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.
"This week-long event, initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California, is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. It is a week that should be set aside so everyone can be made aware of their hard work and dedication." - Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International
Here, in Northern Arizona our Bio-One team would like to say "Thank You" to the 911 dispatchers that are critical to our community.
Bio-One ranked number one in Entrepreneur magazine’s 42nd Annual Franchise 500 for success in crime-scene and trauma-scene cleaning. This marks the fifth year in a row that Bio-One has been included in the ranking.
Flagstaff, AZ – Bio-One ranked number one in Entrepreneur magazine’s 42nd Annual Franchise 500 for success in crime-scene and trauma-scene cleaning. This marks the fifth year in a row that Bio-One has been included in the ranking.
Bio-One is locally owned and operated by Joshua and Rebecca Wallace. Joshua and Rebecca Wallace have been serving the Flagstaff and Northern Arizona community since 2018.
Bio-One provides service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and more.
Owner Rebecca Wallace recently wrote an article and said, “When looking at purchasing 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.”
The number of Bio-One franchises have increased 145 percent in the last three years with over 100 locations in 41 states. “We’re honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur,” said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, CEO of Bio-One Inc. “The ranking is a direct reflection of our Bio-One family, strength of our business model, and our ability to consistently deliver care and compassion to our clients.”
Over its 42 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Bio-One’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.
About Bio-One Inc.
Bio-One Inc. is the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, operating in 41 states with over 100 locations. Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and much more. Each office is independently owned and operated by a member of the local community. For more information about Bio-One, visit us at www.BioOneFlagstaffAZ.com
Bio-One Gives Back 2020
Every year we look for ways to give back to our community and help those in need. Bio-One lives by the moto, "Help First, Business Second" every chance we get. 2020 has proven to be especially trying for all of us, so giving back has been needed now more than ever. We racked our brains on how this would look. As a company who primarily helps people after the tragedy of suicide, homicide, hoarding, undiscovered deaths and infectious disease decontamination, what could we do? What we decided, is that we would provide as many first responders and essential businesses as possible with chemicals approved by the EPA for COVID-19 decontamination. So from March-December 2020 we handed out over 20,000 bottles of chemicals to police, fire, EMS, apartments, animal rescues, victim advocates, family advocacy centers and so many more. We saw a need and answered it as best we could.
Another thing we did this year was provide over 200 crisis responders and victim advocates with holiday goodies. These men and women have not stopped working during the pandemic. They come into homes after a homicide, suicide, rape, domestic violence, house fire and anything in between. They give the victims or surviving family the resources and support they need to move forward and navigate the next steps. These advocates and crisis responders are so important and vital, yet many do not know about them. So we wanted to show how much we appreciate them. Victim advocates are in almost every single city in the US. If you think you need an advocate for a situation you are dealing with, please reach out to them.
As a community, we need to all step up to help one another. This year has been extremely rough and so many are in very bad places. If you are able to help, even if just to donate some of your time, there are many organizations who can use the help. Check with your local animal shelters, food banks, Boys and Girls Club, churches and senior living facilities. The way you can help has changed due to COVID-19, but you can still help.
For more information on what you can do in your community please call or email us
info@BioOneFlagstaff.com 928-863-8276
info@BioOneScottsdale.com 480-276-4061
Animal Hoarding
The Ugly Truth
OCT 08, 2020 by Rebecca Wallace
Animal hoarding is something that is more common than you might realize. Sometimes you will hear about it in the news, magazines and social media. You will hear how the animals were rescued and the person who is responsible for their mistreatment has charges against them. But what happens to the animals? Who rescues them and what do they go through? What happens to the home?
