Bio-hazard dangers in hoarding situations

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Garbage, trash, & debris can accumulate from a variety of situations including hoarding & improper composting.

When we hear the word “hoarding” we think of the extreme examples shown on popular t.v. shows, but there are many more people who have smaller issues with hoarding and don’t even realize it.  Hoarding comes in many different forms including excessive collecting, replacing items but not disposing of the old or broken pieces, and more commonly not disposing of items that are, or have become, garbage (for example keeping a broken item with the intention of repairing it, but never having the time.) In all of these instances these belongings can turn into a bio-hazard situation fast! We always advise no one live in hoarding condition because of the potential threats for the home’s inhabitants.

Another biohazard concern stems from the remains of expired food & improper compost. Keeping expired food and not disposing of it properly can develop various types of bacterial and infective threats to the environment. These microscopic threats can greatly affect the flora and fauna living in or near the rotting materials. Due to the increased proximity contamination and negative bodily reactions could surface, which could lead to chronic issues, severe illness, and possibly fatal reactions if the hoarded trash and debris aren’t disposed of properly and in a reasonable time frame.

As for the reactions to the building itself, we have seen cases where mold growth has formed and then spread causing structural issues as well. If the mold growth doesn’t raise enough of a red flag, the weight of the accumulated garbage in various areas can cause issues to the flooring.

With any situation of hoarded items, be it food or possessions, a variety of pests are attracted and invited to stay for an extended visit. Flies, mice, rats, and a variety of other rodents and insects are all attracted to decomposing food and love to burrow through belongings. When these creatures make their home in stored contents it brings about another aspect of biohazard through the bacteria naturally found on their bodies, their fecal material and bodily fluids left behind, and through their nesting materials.

Our team at SERVPRO of Kitsap County has had experience in various levels of bio hazard jobs from rodent cleanings to bio hazard caused by water & fire damage, and even trauma cleanup. If you have a friend, family member, or loved one who is need of a bio-hazard cleanup give us a call today. We have the training, experience, patience, and products necessary to properly, effectively, efficiently, and legally dispose of bio-hazard materials. We will help your home look “like it never even happened”

Bio hazard Cleaning: Death and Crime Scene

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

This is a sensitive topic, but also one with which a lot of people need help. When a loved one or friend passes away it is very hard. Not only are those left behind grieving but now they are left with a task of sorting through their loved one’s home. When the loved one passes in their home this adds another level of difficulty with the added traumatic need of cleaning up their home. We have specific technicians on our SERVPRO of Kitsap County team that are trained to handle these types of situations, and all of the necessary measures that are needed to properly clean up the affected areas.

We know it can be overwhelming at a time such as this. Rest assured that in this devastating time we are here to help. If you, or someone you know, are in need of our bio hazard professional clean up services contact our SERVPRO of Kitsap County office a call at (360) 373-1290.

Carbon Monoxide: A silent Killer

3/8/2017 (Permalink)

You can’t see of smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas and propane burn incompletely.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups including unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems, are more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide.

An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers or idling cars left running in garages.

Taking some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips, provided by the United States Fire Administration.

• Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves, inspected by a trained professional every year.
• Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace.
• Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.
• Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it, never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if the garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice or other materials.
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
• Only use barbeque grills outside, away from all doors, window, vents and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

What to do Until Help Arrives: Harmful Waste

4/8/2016 (Permalink)

Remember that when you think an item may be contaminated with bodily fluids, do not touch or handle the item!

Harmful waste can cause damage to not only your home but also your family. Waste such as sewage and bloodbourne pathogens can make you ill, so it is important that you follow some specific guidlines when dealing with this type of damage.

Below are a list of helpful do's and don'ts to keep in mind when harmful waste is causing an issue in your life.

DO:

• Stay out of affected areas. SERVPRO will handle the cleanup professionally and safely with all of the proper equiptment and gear.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening - Your safety should always be top priority!
• Treat all bodily fluid as if they are contaminated - Coming in contact with affected bodily fluid of any kind raises the risk of you becoming contaminated with something as well. Don't take the risk!

DON'T:

• Attempt cleanup of any kind - Special equiptment and personal protective gear in needed. SERVPRO professionals will know what to wear and how to safely cleanup the affected area.
• Touch or handle items that could possibly be contaminated with bodily fluids - SERVPRO knows how to properly dispose of such items through a system called Stericycle.

Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup

3/3/2016 (Permalink)

We are far more than a fire and flood restoration company. Our professionals are skilled in the proper cleanup of bloodborne pathogens, crime scene residue, arson and vandalism, and sewage.

Bloodborne pathogens: SERVPRO professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially dangerous substances resulting from a trauma, accident, crime or death. Our technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Crime scene cleanup: From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals, to tear gas and pepper spray residue, SERVPRO professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Sewage Backup: Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly, deposites. These damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into the structure. SERVPRO professionals remove sewage, contaminants, and moisture, disinfecting asthey clean. SERVPRO professionals insure the structure is properly cleaned and deoderized.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners.

Your local SERVPRO professionals are trained to safely and effectivly remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state health regulations.

SERVPRO of Kitsap County professionals can help with:

Bloodborne Pathogens

Crime Scene

Arson

Vandalism

Sewage backup

Black water intrusions

Mold mitigation and remediation

Please call us with any questions or comments

SERVPRO Kitsap County

360-373-1290