taken to properly and safely remove and dispose of biomedical waste from a scene, so licensing is important. You cannot just throw anything away with biomedical waste on it in the local landfill. There are designated facilities throughout Arizona. Most facilities are in Maricopa county, with only 1 north of Maricopa county in St. Johns and a couple south of Maricopa County. Companies who are not licensed by ADEQ are not allowed to remove any biomedical waste (human blood and blood products) from the scene, they cannot transport it and they cannot dispose of it. ADEQ can impose multiple fines for not using a properly licensed company. That fine can be given to everyone involved with at scene (homeowner, property management company, referral partner, company doing the remediation without the proper license, etc). Do not put yourself at risk of getting fined from ADEQ for allowing a company to clean a scene and remove the biomedical waste that is not properly licensed and maybe not even properly trained. Bio-One is trained and licensed and has locations all over Arizona including Flagstaff (with satellite offices in Cottonwood and Prescott), Scottsdale, Goodyear, Mesa, Tucson and Glendale.
Our technicians are trained and certified to clean crime and trauma scenes as well as help the families. Each technician not only learns to remediate properly but also takes multiple OSHA courses and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. We all take MHFA training because it is important to treat each victim/client with the dignity and respect they deserve and to know how to respond to the trauma and crisis they are in. OSHA training is important to make sure our technicians are always working safe and making each scene safe for the victims/clients returning home. Our training never stops as there is always something new to learn.
Because of our proper ADEQ licensing, MHFA training, attitude of helping our community above all else and ability to help in all corners of Arizona, we are the preferred Bio-Remediation company in Arizona. We partner with first responders, victim advocates, city entities, state entities and federal branches. Don’t let a company tell you they can do the work if they are not licensed with ADEQ, properly insured and trained in crime and trauma scene cleaning if they are not. When you experience a loss from suicide, homicide, unattended death, decomposition, accident, etc, you need someone you can count on. Bio-One is trusted, professional, available 24/7/365 and ready to help.
The link included is to the ADEQ licensed bio-medical waste transporter list.
https://static.azdeq.gov/wpd/biohazard_medical_waste_transport_list.pdf
Donate Blood and Save a Life
If there is one thing we have seen since the Coronavirus pandemic started, its that our communities come together. There has been fear and panic, but there have been many people helping one another and giving back. How can you give back? One way you can really make a difference right now, is by donating blood.
Many hospitals are experiencing blood shortages due to COVID-19, and some are even having to consider closing their doors because of it. When COVID-19 hit our communities, schools, churches, dentists, doctors and so many other businesses had to shut there doors. And do you know where a lot of blood drives take place? In those same places. Because of that, many blood drives have been canceled for the foreseeable future. Blood transfusions are needed for premature babies, women in labor, people with blood disorders, people who have experienced a trauma, and so many more things. Blood saves lives. Please consider donating or even sponsoring and putting on a blood drive.
Here at Bio-One and Best Option Restoration, we strongly believe that we can make a difference in our communities by putting on blood drives with Vitalant. Bio-One has been on the front lines decontaminating homes and businesses due to COVID-19. We use chemicals that are EPA approved for COVID-19, have the proper PPE, and are trained for this specialized decontamination. So, if you come to one of our blood drives, be assured that we will be taking every precaution to keep the space clean and safe. It will be decontaminated prior to the event starting and after it is over. We will also be decontaminating the bathrooms throughout the day. Vitalant has also put standards in place during the COVID-19 pandemic to uphold the CDC recommendation for social distancing (each area will have at least 6 feet from the other areas). We have 2 blood drives coming up and hopefully more in the near future.
Please, reach out if you would like to set up your own blood drive. We can get you into contact with the rep in your area and help you get the ball rolling. Lets keep supporting our communities while still staying safe and being conscious of the precautions set in place.
Contact Rebecca Wallace 480-276-4061 or 928-863-8276
Recent posts
Coronavirus Decontamination
When to Call A Professional
MARCH 19, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE
With all of the talk about Coronavirus, hygiene and self quarantines, it is really hard to know when you need to call a professional to decontaminate your home or workplace. It is also imperative to make sure you are hiring a licensed, experienced company if you do need to make that call. Many companies will try to capitalize off of the fear people are experiencing right now, so hiring the right company is crucial.