There are many aspects to take into consideration when talking about animal hoarding. One of the biggest is who is going to take the animals and what condition are the animals in. When there are large numbers of animals who need to be removed from a home a one time, most times, multiple rescues have to help. As much as rescues prepare for any situations, you can never really be prepared for 100+ animals, who are probably sick, to come into your facility all at once. Recently there was a cat hoarding situation in Peoria, Arizona in which 133 cats were being kept in an apartment. Missy from La Gattara Cat Cafe was the first person contacted to help. The cats ranged from newborn kittens, pregnant cats and adult cats and some were sick and most were not spayed or neutered. Also, as you can imagine the living conditions were unimaginable and the air quality was so bad you could barely breath. Missy knew she could not take all of the cats by herself, she needed help. Missy put out the call for help to other rescues across Arizona and many answered the call. 23 of the cats went to a rescue, Ark Cat Sanctuary in Flagstaff, Arizona. Ark Cat Sanctuary gets so many calls for hoarding, that when Missy called, they not only took 23 of the cats, but they put a plan in place to build a habitat specifically for cats coming out of hoarding situations. What a lot of people do not understand is when animals are in such bad living conditions coming out of that they quickly need to be assessed for disease, parasites and trauma. They cannot immediately go into a new home. They need to be rehabilitated and that takes time and money. The rescue community relies on fundraising, grants and volunteers to help.
Once the animals are rescued from the home, there is a lot of hard work that needs to be done to make the home habitable again. There are many companies that do clean out homes from hoarding situations. However, there is 1 company that is preferred, and that is Bio-One. Bio-One works hand in hand with rescues to make sure all animals are out safely. When there are very young puppies, kittens or elderly animals, they like to hide. So it takes care and focus to look for these animals and get them out of the home into the rescues arms safely. Also, Bio-One always has a staff member on site that is trained in animal rescue and pet first aid in case an emergency situation occurs. While this is taking place, Bio-One is also removing debris, feces, urine, damaged items and anything else that needs to go. Many times there is thousands of dollars in damage in the home. Making sure you have a company that cares is very important because these situations are very sensitive.
The last piece of the equation is mental health. Hoarding is recognized as a disease and should be treated as so. People who hoard need physiological help or they will most likely revert back to hoarding. Do not turn your back on them, offer them help. The other people who may need a therapist to talk to are the rescuers. They see a part of humanity that many do not want to acknowledge is there or do not understand. They see abuse, death and trauma daily. Yet, they do it day after day. The psychological tole that takes is huge.
So what can you do to help?
First, if you are looking for a new pet, please consider adopting from a rescue. It is so rewarding and helps save a life.
Second, if you are looking to volunteer, please call your local animal rescue to volunteer with them. Most rescues are looking for fosters, adoption specialists, comfort volunteers to sit or play with the animals, and many other things.
Third, donate to your local rescue. Blankets, food, litter and toys are common things you can easily buy that a rescue can use.
Fourth, if you know someone is a hoarder, please say something to them gently and with love. Offer them support.
If you have any questions you can reach out to us at any time. We are always here to help.
info@BioOneFlagstaff.com | 928-863-8276 | info@BioOneScottsdale.com | 480-276-4061
Local and National Resource Guide
When You Feel Alone, There is Always Someone to Listen
SEP 24, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or in crisis, there are many different resources available that can help. This can include depression, substance abuse, physical abuse, suicidal thoughts and behavior. Here are a few phone numbers to remember. They could save your life.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline – available 24/7 – call (800) 273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Helpline (hearing impaired) – call (800)-799-4889
The Samaritans – available 24/7 and offers emotional support and resources – call or text (877) 870-4673
National Substance Use and Disorder Hotline – available 24/7 for treatment and referrals – (800)662-4357
Crisis Text Line – available 24/7 when in crisis – text “Home” to 741741
Trevor Project Lifeline – available 24/7 for youth in the LGBTQ community – call (866) 488-7386
Child Help USA National Hotline – available 24/7 for children who are suffering from child abuse – call (800) 422-4453
Boys Town National Hotline – available 24/7 for children and families – call (800) 448-3000
National Teen Dating Violence Hotline – available 24/7 for teens having concerns with a relationship – call (866) 331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522
Veterans Crisis Line – available 24/7 – (800) 273-8255 (press 1)
Be Connected – available 24/7 – (866) 4AZ-VETS (429-8387)
Crisis Response Network – available 24/7
Central Arizona – (602)222-9444
Central Arizona – (800)631-1314
Central Arizona (hearing impaired) – (800)327-9254
Northern Arizona – (877)756-4090
Mercy Care – available 24/7 in Maricopa County – call (800)631-1314 or (602) 222-9444
Arizona Complete Health – available 24/7 in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma Counties served – call (866) 495-6735
Health Choice Arizona – available 24/7 in Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai Counties – call (877) 756-4090
Gila River and Ak-Chin Indian Communities – call (800)-259-3449
Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community – call (855) 331-6432
Making the phone call can be one of the hardest things to do, but it can save your life. There is always someone to listen to you and give you resources. You are not alone.
