What Exactly Constitutes a Biohazard?

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Now, what to do when you have a biohazard? Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches.

After all the events of 2020; virus, biohazard, and other similar terms have basically become an everyday term in most people’s lives. While most of us have become much more health conscious on these matters to protect ourselves and those around us, I thought it would be helpful to define exactly what defines a biohazard, and what to do if you think you have one on your hands.

Some Biohazard Examples

• Human blood and blood products. This includes items that have been contaminated with blood and other body fluids or tissues that contain visible blood.
• Animal waste. Animal carcasses and body parts, or any bedding material used by animals that are known to be infected with pathogenic organisms.
• Human body fluids. Semen, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, vaginal secretions, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva, and peritoneal fluid.
• Microbiological wastes. Common in laboratory settings, examples of microbiological wastes include specimen cultures, disposable culture dishes, discarded viruses, and devices used to transfer or mix cultures.
• Pathological waste. Unfixed human tissue (excluding skin), waste biopsy materials, and anatomical parts from medical procedures or autopsies.
• Sharp waste. Needles, glass slides and cover slips, scalpels, and IV tubing that has the needle attached.

Biohazard Safety Levels

There are 4 levels of biohazards, according to the Center for Disease Control:  

• Biohazard Level 1: Agents that pose minimal threat to humans and the environment. Examples include E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Naegleria gruberi.
• Biohazard Level 2: Agents that can cause severe illness in humans and are transmitted through direct contact with infected material. Examples include HIV, hepatitis B, and salmonella.
• Biohazard Level 3: Pathogens that can become airborne and cause serious diseases. Examples include tuberculosis and Coxiella burnetii.
• Biohazard Level 4: Pathogens that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease for which there are no treatments. Examples include the Ebola virus and Lassa virus.

Info/data from aftermath.com, cdc.gov

Now, what to do when you have a biohazard? Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches.

We are available 24 hours a day—our highly trained technicians are standing by. We have the qualified trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

How to Better Protect Yourself From Biohazards in the Workplace

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

As you go into the new year, remember to keep safety as your top priority.

This past year has brought countless new challenges into our daily personal lives, as well as our workplaces. With most of these changes affecting our personal health and wellbeing, along with those around us, it is important to not become lacking in our caution and safety practices. I am sure many more people are now taking everyday precautions more seriously than in previous years, but it is still important to familiarize yourself again with proper biohazard procedures.

Can you protect yourself from every biohazard in your workplace?

While there is no one way that can insure 100% that you will not be affected, there are many precautions to take that can greatly reduce your chances.

• Treating each situation as potentially dangerous. Do not ever assume a situation involving biohazards will be fine to respond to without proper precautions.
• Washing your hands frequently with warm water and soap.
• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to situations involving biohazards. These can include gloves, facemasks and shields, respirators, aprons, special protective eyewear, and full body gowns or suits.
• Utilizing proper disposal methods including labeled biohazard bags or containers.
• Reporting all incidents to your supervisor.

Info from: aftermath.com

So, as you go into the new year, remember to keep safety as your top priority.

Drug Lab Cleanups, a Situation No One Wants, But SERVPRO Can Help

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with a property that has been deemed an ex-drug lab, call SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches today.

How to Clean Meth in 9 Steps: 

1. Surveying the Area

Inspecting the property and the surrounding area is arguably one of the most important steps. It gives the cleaning crew an idea of the level of contamination and sets the course of the entire cleaning process. When surveying the area, our technicians are equipped with the latest personal protective equipment, as any exposure to toxic substances can be hazardous. This includes special protective glasses, gloves, steel toe boots, and protective suits.

2. Ventilating the Building

Allowing clean and fresh air to enter the contaminated building is crucial. Using blowers and negative air scrubber machines is also necessary to completely replace the air inside. If there is a functional HVAC system in the building, it should be shut down to avoid spreading toxic particles into the air.

3. Developing a Cleanup Plan

After assessing the property, conducting tests, and performing the initial decontamination phase, it’s time to define the scope of work and develop a plan. This comprehensive plan should cover a variety of scenarios and outline what kind of cleanup methods are required in order to restore the property successfully.

The plan should cover things like:

• The levels of contamination in each room of the building.
• What kind of protective equipment is necessary
• What type of cleaning machines are required
• Security concerns and structural integrity
• Cleaning and waste disposal methods
• Cost estimates

A well-laid-out plan can streamline the cleaning process, making it less time-intensive and more cost-effective.

4. Removing Contaminated Objects

Once a plan is in place, we can commence the cleaning process by removing every affected object, including all carpets. Some of the items will be discarded entirely as they are too contaminated to be cleaned. After removing everything affected, we will once again ventilate the area for at least 24 hours.

