Hoarding can leave behind lots of mixed feelings and emotions: guilt, anxiety, and even exhaustion. From a safety standpoint, it can be a danger to those living inside the property and others, causing fire, mold, pest infestations, and more. Cleanup after hoarding is not an easy task, as there are many steps involved in the process, and the end result will depend on a well-designed plan and execution.
In this blog post, we would like to help understand the process of cleaning up after hoarding and offer some expert tips on how to do it right. As you read on, you’ll learn how to assess the damage, establish safety procedures, prepare for cleanup, remove and dispose of hazardous waste, and restore the home to a safe environment for all!
Hoarding affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is characterized by excessive collecting, saving, and difficulty discarding possessions regardless of their value. Hoarding can quickly escalate to an overwhelming level where clutter takes over the entire home, making it difficult to navigate and poses serious health and safety risks.
There are many reasons why people hoard, such as trauma, loss, or mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Before approaching any cleanup and restoration job involving hoarding, understand that it's not a choice but a result of underlying issues that need to be addressed with empathy.
Hoarding can cause significant damage to a property, both visible and invisible. Visible damage includes structural issues like mold growth, pest infestations, and blocked pathways. Meanwhile, invisible damage may include problems with electrical wiring, plumbing, or even gas leaks!
With help from professionals, you should check for biohazards, human or animal waste, biological materials, or drug paraphernalia. These hazards require specific cleaning and disposal methods to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the process.
Hoarding is a naturally hazardous environment. Before commencing the cleanup process, it's crucial to establish safety procedures:
After assessing the damage and establishing safety procedures, it’s time to prepare for cleanup. Here are some steps to follow:
One of the most critical aspects of a hoarding cleanup is the removal and disposal of hazardous waste. This process may be overlooked because there aren't clear rules about what you should do with the waste generated from the restoration process. In reality, disposing of hazardous waste in the wrong way can lead to serious health and environmental consequences.
Once all hazardous waste has been removed and disposed of properly, the focus can shift to restoring the home to a safe environment. The process may include repairing any structural damage, removing mold and water damage, deep cleaning, and deodorizing the property. Any underlying issues that contributed to the hoarding behavior should be addressed.
Hoarding Disorder requires management and treatment. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for individuals struggling with hoarding, there are many resources available to help. Treatment may include therapy, medication, and support groups. The outlook for someone struggling with hoarding is positive, as long as there is a willingness to seek help and make changes.
Whether you are dealing with hoarding behavior yourself or know someone who is, it's crucial to seek help and support. Hoarding can be a challenging issue to face alone, but there are professionals, organizations, and support groups that can offer guidance and assistance. Don't hesitate to reach out for help and take the necessary steps towards recovery. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
Our team at Bio-One is trained, experienced, and equipped to handle any level of hoarding situation with compassion and discretion. Everything from following safety procedures, assessing the damage, removing and disposing of hazardous waste, and restoring the space to a livable condition, we can help.
If you are dealing with hoarding, it’s essential to take action quickly to avoid further damage and potential danger. Our technicians are also available for those who need guidance and support throughout the process!
Bio-One of Marion County is a locally owned and operated biohazard and hoarding cleaning company serving Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. We specialize in all types of extreme cleaning, including blood and bodily fluids, decomposition/undiscovered death, crime scene, suicide cleanup, tear gas, feces/urine, rodent droppings, sewage backups, hoarding, gross filth, virus/bacteria disinfection and odor removal. Helping people get their lives back in order is our #1 priority.
Bio-One of Marion County is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service. We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.
Biohazard situations are some of the most dangerous and can be life-threatening if not handled appropriately. Therefore, if you find yourself exposed to an unexpected hazardous situation in the workplace, your home, or your property, knowing how to prepare and protect yourself and others is crucial. In this blog post, we have enlisted the expert advice of Bio-One of Marion County's experienced biohazard cleanup technicians to provide essential safety tips on how to prepare for these situations.
Biohazard situations are situations where there is a risk of exposure to infectious materials like blood, bodily fluids, and other hazardous materials. These materials can carry diseases and pose a high risk to health and safety. Examples of biohazard situations include:
It's essential to understand biohazard situations, so you can take precautions and know when to seek professional help.
Have a plan in place, detailing how you'll respond to a biohazard situation. The plan should include how you'll notify other people in the building of the danger, the procedures for containing the hazard, the measures you'll take to protect everyone's safety, and who will help you with the cleanup. Having a plan in place will help you respond quickly, which is essential in mitigating the risks posed by biohazard situations.
Personal protective equipment is essential when exposed to a potentially hazardous situation. The appropriate PPE for biohazard situations includes gloves, goggles, respirators, protective suits, and shoe covers.
It's vital to have this equipment readily available and to know how to use it properly. If you're not sure, ask a professional for guidance.