The only company who is available nationwide and has extensive experience with infectious disease decontamination is Bio-One. All Bio-One franchise owners have been trained how to decontaminate a scene with infectious disease present, have the proper chemicals that are EPA approved and have the proper PPE to ensure not only the safety of themselves, but also to minimize possible cross contamination. Many other companies may claim this, but many cannot deliver. A few things to ask a company you are considering to hire are 1. What chemical will they be using and is it EPA approved for Coronavirus
2. You need to see their certificate of insurance (COI)
3. You need to make sure they are a federally registered company by asking to see their EIN.
4. Ask them what other types of infectious diseases and virus they have worked with and when.
If they cannot provide these items, they are not qualified to even be considered to do the work.
Now, how do you know when to make that call? If you, someone that lives with you or someone you came into contact with tested positive for Coronavirus, make that call. Decontamination after a virus is confirmed is very detailed and thorough, and should be done by a professional. Special chemicals, equipment and PPE are needed to ensure the best possible result and minimize the potential spreading of the virus. If no one has tested positive, you can use one of the EPA approved products to do some disinfecting on your own. However, if you are not confident in your ability to disinfect properly or would like a professional to do it, call a professional. Bio-One has been preforming many proactive decontamination services for many people and businesses.
No matter what the situation, know that there is help available to you and your family. Professionals, such as Bio-One, are available around the clock to ease your mind and help you feel safe in your home again. Don't hesitate to call or email us with any questions you may have.
Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant
$5,000 Grant Recipient Chosen By The Public
MARCH 7, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE
Bio-One is known for helping people during crisis, such as homicide, suicide and hoarding. What you may not know, is that we give back to our communities as much as we can, as often as we can. With that, we are pleased to announce the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant.
This grant is a chance for us to say "Thank you" to all of the agencies who protect our communities. We made the grant simple and easy to access. The following is all the information you will need for grant and voting.
Grant Information
The 2020 Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Safety Grant is a statewide grant that is available for all law enforcement agencies to apply for. The purpose of the grant is to provide 1 law enforcement agency in the state of Arizona with $5,000 in funding to help with safety equipment, safety training, or anything in between. The grant recipient will be decided by the public, not by Bio-One. Because Bio-One works with multiple law enforcement agencies, any Arizona Bio-One office or employee of an Arizona Bio-One office will not be eligible to vote. All voting is done through the survey monkey link provided on the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page. No other voting platforms are available or will be accepted. At Bio-One we believe in “Help First, Business Second” so it goes without saying, we want to give back to those in our community who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
Prizes
1st Place
$5,000 grant from Bio-One which can be used for anything safety related. That can be equipment, training, or anything in between.
2nd and 3rd Place
Brats and Burgers catered BBQ. Bio-One will have a BBQ catered at your precinct for all the law enforcement. Date is TBD
Rules
Step 1: Law Enforcement departments must submit a Word document or PDF stating the law enforcement name, location, contact information, a write up why they could use the grant and a picture of the department. All submissions need to be sent to (undecided at this point) and received by April 20th, 2020. Once your submission has been received, you will get an email confirmation. This submission, minus all the contact information, will be put onto the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page for the public to read about your department to help them with their voting decision.
Step 2: On April 24th, 2020, all submissions will be listed on the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page for the public to view.
Step 3: Invite people to view the page, share the page, try to gain some traction for your department
Step 4: May 1st-May 31st, 2020 voting will be open to the public. There will be a link on the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page to vote. You can share it on your law enforcement page, personal page, email it out, etc. Gain as many votes as you can!
Step 5: June 1st, 2020, the winners will be contacted via phone by Bio-One and work out a time to bring the grant to the law enforcement office.
How to Vote
Go to the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page and read through each of the nominee’s post about what they will use the grant for. Once you have read through all the nominees, click on the pinned post which will guide you to the voting platform. Click on the law enforcement agency you would like to see receive the grant and you will get a prompt that your vote has been received. Share the page and tag your friends and family to help the law enforcement agency you would like to receive the grant get more votes.
Questions?
For questions you can send us a private message on the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant page, or you can reach out to the organizers.