5. Vacuuming the floors

We use commercial-grade vacuums equipped with special HEPA filters that are ideal for all floor types as well as above-ground areas such as walls. Vacuuming walls will remove any particles and is necessary before washing them.

6. First Stage of Washing

Once we’re done with vacuuming the area, it’s time to commence the first stage of washing hard surfaces. We make sure to reach all the nooks and crannies, especially those that are not visible at first. Using our previous experience and comprehensive test kits, we make sure the entire property is thoroughly washed. We do not use bleach as it can react with the toxic chemicals associated with Meth, producing a toxic gas as a result. Instead, we opt for detergent water solutions.

7. Addressing the HVAC System

The HVAC system needs to be completely shut down prior to and during the remediation process. It also needs to be thoroughly tested using special test kits in order to determine the level of meth residue found in the system, as well as the spread of contamination. Disinfecting air ducts is a challenging task that can compromise the remediation process at any time. Luckily, SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches professional technicians have the necessary equipment and experience to handle this daunting task.

8. Second Stage of Washing

The second stage of washing involves using an effective cleaning agent that does not react with common chemicals used in the production of Methamphetamine. We clean from top to bottom, meaning we start from the ceilings and finish with the floors to prevent spreading contamination onto the lower sections. Each wash is followed by a thorough rinse using clean water. Exhaust vents, lighting fixtures, and hard surfaces such as counters and shelves are cleaned several times.

9. Clearance testing

After the job is completed, we will make sure to determine if the clearance levels are satisfactory and that they meet the standard set by state and local laws. If the re-occupancy clearance levels are not met, the site should be cleaned once more. Encapsulating the walls and the ceiling with primers is also advisable in this case.

If you are dealing with a property that has been deemed an ex-drug lab, call SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches today.

Having your Lufkin Business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills.

As a local business owner, you have a great deal of responsibility resting on your shoulders every day. This year has brought so many new challenges and adjusting to these changes can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help. One of these new changes is your customer’s expectations of cleanliness.  With the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, people have fundamentally changed the way they interact, shop, and think. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

With the stakes so high, you need a partner who has industry-leading proprietary training programs, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes that have been developed over decades.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Lufkin/ S. Nacogdoches County today at  936-559-0404 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Do You Have a Biohazard Emergency in Lufkin?

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lufkin/ S. Nacogdoches is in the business of ensuring that you, your family, your home and property gets the protection it needs- 24/7.

In the unfortunate event that you experience a biohazard emergency in your home or business in Lufkin, you will need immediate, professional, biohazard cleanup.

SERVPRO of Lufkin/ S. Nacogdoches is in the business of ensuring that you, your family, your home and property gets the protection it needs from potential biohazards after an unforeseen event. Our technicians are trained in decontamination and sterilization. We are ready to respond to any biohazard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Through our years of on-the-job experience along with extensive training, we are equipped to handle all types of biohazard cleanup including:

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup
  

If your Lufkin home or place of business requires any biohazardous cleaning, please give us a call today at:

(936) 559-0404

Differences in COVID-19 Cleanings

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Much like water damage categories, there are different levels of COVID-19 cleanings, precautionary, suspected, and confirmed. These differentiations determine protocol when it comes to providing preventative measures as well as cleaning & disinfection after someone within the building has tested positive. 

Precautionary/Preventative - cleanings are a measure taken when there has been no confirmed or suspected cases. 

Suspected/Person Under Investigation - cleanings happen when there is reasonable suspicion that the virus is present, or one or more people that have been in the building have been tested and are waiting for results.

Confirmed - cleanings happen after there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 onsite.

It is very important that property owners and business stakeholders recognize their own abilities, comfort levels, resources, and risk factors. While all stages require proper precautionary & intentional steps, the CDC has issued the following protocol in regards to confirmed cleaning & disinfection:

• Workers must be trained to follow OSHA regulations
• Proper use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) donning and doffing
• Compliance with Bloodborne Pathogens and proper disposal of of regulated waste and PPE
• Disinfectants used include - diluted bleach solutions, alcohol solutions, household cleaners followed by disinfectants, EPA registered household disinfectants

SERVPRO of Lufkin/ S. Nacogdoches County understands the immediate need for all stages, which is why we have made ourselves available 24/7 to offer disinfection services. We are able to offer disinfection services to buildings of all sizes, including residences for those in need. Please don’t hesitate to call our office for more information on proper protocol, pricing, and the products we are using.

The Hard Topic of a Death Scene Cleanup

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

Families are impacted with the death of a loved one and sometimes don’t know where to turn when that death happens in a home.

