There are many types of environmental clean-up and restoration tasks that call for specialists at a home or a business. These include things like flood damage, fire damage, and mold. But one type of damage requires even more specialized professional attention, and that is biohazard contamination.
A biohazard is any hazard that is likely to contain biological matter that can cause serious harm through exposure. It can include things like blood, body tissue, dead animals (including insects), feces, urine, vomit, or other remains or excretions from humans, animals, or even plants. Biohazard material also includes other organisms that may be present, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Because many of the dangers that may be present in biohazards cannot even be seen (think: bacteria or viruses), the presence of any biohazard contamination is so serious that it is imperative to call a professional right away.
At SERVPRO, one of our areas of expertise is biohazard clean-up, such as when there has been an accident that involves injury or death, at a crime scene, a sewage overflow, or after a natural disaster. And while it is often difficult to think calmly and clearly when these events occur, it is critical that anyone on the scene observe the following rules about what not to do.
1: Do Not Attempt to Clean Up
Most of us have had to clean up small messes that could technically be called biohazards: dripped blood from a bloody nose or a cut, dog messes on the floor, a dead bird found under a tree. But even then, we know to be careful: wear a mask if necessary, use rubber or nitrile gloves or a plastic bag to pick up the mess, wrap it up in a plastic bag and seal it, discard our gloves, and wash up the area and our hands thoroughly with disinfectant and antibacterial cleansers.
But larger-scale biohazard problems present greater difficulties, because we are usually unaware of the extent of the contamination, particularly as many disasters can cause contamination to spread far beyond the immediate area where the disaster occurred. Consequently, unlike an everyday mess, leave major biohazard cleaning up to the professionals.
2: Do Not Touch or Handle Anything
If a disaster happens near you, there is a tendency to want to find out what happened; we see ample evidence of this with the “rubber-necking” that goes on when we pass by a traffic accident. But the human tendency to interfere is even greater when it involves a place where we live or work, or when it may involve something we use or own.
When something happens where you work or in your house, you may want to just pick up or check on your own stuff, such as a computer or a purse that you feel you need before leaving the area. Resist the temptation. Remember, nothing is so important that it is worth risking your health through contamination, or risking the health of others by spreading the contamination further.
This is especially important if the area is a crime or accident scene. Insurance, police, and fire investigators will need to see things as they are, not as they are after you have disturbed the area.
3: Do Not Enter the Area
In addition to refraining from clean-up or handling any items, your best bet is to completely steer clear of any area where an event has happened that leaves significant amounts of biohazard material. As noted above, you have no way of telling whether the material may contain bacteria or other contaminants that could expose you or others you come in contact with to serious health hazards.
Professionals who deal with biohazard material have been extensively trained to take special safety precautions, including donning full PPE. This may seem like overkill to someone unfamiliar with the dangers of biological waste, but to people who understand the risks, this is sensible and necessary. Only someone who is adequately protected, trained, and prepared should enter a biohazard area.
At SERVPRO of Coeur d'Alene, our job is to come into areas where disasters have occurred, and to fix seemingly unfixable damage and completely restore a site as if the damage never occurred. And while no one can really undo a disaster, we can help you move on. Whether you are dealing with a biohazard problem or any other problem that needs a serious clean-up solution, contact the professionals at SERVPRO today.
The restoration of your property following a biohazard event or a crime needs experienced and empathetic professionals like those at SERVPRO® to safely clean them to our professional standards.
Challenging Cleanup Requires a Professional
In the event that your property needs hazmat, trauma or crime scene cleanup, SERVPRO can help you. This type of situation requires competence, experience and respect for all involved. Our skilled professionals will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances. Once the police have completed their investigation of a crime scene, cleanup and restoration can begin. This involves an assessment of your property to determine the proper equipment and cleaning products needed. Because traumatic events often involve biological and chemical contaminants, it’s very important to know that the restoration process is being handled in compliance with all government, environmental and health regulations. Our professionals do this in the safest way possible for you, your property and everyone living or working on your property. We are trained and prepared both physically and mentally to handle biohazard, trauma, and crime scene cleanup and restoration with respect and professionalism.
Why Choose SERVPRO?
Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
Urgency and immediate action are necessary in a hazmat event involving biological and chemical hazards to your property to prevent exposure to these potential health risks to your family or employees.
Highly Trained Technicians
SERVPRO professionals are trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA, EPA protocols and health regulations.
#1 in the Cleanup and Restoration Industry
We’re a trusted leader in the restoration industry.
Easier Insurance Claims Process
SERVPRO will help you navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.
Waiting for Help: Do's & Don'ts After Trauma
What to Do:
Above all, preserving further loss of life and property is essential following the stress of a crime or other accident.
Call Emergency Personnel
Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
Stay Out of Area
Stay out of the areas that have been affected by the event as there may be potentially dangerous hazardous materials left behind.
Treat Fluids as Contaminated
Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
What Not to Do:
Don't Attempt to Clean
Attempt cleanup of any kind.
Don't Touch or Handle Items
Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.
If you need help with biohazard services, call us at 208-457-1234
The SERVPRO Difference
Pathogens like COVID-19
We provide a proactive viral pathogen cleaning service through our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. This is a specialized deep cleaning program that goes well beyond basic janitorial or carpet cleaning services.
Blood-borne Pathogens
Our professionals are trained to remove potentially contaminated substances resulting from an accident, crime or death, including bodily fluids and tissue.
Methamphetamine Labs
SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. Our professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.
Crime Scene Residues
SERVPRO has the knowledge and tools necessary to clean up after traumatic events. This includes everything from fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues.
Tear Gas and Pepper Spray Residues
SERVPRO professionals remove the corrosive and toxic irritants found when these control measures are deployed and return the rooms to safe and habitable spaces.
Fingerprint Powder
We use dry soil removal methods and powerful extraction devices to clean up powder and prevent transfer to adjacent surfaces.
Fire Extinguisher Residue
Our highly-trained technicians possess the products, equipment, and processes to remove both the dry powders and chemical residues from discharged fire extinguishers.
FAQ's
Why is disinfection important when dealing with a biohazard situation?
Disinfection is important in a biohazard situation because potentially infectious materials may be present. SERVPRO teams have the training and tools to handle these incidents professionally and discretely.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover a biohazard cleanup?
While some homeowner’s insurance policies will cover biohazard cleanup, not all do. You should check with your insurance agent to find out the specifics of your policy. Whether your insurance company covers this type of service or not, it is important that you do not attempt to clean up a biohazard situation yourself. Call SERVPRO to handle this for you in a professional and empathetic way.
How do you clean when a biohazard is present?
Because traumatic events often involve biological and chemical contaminants, it’s important to know that the restoration process is being handled in compliance with all government, environmental and health regulations. Our professionals do this in the safest way possible. We are trained and prepared both physically and mentally to handle biohazard, trauma and crime scene cleanup and restoration with respect and professionalism.
We’ll work to safely clean up contaminants from surfaces, and remove unsalvageable materials from the area.
Coeur d’ Alene, ID 24 Hour Emergency Sewage Damage Service
SERVPRO of Coeur d’ Alene is available 24 hours a day for sewage emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with sewer damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today – 208-457-1234
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Coeur d’Alene has the specific sewer damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Coeur d’Alene, ID.
SERVPRO of Coeur d’ Alene specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
24/7 Emergency Service
