Bio-One of Fort Wayne decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

Why Cutting the Clutter Really Does Have “Life-Changing Magic”

By now, most of us have heard of Marie Kondo’s famous book and Netflix series, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It’s definitely nice to be in a clean space, but is it life-changing? Or magic? 

Believe it or not, clearing the clutter in your home really can make a big difference in many aspects of your life. 

Health & Safety

The most obvious reason to clear the clutter is for health and safety reasons. 

Too much mess can harbor the growth of dangerous germs, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. 

You need to be able to wipe down floors and surfaces. It’s also essential to throw away old food and make sure pipes are clear and functional. This prevents:

  • Mold growth
  • Insect infestations
  • Odors
  • Harmful microorganisms 

But what if you keep everything sanitary? 

Are there reasons beyond health and safety to pick up? 

Research tells us yes—clearing the clutter can benefit your health in a number of ways. 

1. Better Sleep

Sleep better

Decluttering can help you get a better night’s sleep—and not just because you no longer have piles of laundry on your bed. 

People living in cluttered homes are more likely to experience insomnia. The exact link between clutter and trouble sleeping isn’t clear, but it is somewhat of a chicken-and-egg problem. 

Clutter increases stress levels, which makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. Lack of sleep leads to difficulty concentrating and completing tasks, which can make it hard to clean. 

Imagine how your quality of life improves when you’ve had a good night’s rest. Now, let that feeling motivate you—better sleep is on the way.

2. Improved Social Life

Improved social life

When your home is messy, it can be difficult to have friends over. You may resist inviting others out of embarrassment, or it may not be possible for practical reasons. Everyone needs a place to sit, after all! 

When you create a fresh, welcoming space, you can enjoy the company of your loved ones in your own home. You can even host friends and family from out of town when they come to visit. 

Decluttering can help you cultivate your connections and begin creating new ones. 

3. Reduced Stress Levels

Even if you’re not consciously aware of it, clutter in your home may be affecting your stress levels. 

On a conscious level, seeing clutter can be a constant reminder of your to-do list. When you see a pile of items on your counter that need to be put away over and over again, your brain feels a little ping of guilt. 

Over time, constantly feeling that need to clean up can create a heavy stress load. And in this day and age when so many are working from home, that added stress all day every day while trying to be productive at work can quickly build to overwhelm.

Clutter can also affect your stress levels subconsciously. Seeing clutter can overwhelm your working memory

Your brain is constantly working on a subconscious level to determine what you need to pay attention to and what you need to ignore. When there are items everywhere, the brain works harder to process what should be noticed. 

On the other hand, cleaning up clutter lets your brain relax. Being in a clean room may decrease your cortisol, or stress hormone, levels

4. Better Focus

Just as your brain working hard to ignore clutter can lead to stress, it can also lead to distraction. Cleaning up your space can improve your ability to focus on tasks and get things done. 

Better focus

On a physiological level, your brain will simply have less stimulation. The more you see, the more work your brain has to do. When your area is clean, you can funnel that brainpower into whatever you’re working on. 

Clutter affects your focus on a conscious level, too. If you’re noticing cleaning tasks that need to be done, it can be hard to hone in on the task you’re working on. 

Even if you’re trying to focus on cleaning, multiple messy areas can make it difficult to choose just one. Every tidying task you complete gives your brain just a little more room to focus. 

5. Better Mood and Emotional Regulation

When you’re in a clean space, odds are you feel better. Studies link cleanliness to a better mood, feelings of accomplishment, and the ability to relax. 

Better mood

Even if life circumstances are bringing you down, having a well-ordered space can still help you respond more calmly to stress. 

Emotional regulation is the ability to respond mindfully to your emotions instead of reacting thoughtlessly to triggers. In a clean space, your brain is less distracted, giving you the mental real estate to process your feelings and respond thoughtfully. 

6. Increased Creativity

Increased creativity

Once again, it all comes down to brain space—when you’re not distracted by visual clutter or feeling guilty about jobs left undone, your brain has more space for other things. 

You can dedicate the time you spend worrying about clutter to solving problems and growing new ideas. If you create physical art, love home projects, or are a crafter, you’ll have space to work on your projects (and hopefully, motivation to clean them up when you’re done!). 

Let Bio-One Help

Despite all the benefits of having a clutter-free home, it isn’t always easy to make it happen. If you’re overwhelmed, let Bio-One help you. We have a discreet, compassionate team of cleaning experts who are passionate about helping you. 

Call us today for a consultation. 


First Responder Relay Presented by Bio-One, Inc.

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!

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The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) is proud to announce that the 2021 United States Police & Fire Championships (USPFC) are now Presented by Bio-One, Inc. 

 

Operating under the motto, "Help First, Business Second," Bio-One provides high-level decontamination and biohazard cleanup services while offering clients the privacy and compassion needed at difficult times. Bio-One operates in 41 states with over 110 locations and is committed to providing first-class service. 