Rebecca Wallace 928-863-8276, 480-276-4061 or email at info@BioOneScottsdale.com
OR
David or Caroline Scott 520-771-5960 or email at info@BioOneTucson.com
At Bio-One we are not only committed to helping people during some of their most difficult times, but also thanking those who keep our communities safe. Thank you for helping us thank the law enforcement agencies who serve and protect our communities every single day.
#HelpFirst
Contributing Sponsors
Bio-One of Flagstaff | 928-863-8276 | info@BioOneFlagstaff.com
Bio-One of Glendale | 623-888-4276 | info@BioOneGlendale.com
Bio-One of Goodyear | 623-606-9873 | info@BioOneGoodyear.com
Bio-One of Mesa | 480-930-2416 | info@Bio-OneMesa.com
Bio-One of Scottsdale | 480-276-4061 | info@BioOneScottsdale.com
Bio-One of Tucson | 520-771-5960 | info@BioOneTucson.com
Hoarding:
How It Can Impact Your Life
FEB 16, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE
It is believed that 1 in 50 people have serious hoarding problems and may be as high as 1 in 20 people. Hoarding can be minimal and not impact one’s life much, but it can also be severe and drastically impact one’s life. Hoarding looks different for everyone, so it is important to look at every person individually. But, there are a few risk factors that can put someone at higher risk for hoarding.
Risk Factors include
~ Other family members being hoarders (living with a hoarder during younger years)
~ Experiencing a trauma
~ OCD (it is believed that 1 in 5 people who are diagnosed with OCD are also compulsive hoarders)
There are some key things that many people exhibit if they have hoarding tendencies. If you do notice these things, it is important to talk to the person about what you are noticing from a calm, non-judgmental place.
~ They have a hard time getting rid of things, even if there is no perceived value
~ They will spend their money on buying things they don’t need rather than buy things essential to day to day living
~ If they must get rid of something it causes them distress
~ Items in home make it hard to navigate through and cause safety hazards
Hoarding can affect a person on many different levels. Relationships, health, and safety are some of the main things that can be impacted.
Relationships
~ Isolation (many people shut out their friends and families for fear of judgement)
~ Anger in Family (if the family knows about the hoarding, conflict can ensue because of frustration and not understanding the situation)
Health
~ Mold growth is found quite frequently and can cause many health problems
~ Rodents and bugs are common in homes with compulsive hoarding and can carry diseases such as hantavirus
~ When pets are involved, the urine and feces can carry disease and also cause very bad air quality
Safety
~ Slip and falls are common due to debris on the floors and unsteady floors
~ Structural integrity is often compromised
~Stacked items in home can fall and injure someone
~Excessive debris is a fire hazard
It is important if you are experiencing hoarding disorder to seek help. There are licensed therapists that specialize in hoarding disorder, professional organizers and hoarding cleaning specialists that can help. In tandem, lifelong success can be reached. The process of getting help can be very difficult and painful, but it is worth it in the end.
Help First, Business Second
JAN 24, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE
When looking at opening a Bio-One office, the first thing that stuck out to us wasn’t the fact that we would be cleaning what is impacted after a suicide, homicide, unattended death or so-on. What stuck out to us was “Help First, Business Second.” We wanted to help people and make a difference in our community.
We get to help people during some of the hardest times in their lives. Normally, we are the last people they see right after tragedy. The police, EMTs and medical examiners have left, and then we come in. Because of that, we also make sure to have all of the resources the family may need. We have a responsibility to take care of people when they need us and help them however we can. It is why we do what we do.
Something else we take pride in, is helping local nonprofits with fundraisers, events, and planning. Most of the nonprofits we work with help first responders, suicide survivors, crime victims, trafficking victims, veterans, domestic violence victims and so much more. They help our community and ask for nothing in return, so the least we can do is help raise money for them, donate our time and share their stories.
For us, Bio-One is not just a business. It is an extension of our hearts. We love where we live and we love our community and are so honored to hold the place in it that we do. We are the people everyone hopes they never have to call. However, when you do need a service like ours, we are glad we are the ones who are here to answer the call because we truly do care. Help first, business second is who we are.