If you're faced with a hazardous event involving blood, bodily fluids, feces, urine, or human and animal waste, and you're not equipped with the right PPE, seek help immediately. Also, restrict access to the area to protect others until proper cleaning and disinfection has been done.
When it comes to biohazard situations, it's always best to contact a professional biohazard cleanup company. These companies have the experience, tools, and protective equipment to handle biohazard materials. Hiring a professional biohazard cleanup company will help ensure that the risk of exposure to hazardous materials is minimized.
Biohazard situations are some of the most dangerous situations you can face. Follow the essential safety tips outlined in this blog post to prepare yourself for a biohazard situation, and to handle it effectively without putting yourself or others at risk.
Remember to always stay safe and know that Bio-One of Marion County is ready to assist if the situation is beyond your expertise.
Rodent infestations are a common problem for homeowners, business owners, and property managers. These pesky creatures can cause quite a stir in houses and buildings, as they damage structures, contaminate food sources, and even create an unpleasant odor. Aside from property damage, rodents can cause significant health hazards from diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Cleaning up after a rodent infestation is an essential step in recovering your home or business and avoiding future problems. Here are some tips for cleaning up after rodent infestations.
The first and most important thing to do when cleaning up after a rodent infestation is to make sure the rodents have been effectively eradicated. This means that all of the rodents must be caught or killed, and then removed from your property as soon as possible. If you are unable to eradicate the rodents on your own, we recommend consulting with a professional pest control company.
Once you've cleaned up the infested area, seal up any entry points that rodents may have used. Common entry points include gaps in walls or roofs, cracks in the foundation, and utility entries. Use caulk, steel wool, or mortar to seal these openings to prevent rodents from coming back.
Rodents can contaminate everything they come into contact with. Food, clothes, and furniture can become infected with rodent-borne diseases and bacteria, so, the best thing you can do is dispose of any contaminated items by sealing them in a plastic bag and throwing them away in an outdoor garbage bin. If any upholstered furniture is contaminated, it's best to have professionals determine whether they can be saved or not.
Once all of the rodents have been removed, you can begin cleaning carpets, furniture, walls, floors, etc. Use a diluted bleach solution to kill germs and bacteria left behind by the rodents. Finally, vacuum carpets and furniture to remove any remaining debris or droppings.
You want to avoid touching or inhaling any contaminated materials. Always wear gloves, a face mask, and long sleeves when cleaning up after rodent infestations. Disposable clothing can be helpful to reduce the amount of contact with contaminants. Additionally, never attempt to clean an area that is heavily contaminated without first consulting a professional company for assistance!
While cleaning up after a rodent infestation can be done on your own, some situations may require the services of a professional. If you have a large infestation, the cleanup process can be extensive, and it's best to call a professional service.
Additionally, a professional service can help identify any potential entry points in your home that may need to be sealed. This will help deter future infestations from occurring and protect your home from further damage and contamination.
At Bio-One of Marion County, we understand how overwhelming and stressful it can be to deal with rodent infestations. We specialize in providing rodent droppings cleanup services that will help you get your home back to a safe and healthy state as quickly as possible. Contact us today for more information! We are proud to serve Indianapolis and all the surrounding areas.
Hoarding can creep up slowly, and before you know it, a house has become cluttered and unmanageable. Hoarding can lead to a whole host of problems, including health and safety risks, inability to use spaces as intended, and social isolation. But, if you're looking to get started with restoring a hoarded home, help is available. In this blog post, we'll share everything you need to know before you take on this journey. Whether it's someone you know, a loved one, or someone who has overcome hoarding, these tips can help make the process more tangible.
It's important to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, set realistic goals, and establish a timeline for completion. Your plan should include the following:
With a plan in place, tackling the clutter is the next step. It can be overwhelming and intimidating to look at a cluttered home, but remember that every small step is progress. Start by deciding what needs to be kept and what should be discarded. To simplify this process:
It's recommended that you also work with a professional to organize and restore the home more efficiently. If you work with someone knowledgeable in the field of removing clutter, they can help you determine what needs to be kept and discarded.
If the property has been cluttered for a while, it may be necessary to have the space professionally cleaned and disinfected. Hoarding can lead to health hazards such as mold growth, pests, or vermin. To properly clean and disinfect the home:
Use a disinfectant solution to clean surfaces thoroughly and ensure that even the smallest details are taken care of. Don't forget to clean fabrics and carpets, as these can easily catch dirt and germs!
Consider the use of storage solutions such as shelving, cabinets, and bins to keep things organized and accessible. Design the space according to the individual's preferences and needs, again, keeping realistic goals. Personalize the house with items that evoke positive memories! Restoring a hoarded home restoration doesn't have to be overwhelming; with careful planning, it can become a rewarding experience.