 

"We are thrilled to add Bio-One as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2021 USPFC because   First Responders warrant our support," said California Police Athletic Federation President LC Collins. "Bio-One’s reputation is second to none, and with their partnership, we can offer first responders a health and wellness outlet.  We look forward to working with them for years to come."

 

Founded by San Diego Police Lieutenant Veon "Duke" Nyhus, The United States Police & Fire Championships were first held in San Diego in 1967. Duke recognized the need to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among the Public Safety and First Responder community members. 

 

The USPFC caters to active and retired public safety and first responders who participate in Olympic-style competitions and open to individuals representing firefighters, law enforcement, and officers from corrections, probation, border protection, immigration, and customs across the country. Traditionally athletes compete in 45+ sporting events from biathlon to motocross across 35+ venues in Southern California.

 

"At Bio-One our support for Law Enforcement and Fire Service Officers is unwavering, and we're thrilled to partner with the California Police Athletic Federation during this memorable event," said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, founder of Bio-One. "We wish each athlete success and look forward to celebrating these everyday heroes."

 

The 2021 USPFC Presented by Bio-One will take place from June 10th to the 19th in venues across San Diego, California, and strengthen the relationship between First Responders and the community for many years to come!

 

About the United States Police and Fire Championships

The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) is the parent organization of two multi-sport programs designed for peace officers and firefighters. The World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) are open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world. The United States Police & Fire Championships (USPFC) are open to active or retired public safety and first responder personnel from an eligible agency within the USA. For more information, please visit www.uspfc.org. 

 

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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 see their business license 

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.

BIO-ONE OF FORT WAYNE OFFERS REMEDIATION EXPERTISE FOR CORONAVIRUS

Email: info@bioonefortwayne.com

Tel: 260-450-7547

Website: bioonefortwayne.com

 

           

MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                                         March 9, 2020

 

Local biohazard & trauma cleanup company provides

CORONAVIRUS remediation expertise

 

WHO: Bio-One of Fort Wayne, a local biohazard & trauma cleaning company serving the Tri-State and surrounding areas.

 

WHAT: Owner Kellen Dooley is available to discuss the protocol to properly disinfect and disinfect an area in the case of a coronavirus (or other infectious disease) infection ensuring the surroundings are safe, a re-infection does not occur or the disease is spread. He also can discuss the steps necessary to protect against infection.

 

Bio-One of Fort Wayne uses hospital-grade chemicals and has experience with disinfecting and disinfecting after infectious diseases, including MRSA, C. DIFF, STAPH, and others.

 

WHEN: As needed. 

           

With the report of the first confirmed case of Coronavirus in Indiana, Bio-One of Fort Wayne is prepared to assist with the remediation of this infectious virus. After confirmed infection, a space must be professionally disinfected and disinfectd before it can be occupied. Experienced biohazard cleaning technicians know how to disinfect the area, and prevent further contamination and infection. Our teams use the most up-to-date equipment and protocols. Bio-One is certified, licensed and insured.

 

With Bio-One offices throughout the area, our teams are prepared to assist wherever needed in the mid-west.

 

Bio-One of Fort Wayne, locally owned and operated, is a franchise of Bio-One, Inc., a leader in crime scene and biohazard cleanup. Currently, there are Bio-One offices throughout the mid-west, and more than 100 offices nationwide. Bio-One is nationally respected and was called upon to assist in the aftermath of the Mandalay Bay mass shooting in 2017 and the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016.

3 Things You Should Know About Professional Crime Scene Cleaners

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Did you know? Crime scene cleaning became an official business way back in the 1990s.

Despite the fact that this cleaning crew has been working for decades, the profession is still an enigma to the common man. This isn’t surprising since these hazmat-clad cleaners only arrive when something sinister occurs.

Plus, they’re grossly underrepresented on primetime televisionbecause nobody wants to go into the nitty-gritty details of crime scene cleaning.

Are we right?

However, without including gory descriptions, we’d like to give you an insight into the world of professional crime scene cleaners.

Let’s have a look:

1. They Are Jack-of-All-Cleaning Trades    

First of all, the term crime scene cleaner is a misnomer.

Most people believe that crime scene cleaning services are strictly limited to homicides and criminal incidents. This isn’t true since we are often called in to clean up suicide scenes, remove biohazards, and decontaminate ambulances.  You can also see us working in close quarters with property managers that would like to inspect the sanitation standards of certain areas.

In other words, our work revolves around everything from blood spills, infestations, sewage blockages to biohazards.  It’s why most licensed crime scene technician goes through rigorous training before their first assignment. 

2. They Carry Special Cleaning Supplies

It goes without saying, that blood stains can’t be removed with bleach. Also, our work goes beyond the average household stains, which means we need special equipment at hand.