For more information, contact us at info@BioOneFlagstaff.com or info@BioOneScottsdale.com
Rodent Droppings
Why You Need a Professional to Help
DEC 9th, 2019 by Rebecca Wallace
Rodents can be a big problem for both your health and your home. Not only can rodents carry multiple diseases that can be potentially fatal, but they also can destroy your home. Rodents like to burrow in walls, tear up insulation, chew up chords and gas lines, eat your food and make a mess. It is actually estimated that nearly 20-25% of all home fires of unknown origin are due to rodents. And in the winter, there is always an increase of indoor rodent activity because the rodents are trying to find food and warm shelter. Rodents are a problem most people do not think could be hazardous, but it is a hazard. Having a trained professional come and take care of the problem for you is always recommended.
The first step in ridding your home of rodents is having a pest control company come out, assess the situation and start a treatment plan. Sometimes this can last 1 week, and in extreme situations, it can last months. Once the rodents are out, you will need to get the rodent droppings and urine remediated which includes sanitation. You never want to sweep or vacuum up the droppings yourself. This can release the disease into the air and cause even more problems with air quality. So, having the area impacted by the rodents professionally remediated is extremely important. There is specialty equipment and chemicals needed to remove the droppings safely and effectively which a professional company should have. Sometimes rodents have destroyed ceilings, walls, insulation and a slew of other things. The rodent remediation company should also be able to remove the impacted areas where needed.
Diseases that rodents carry can vary widely and are geographical as well. For instance, in Arizona, we have deer mice that carry hantavirus. Hantavirus is found more in Northern Arizona than anywhere else in the state, but it is found statewide. Hantavirus usually starts with fever, chills, muscle aches, dizziness, nausea, and a cough. If you do have any of these symptoms and have been around rodent droppings, please contact your physician. Hantavirus has a 40% fatality rate in Arizona, so minimizing exposure and getting medical attention quickly if you are exposed are extremely important. Arizona has also had confirmed cases of the plague in Northern Arizona. Exposure to infected rodents is one of the ways to be at risk. There are other types of disease in rodents, but in Arizona, hantavirus is the most prevalent.
If you find rodent droppings in your home, hear scurrying or have a home inspection where rodent activity is found, please call a professional. There are many resources that can help you reclaim your home and help you feel safe again. Don't hesitate to reach out to one.
House Flood in the Winter
How to Prevent Your Pipes From Bursting
DEC 2nd, 2019 by Rebecca Wallace
Winter is the most common time of year for pipes to burst, especially in cold weather climates. As temperatures drop, water in pipes starts to expand as it turns to ice and raises the pressure in the pipes. Once the pressure gets to be too large, the pipe will burst. Once a pipe is burst, over 250 gallons of water per day can pour out of the pipes into your home. Not only does this cause a huge headache, but it can cause structural damage, mold growth and of course, flooding. There are key things you can do to help minimize the risk of burst pipes in colder months.
STEPS TO TAKE TO PREVENT AGAINST BURST PIPES
1. Insulate pipes that are exposed to cold air. There areas include the attic, crawl space, cellar, etc
2. Leave your faucets slightly open so they drip. This can help the water to continually flow so that the pressure cannot build up in the pipes.
3. Seal all cracks and gaps in the walls by exposed pipes to help prevent cold air from entering the home.
4. Open up cabinet doors that have access to exposed pipes so warm air from in the home can circulate by the pipes.
5. Shut off water to outside hoses and faucets.
EXTRA STEPS TO TAKE WHILE OUT OF TOWN
1. Turn off main water line to home and flush water lines in home and on property.
2. Set the thermostat no lower than 50*F.
STEPS TO TAKE IN THE EVENT OF A BURST PIPE
1. Immediately get the main water line shut off. This sometimes means calling the water company to do so.
2. Call an emergency restoration company. Make sure they are 24/7/365, available to come out immediately, IICRC certified for water restoration, are licensed, insured, and have a good working relationship with home owners insurance companies.
3. Call a plumber to come out to take care of the pipes.
4. Call your home owners insurance company to get a claim started.
Dealing with burst pipes, water damage and mold is something we hope no one ever needs to go through. Follow the tips listed and your chances of it happening will go down substantially. However, if you do find yourself in the situation of having it happen, know that there is help available to get your home back in order.