The process of restoring a hoarded home is not just about cleaning and organizing. It's also important to provide psychological support to those affected by hoarding disorder. Connecting with a licensed therapist or certified professional organizer can be beneficial for those looking for support during this difficult time. Help is available; don't hesitate to reach out for advice and assistance!
Restoring a hoarded home is no easy feat. The key is to break the process down into manageable tasks and stick to your timeline. Remember to be kind to yourself, or your loved one, throughout the process. Hoarding is a mental health disorder, and it takes time to overcome. By following these steps, you can at least have a clearer vision of how to rejuvenate and restore the property. This process must come along with assistance from a mental health professional to ensure there are no long-term issues.
Biosafety levels are critical in ensuring the safety of individuals working in research labs, healthcare facilities, and other industries that involve handling hazardous materials. In this blog, we will dive deep into the four biosafety levels and their significance, helping you better understand how to protect yourself and others while working with hazardous materials.
This level represents the lowest level of biosafety and is designed for very low-risk agents that do not pose a significant hazard to humans or the environment. Examples of such agents include non-pathogenic strains of E.coli and Bacillus subtilis. This level of containment only requires minimal personal protective equipment such as lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses to protect against splashes or spills.
This level is designed for moderate-risk agents that pose a moderate threat to human health. Examples of such agents include Mycobacterium, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Salmonella choleraesuis. BSL-2 requires additional safety precautions including the use of a biosafety cabinet, disposable gloves, and eye protection. All work is done under biological safety cabinets or other physical containment devices.
This level is designed for high-risk pathogens that pose a significant threat to human health. Examples of such agents include tuberculosis, anthrax, and West Nile virus. BSL-3 requires additional safety precautions such as dedicated labs, negative air pressure, and complete personal protective equipment. Examples of facilities that operate at BSL-3 include certain laboratories in research institutions, universities, and government agencies.
High-security governmental labs, such as those associated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), also maintain BSL-3 labs due to the nature of the work conducted.
This level is designated for the most dangerous pathogens that pose the highest threat to human health and do not have available treatments or vaccines. Examples of such agents include the Ebola virus and Hendra virus. BSL-4 requires the highest level of containment with full-body positive pressure suits, airlocks, and laboratories equipped with controlled ventilation systems.
Facilities that operate at BSL-4 are among the most advanced and secure laboratories globally. These include the National Microbiology Laboratory in Canada and, more specifically, the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health (CSCHAH) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Also, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), is located in Manhattan, Kansas. Moreover, the Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) is the only U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) laboratory equipped to study highly hazardous viruses at Biosafety Level 4 within positive pressure personnel suits.
Biosafety levels are critical in ensuring safety when dealing with hazardous materials. It's important to be fully aware of the different levels of protection and protocols that come with them. When working with hazardous materials, it's crucial to take precautions and follow the protocols in place to ensure the safety of everyone potentially exposed.
Bio-One of Marion County is the premier biohazard cleanup and remediation service provider in Indianapolis. Our highly trained technicians are certified to work with hazardous materials. Whether it's a crime scene cleanup or infectious disease remediation, Bio-One of Marion County has the expertise and resources to help you stay safe. We are here to quickly respond to your needs with professionalism and respect!
While owning a pet can bring endless joy, some individuals tend to take their love for animals too far, leading to animal hoarding. Animal hoarding commonly affects individuals who have a passionate desire to save animals, leading them to collect more pets than they can responsibly take care of. Unfortunately, they might be dealing with unaddressed psychological, social, and financial issues, making them unable to provide adequate care for the animals in their possession. In this blog post, we will discuss four signs of animal hoarding and how professionals can assist in intervening for those in need.
When owners start to accumulate more pets than their housing can accommodate, animals can end up living in cramped and unsanitary conditions. This overcrowding can lead to an unhealthy environment, making it challenging for pets to receive proper exercise and care.
Individuals struggling with animal hoarding often display obsessive behavior toward their pets, such as obsessive cleaning, repeated feeding, and grooming routines, and an inability to give up any of their animals. This behavior can cause a severe lack of time for other personal needs, leading to adverse effects such as personal hygiene neglect.
Another sign of animal hoarding is an unawareness or lack of concern for the sanitary conditions surrounding animals. Hoarders can become so preoccupied with their animals that they don't recognize unhealthy conditions such as a buildup of animal waste, piles of garbage, and unhygienic living areas in general. This can lead to a rapid spread of disease among the pets and can even put other people in close proximity at risk.
Overcrowded living conditions, poor ventilation, and inadequate food and water supplies all create an unwelcoming environment for pets that is detrimental to their health. Animals may develop respiratory problems, skin irritations, and infections, among other health issues if they are not given regular health check-ups.
Additionally, substantial amounts of time are often poured into taking care of a high number of animals, resulting in owners becoming detached from family, friends, and the rest of the world. This isolation can lead to erratic behavior.