The clean-up that is needed after an unattended death is not easy to write about and is definitely not something a sales or marketing person wants to talk about. I have experienced the suicide of my dear brother-in-law and I know the anguish a family goes through as they process that death is debilitating. The clean-up afterward can obviously prove too traumatic for a family to perform. The same can be said when an elderly loved one dies alone. Body decomposition, though natural, is very hazardous to anyone in and or around the area.

Cleaning up can be emotionally challenging, not to mention dangerous if blood and/or other bodily fluids are involved. Our team at SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County will treat the family and their loved one’s property with the greatest empathy. Our goal after a death is to remove the burden of cleaning up by those family members left behind.

Many times, our own team is impacted with strong feelings or reactions to the death, despite having no acquaintance with the victim. Our team has the training and experience to stay focused on the unique nature of their cleaning task. They are cleaning and restoring the site of the traumatic event. They are preforming an invaluable service to the customer. Our hope, is that our clean-up process will help the customer recover in a small way from the aftermath of the loss of life.

We have an insurance expert in our office who can also help family members navigate the homeowner’s policy. Many people don’t realize that insurance policies often offer coverage for crime scene and trauma cleaning, so it’s crucial to check with the insurance policy adjuster to determine if coverage is offered.

All these are reasons why I feel it’s important to write this blog. Helping a family in their time of need by responding 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help them restore their lives is of the utmost importance to us.

While we hope that you never have to experience a death that needs Biohazard Clean-up, we do want to let you know that there are experts out there who will help if ever the need arises.

The Reality of a Biohazard Cleanup in Your Work Place

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

Human or animal fluids and waste deposited through other means such as traumatic injury or violent crime on your premises also needs our expert attention. The viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens involved in blood and other secretions need to be managed using protocols developed by OSHA, the EPA, and local health authorities. Proper cleaning with registered disinfectants is key to restoring your workplace, and SERVPRO has the experience with biohazards and innovative commercial cleaning products to achieve the goals.
 
Your business may also suffer from a chemical spill or other spread of a biohazard. The often is a complication of a flooding scenario where your own inventory or cleaning and maintenance products are knocked over or soaked through, contributing to the dangers in the waters contained in your building. SERVPRO contains such contaminated water, ensure that it is disposed of properly to keep you, your employees and customers, and the general public safe from harm.
 
During these unique catastrophic events, it is critical that your biohazard cleanup company be not only professional and effective but also completely discreet. Our team can return your business to a safe and healthy condition, “Like it never even happened.” For you to retain the confidence of your employees and customers, the process must be transparent yet ethical and without unnecessary drama or scare tactics.
 
SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County is a full-service restoration company, poised to assist with your biohazard cleanup needs. Contact us at (936) 559-0404 for fast and confidential help.

Examples of Biohazards in Deep East Texas

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Biohazard is an umbrella term for biological materials that are a threat to living organisms. If you own or manage a Lufkin commercial property, biohazards can pose serious harm. Not just to you, but anyone who frequents your establishment. Biohazards could show up almost anywhere. If you have commercial property it is extremely important to be cautious of this threat. However, some people may not know everything that the word biohazard encompasses and how to clean it up. It covers numerous materials. There are even levels of biohazard, each one presenting different threats.

Examples of Biohazard

There are different kinds of biohazard. It is possible that some of these examples will never present themselves in your building. Of course, that does not mean you are safe from harmful materials. Blood is a huge biohazard risk. This also includes anything that has come into contact with blood, or other bodily fluids. Bloodborne pathogens and fluids can lead to disease if they come into contact with someone. Animal bedding and animal waste are also threats. This is especially true if the animal is sick in anyway. Microbiological waste is another example of biohazard. Of course, this kind of threat is more common in labs. A threat that is common in medical settings is sharps waste. This includes needles, glass slides, and scalpels.

While your Lufkin commercial property may not be exposed to as many biohazards as other places, it is still exposed. It may not be obvious, but biohazards will be a threat no matter what. SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County can clean it up safely and efficiently.

Levels of Biohazard

There are numerous levels of biohazard, four to be exact, with different threats. Level one includes E. Coli, Bacillus subtilis, and more. These materials are just a minimal threat to people and the environment. Level two includes HIV, Hepatitis B, and Salmonella. These have the possibility to make people extremely sick. Level two biohazards are contracted through contact with any infected materials or items. Level three includes tuberculosis and other airborne pathogens. They expose people to serious illnesses. Level four biohazards pose the highest threat levels. The diseases they cause have no treatments, and could even be life threatening. This includes the Ebola and Lassa viruses. For threats of this nature it is recommended to contact your nearest EPA office for help.