Home For The Holidays
How To Be Present For Those Not Close By
NOV 25th, 2019 by Rebecca Wallace
The holiday season can be a difficult time for a lot of people. If you live far from family, don't have many friends close by, are prone to depression and so many other things, you may have a hard time around the holidays. There are 2 groups of people we want to talk about who can feel very isolated and alone during the holidays, the elderly and LGBTQ youth. There are other groups as well, but we will be focusing on these 2 in particular. During the winter months, and around the holidays, crisis responders see an increase in calls from those who are contemplating suicide or self harm and from those who have already taken the first step in completing suicide. Suicide completion rates are normally lower around the holidays, but the rate of calls is usually at a rise. There are a few key things you can do to help those you care about who might be struggling during the holidays. There are also some things you can do for those you do not know, but might be in an at risk group.
It can be difficult to see all your family on the holidays, but you can be emotionally available for them. Skype! Skyping or video chatting can really help the family members you cannot be with on a holidays feel apart of the excitement. When we do this with our family we open Christmas gifts together over Skype, and everyone loves it. During Thanksgiving, we all go around and say what we are thankful for together over Skype. Another thing you can do is call the day or weekend after the holiday to talk about the festivities each experienced. A lot of people experience the worst of their loneliness the days after a holiday, so checking up on family after the holidays is very important. Ask how the family member is feeling. Let them talk, actively listen and engage in conversation.
If you want to make an impact on one of the at risk groups, get involved. The best thing you can do is get involved with your community. Volunteer your time at a nursing home, in home care service, a local Pride group, school, etc. Many elderly feel alone, so making a meal for them, giving cards, care packages or even just visiting can make a world of difference. For the LGBTQ youth, the holidays can be hard because according to The Trevor Project "...this time period may be associated with increased crisis levels for LGBTQ youth who experience lower levels of family support and heightened levels of rejection compared to their straight, cisgender peers." So, reach out to your local Pride chapter and see how you can get involved in a youths life. Your local chapter should be able to let you know who and how you can help. It really can be simple, easy things that can make a difference in someones life.
Whatever your situation might be, there is always a way to help. Reach out to family member, call a retirement home, pick up the phone and make a difference in an LGBTQ youths life. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and help someone else do the same. For more ways to help, contact Rebecca at info@BioOneFlagstaff.com or info@BioOneScottsdale.com
When Tragedy Strikes, What Do You Do?
Who to Call and What Resources You Need
You walk in the door and find your loved one has passed away. You were not prepared for that, you didn't think you would walk into a home to find that. It could be from suicide, accidental death, natural causes or even homicide. Walking into the place you feel safe and finding that someone is deceased is one of the most traumatic things that can happen to anyone. Not only have you lost a loved one or someone you care about, but you are the one that found them. Sometimes people are found with bodily fluids around them, such as blood or vomit or in awkward positions, this can add even more to the trauma and confusion. So what do you do? Who do you call?
Please contact you local law enforcement first. They will get the process going to get the coroner, investigation team and any other first responders to the residence as soon as possible. If you need support and resources there are local organizations such as Victim Services and Crisis Responders who can help. They have wonderful people working for them that are trained to help in traumatic situations, have plenty of resources and are available to you 24/7/365. You can request a victim advocate or crisis responder from the police when they arrive to the scene. If you are dealing with a suicide, please ask for an AOK "bag of kindness". The AOK kit is currently available in Coconino County, but does plan on being statewide in the future. You can also contact AOK if you are outside Coconino County to request kits. These kits have resources specifically for suicide including professional death scene clean up company, memorial service information, snacks, pens and paper, resource guide and more.
The other resource you need is a trauma and crime scene cleaning company. If there are any bodily fluids from the death, it is recommended you have a professional company come to clean the scene. This is not only recommended for proper cleaning but also, to help with trauma. One thing we have learned over time is that people are usually more traumatized by having to clean up a death scene of a friend or family member than they are of the actual death. When looking for a reputable company in the state of Arizona, please make sure they are OSHA certified, ADEQ Bio-medical waste transport certified, are licensed, are insured, and can come to your home the same day of you calling, preferably within hours.
Please, do not hesitate to ask for help when experiencing crisis. There are so many resources available to the public when experiencing loss. The organizations and people who are made available as resources really do care and really do want to help. Let the healing process begin. For more information, please reach out to any of the organizations above or to Rebecca at www.BioOneFlagstaff.com or www.BioOneScottsdale.com