Addressing animal hoarding situations often involves a combination of legal, mental health, and animal welfare interventions. Legal action is frequently necessary to remove the animals from the harmful environment and ensure they receive proper care. These animals are typically rehomed through animal rescue organizations, which provide them with medical treatment and work to find them safe, suitable homes.
Simultaneously, mental health professionals often need to work with the individual to help them understand the harm their behavior is causing both to them and their animals. This could involve Cognitive-behavioral Therapy, medication, or other forms of mental health treatment. Keep in mind, that animal hoarding is often a symptom of a larger mental health issue, and treating it requires addressing these underlying problems.
Lastly, preventative measures are crucial in addressing animal hoarding situations. This involves education about responsible pet ownership, monitoring potential hoarding situations, and promoting spaying and neutering to prevent pet overpopulation.
It can be challenging to accept or recognize animal hoarding, but we hope these signs can help you identify and take prompt action if you witness this type of behavior.
At Bio-One of Marion County, our dedicated professionals offer animal hoarding cleanup services to clear out and sanitize properties, providing a safe and healthy environment after the removal of animals and identifying any necessary repairs. If you or someone you know requires assistance with animal hoarding, do not hesitate to contact our experts at Bio-One!
You don't need an article to tell you that a sewer backup is no joke. Sewage backups can be a disaster for homeowners, causing damage to floors, walls, and furniture and posing a serious health risk. In the event of a sewage backup, it's important to act quickly and follow the proper protocols to minimize damage and ensure the safety of your family. Here's what to do in the event of a sewage backup:
Step 1. Stop using all plumbing fixtures and call a professional plumber:
To prevent the backup from spreading, turn off your main water supply and stop using all plumbing fixtures, including toilets, sinks, and showers. If you're unable to locate the source of the backup, or if the backup is severe, it's best to call a professional plumber. They have the tools and expertise to prevent future backups safely and effectively from occurring.
Step 2. Protect yourself, and do not touch anything.
Sewage water is contaminated and poses a serious health risk. If you have to be near the contaminated area, put on rubber gloves, waterproof boots, and protective eyewear to protect yourself from coming into contact with the contaminated water.
Step 3. Call a biohazard cleaning company to clean and disinfect the contaminated area.
Biohazard companies clean sewage backups by following a standard set of procedures to ensure the safety of workers and the environment. These procedures include:
Sewage backups can be a major headache, but following these steps can help you minimize the damage and keep your family safe. If you ever have any doubts or concerns, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber or biohazard cleaning company for assistance.
Call us 24/7 at (317) 499-0614 for a free estimate! Learn more about the biohazard services we provide to residents in Indianapolis and surrounding areas at BioOneMarionCounty.com/services
We are thankful for all our Bio-One partners and want to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! This is a time to gather with loved ones, look back on the year, and give thanks for all we have.
As we celebrate the holidays, let’s take a moment to recognize the brave first responders who won’t have that luxury of spending the holidays with their families. We thank our police officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers for working through the holidays and keeping us safe and healthy.
If an emergency situation arises that we can help you with, please reach out to us directly, we can be reached on our cell phone 24/7 at (317) 499-0614!
Your friends at Bio-One!
BIO-ONE IS THE MOST TRUSTED AND REFERRED CLEAN UP COMPANY
Bio-One specializes in all types of extreme cleaning including blood, unattended death, homicide, suicide, hoarding, and feces cleanup.
We are delighted to announce our sponsorship of the First Responder Relay in Las Vegas on October 16th. The First Responders Relay is a 9 person 48-mile running relay with stages ranging from 4.0 miles to 7.7 miles. The relay is competition comprised of first responder personnel from throughout the United States and the World, and is hosted by the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF).
There is still time to register, but don't delay! Registration closes September 18. Visit www.CPAF.org to join us in Las Vegas!
Bio-One Marion County Turns 1-Year Old Today!
Bio-One Marion County turns 1-year old today! It’s hard to believe that we launched one year ago today. It’s a very rewarding experience being able to help so many people.
We would like to thank our Bio-One family, mentors, community members, customers, referral partners, and team members. We are so grateful for each and every one of you who supported us and encouraged us in this journey.
We are excited about the years to come and the impact we hope to make in our Indianapolis community.
Bio-One is a locally owned and operated biohazard and hoarding cleaning company. We specialize in blood, bodily fluid and feces removal, rodent droppings cleaning, sewage cleanup, hoarding and pet hoarding cleaning, mold remediation, and odor removal services. Helping people who are faced with difficult situations to get their surroundings and lives back in order is our #1 priority.
We’re here 24/7, 365 days a year to help you. Call (317) 499-0614 and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call, never an answering service. We’ll treat you like a person, with the compassion and respect that you deserve. Our motto is “Help first, business second”, and that’s what we live by. We hope you’ll never need us, but if you do we’ll be here for you.