For more resources or if you have any questions, feel free to call Bio-One at 480-276-4061 or 928-863-8276. You can also reach us by email at info@BioOneScottsdale.com or info@BioOneFlagstaff.com
Photo by Simon Migaj from Pexels
The 2020 Bio-One Law Enforcement Grant Winners Are Announced
The Bio-One offices in Arizona came together to provide a $5000 grant to one lucky law enforcement agency in Arizona. This grant was postponed many times this year for multiple reasons, so we were very happy to be able to move forward with it.
We had thousands of votes cast throughout the country which was both encouraging for us and also for our local law enforcement agencies. After the votes were counted, a winner was named!
Congratulations to our First Place winner and recipient of the $5000 grant
Snowflake-Taylor Police Department
And Congratulations to our Second and Third Place winners who will receive a BBQ for their department and support staff
We appreciate all the support received for the grant. Thank you.
At Bio-One, we truly believe that helping our law enforcement, victim advocates, crisis responders and other that help our community is important. We do what we do because we care. We are not just the people to call if you need help cleaning up a crime scene, suicide, hoarding situation, and any other trauma. We are also the people you call if you need help with something in the community. Bio-One is always happy to help.
WHY PROFESSIONALS ARE NEEDE
Why Professionals Are Needed When Tragedy Strikes
JULY 5, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE
When a loved one dies by suicide,it’s fair to assume that first responders will decontaminate the scene. But they don’t, creating yet another dilemma for families who are freshly traumatized by a sudden and devastating loss. Driven to remove the memory from your home as quickly as possible, your first impulse may be tocleanthe space yourself. But there are several reasons why you shouldn’t take on this burden.When a loved one dies by suicide,it’s fair to assume that first responders will decontaminate the scene. But they don’t, creating yet another dilemma for families who are freshly traumatized by a sudden and devastating loss. Driven to remove the memory from your home as quickly as possible, your first impulse may be tocleanthe space yourself. But there are several reasons why you shouldn’t take on this burden.
When a loved one dies by suicide, it’s fair to assume that first responders will decontaminate the scene. But they don’t, creating yet another dilemma for families who are freshly traumatized by a sudden and devastating loss. Driven to remove the memory of the death from your home as quickly as possible, your first impulse may be to clean the space yourself. But there are several reasons why you shouldn’t take on this burden.
For one, suicide cleanup is a traumatic and overwhelming experience of its own. Although you may think you can push through this task by suppressing your emotions, you’re at risk of developing PTSD and prolonging your grief. It's best to avoid the scene and leave this process to the professionals.
Additionally, you may be subject to harmful diseases if you don’t clean up the scene properly. Over-the-counter cleaning supplies are not always strong enough to kill some of these viruses. Pathogens linger long after a surface has been scrubbed, leaving you and your family at risk of developing bloodborne infections like Hepatitis C and HIV if your cleaning process has not been thorough enough.
Certified specialists in biohazard remediation are the only people qualified to perform this intensive work. They know the commonly missed areas, and how to keep themselves safe while making the home safe again for the family. Let them restore your home with the assurance that it will be sanitary.
Bio-One is here to help in this regard. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need assistance. We’re on standby 24/7, every day of the year, and are always available to answer any questions you might have.
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.