What Do You Do About Them

If there is biohazard exposure in your Andersonville commercial property you may have no idea what to do. It needs to be cleaned immediately, but most levels require specialty cleaning services. These services are trained to get rid of the problem quickly and efficiently. However, if you have no experience with this, you might not know who to call. SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County is a 24/7 company that specializes in cleaning up many levels of biohazard exposure. We comply with health regulations and possess all of the equipment needed for safe disposal. We will decontaminate your building in the event of trauma, chemical spills, sewage backups, hoarding, and more. When it comes to biohazard, the substances must be cleaned up properly to prevent serious health risks.

SERVPRO of Lufkin Sewage Cleanup

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

After any sewer loss or other types of dirty water loss, make sure and call SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County. Our team will quickly respond and get to work to make your damage "Like it never even happened." After a loss of this kind, it is very important that the dirty water doesn't sit for too long. That is why our team is on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our SERVPRO team has the certifications and training to properly handle the cleanup after a sewage loss. It is important to make sure once all the dirty water is removed, that the entire area is properly cleaned. SERVPRO has the professional cleaning products to make sure this gets done correctly. 

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Lufkin/S Nacogdoches County will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

What Exactly is Biohazard Cleanup?

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County provides biohazard cleanup and restoration when a home or business has been affected by a trauma, sewage back up, chemical spill, hoarding, human and animal wastes. A trauma clean up may consist of a suicide/death, homicide, blood clean up, or accident clean up.

Our technicians have received Blood Borne Pathogens Training and know how to properly clean and remove biohazard materials from the affected area. We provide the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for our technicians to keep them safe from exposure to biological and chemical contaminants.

When cleaning an area affected by biohazard, we start by cleaning the area completely. We remove any biological materials, blood or chemicals in the area. This step may consist of wiping surfaces or removing materials that cannot be completely cleaned and disinfected- such as fibrous materials. Then we sanitize and disinfect affected materials to stop the spread of biological and chemical contaminants. If necessary we deodorize the area so there are no remaining odors.

If you have ever watched the 2008 movie, Sunshine Cleaning, you know that biohazard materials cannot simply be thrown away in the regular trash. When disposing of hazardous waste, we make sure to follow state and local requirements.

Avoiding Health Effects of Biohazards While Waiting for SERVPRO

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Blood, bodily fluids, and other Lufkin biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County for top-notch biohazard cleanup and restoration services.

Avoiding Health Risks
Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO that is experienced in biohazard restoration.

Preventing Legal Repercussions
As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. There are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.

Focusing on Your Safety
At SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the smallest trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately.

Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO of LUFKIN/S. NACOGDOCHES COUNTY for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. (936) 559-0404.

SERVPRO of Lufkin Biohazard Background

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Today, the spread of the flu and common colds are all over the news. Viruses seem to pop up and puzzle health officials and lead to panic. It is always good to remember to practice good hygiene and health to potentially avoid getting sick yourself.

Bio-threats exist in many forms, all of which can be too dangerous or challenging for home and business owners to face on their own. We have an experienced team of professionals with years of expertise with recovery, as well as accreditations through both the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA). This training and education help us to provide a prompt and confident response to all biohazards that threaten properties in the area.

From the many homes and businesses in the Deep East Texas area, our teams stay busy cleaning and recovering properties contending with traumas, crime scenes, drug labs, pathogenic threats, hoarding, and other hazardous conditions.

We know how stressful and traumatic these situations can be, so our SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County professionals work to help our customers through the experience as much as we restore and clean affected properties.

The SERVPRO of Lufkin Biohazard Cleanup Difference

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

While SERVPRO is the #1 leader in the restoration industry, we're equipped to handle much more than just fire or water damage! Disasters come in all shapes and sizes; whether it is an act of vandalism or a full on crime scene, SERVPRO Technicians are trained to cleanup and restore messes of all degrees: 

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPRO Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the scene.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. Your professional also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting and deodorizing as they clean.

No one should have to sit in a house or work in a business contaminated with anything listed above, so make sure you call SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County at (936) 559-0404. One phone call to us will begin the process of making it "Like it never even happened."

Biohazard and Sewage Emergency Tips

9/2/2016 (Permalink)

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.

What you can do until help arrives

Bio-hazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous as they can pose a serious health risk. Sewer backups and flood water are two common bio-hazard scenarios that can affect homes and businesses. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore this type of contamination.

Need Biohazard Cleanup?
Call Us Today 936-559-0404

After any bio-hazard or sewage contamination in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
• Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don’t use television or other household appliances.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

24 Hour Emergency Service In Lukin and Nacogdoches

936-559-0404

Bio-hazards like flood water or sewer backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are water damage restoration specialists and have specific training and expertise to safely re-mediate bio-hazard contaminants.