So as biohazard remediation specialists, we’re equipped with advanced cleaning supplies and personal protective gear. Our cleaning supplies allow us to clean the place thoroughly and efficiently. It’s because even the smallest trace of blood or biohazard fluid could cause severe health problems.

Here’s a sneak peek of our gear:

 

·        Basic cleaning supplies

·        Biohazard disposal containers

·        Disinfectant solutions and solvents

·        Industrial-grade deodorizers

·        Dismantling tools

·        Protective suit

·        Non-porous gloves

·        Chemical-proof boots

This is a small fraction of our inventory, most of the time, we’re stocking up on extra supplies for trauma cases.

3. They Moonlight as Counselors    

More often than not, professional crime scene cleaners play the role of a therapist. They are eager to listen to stories and also offer them advice on how to cope after the loss of their loved ones.

If they ever stumble across a sentimental item, they make sure to clean it up and return it to the next of kin. That’s because they understand the value of this human interaction, and how important it is for these families to cherish the memories of people they’ve lost. They’re also willing to accommodate special requests on behalf of the family whenever it’s possible.

So in order to do their job right, these cleaning specialists have to be great conversationalist, compassionate, and cooperative. Otherwise, they risk hurting people who are already going through a tough time.

In a Nutshell

Long story short, professional crime scene cleaners aren’t your average cleaning crew. These professionals have been highly-skilled cleaners that handle hardcore cleaning assignments. They know their way around advanced cleaning equipment.  Also, they don’t mind playing the role of a counselor whenever it’s required.

All in all, they are a force to be reckoned under the most traumatic circumstances.

Do you want to know more about crime scene cleaning services?  Contact Bio-One for a detailed discussion. 

4 Dangers of Improper Crime Scene Cleanup

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Encountering a crime scene in itself is a disturbing and often traumatic experience. While some people’s first thought may be to clean it themselves (probably because they aren’t aware of the dangers of improper crime scene cleanup), others may feel too overwhelmed to react.

Let’s make it clear, at a crime scene, it is crucial to take action right away. And your first reaction should be to call the authorities to report the incident so that they may begin with the investigation in due time. Only after all of the evidence is collected and any necessary emergency services have been conducted is when the need for professional cleaning of the site arises.

Here are the top four dangers of improper crime scene cleanup.

1.    Healthy and Safety Risks

The biohazards at a crime scene expose you to several health risks. Bacteria, viruses, and pathogens can quickly spread through the property and can cause infections and diseases. Blood-borne pathogens can cause HIV, hepatitis B and C, MRSA infection, and Clostridium difficile infection. Anyone who steps inside the property or comes in contact with the materials present has a chance to catch these diseases, even several days after the accident happened.

The key is to remove all the biohazards using high-quality tools and equipment that are specifically designed to clean bodily fluids and bloodstains. The property is disinfected to help restore it as close to the original condition as possible.

Pro tip: Professional crime scene cleaners won’t only disinfect the crime scene efficiently but also protect your family’s privacy.

2.    Permanent Property Damage

If biohazards and blood pools are left untouched for long periods of time, they can cause permanent damage to the property. Blood can leave permanent stains on carpets and cause discoloration of porous materials. It can also weaken its structure, causing it to lose its finishing and deteriorate. Besides, no house with bloodstains looks aesthetic or appealing to the guests.

This is why professional crime scene cleaners use best-quality equipment to remove all bloodstains and biohazards to leave the property as clean as new.

3.    Unpleasant Odors

Blood, bodily tissues, and biohazards can cause a property to smell gross. No cleaning agents will work its magic if the odor particles have settled in the pores of property structure. Even after cleaning the crime scene, the powerful smell may linger for days.

The only way to solve this problem is by using advanced technology, such as hydroxyl technology, nano carbon technology, or any other deodorizer. These tools remove oxygen from the property along with the odor particles. Please note that you can only get your hands on such equipment through a professional crime scene cleaning service. 

4.    Improper Disposal of Biohazards

Biohazards need to be disposed of properly and delivered to a licensed medical waste facility.

If you clean a crime scene using household equipment and cleaning agents, you’ll likely throw the waste in the trash. This will leave the garbage removal professionals at risk for infections and diseases. Not to mention, the surrounding area will start stinking in no time.

 

It is NOT recommended for family members and loved ones to clean a crime scene, as it usually contains blood, bodily fluids, and biohazards. And we aren’t saying it just because it may be emotionally disturbing for them but because the aforementioned dangers of improper crime scene cleanup are real. Contact Bio-One and get the assistance of professional crime scene cleaners today!

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What Is the Best Way to Clean Up a Crime Scene?

 

Unfortunately, in the event of a crime or an accident, the responsibility of biohazard scene cleaning falls on the shoulders of the victim’s family members or the property owner. The police and investigators only come to collect evidence – they rarely help you clean up the site.

No matter how traumatizing the incident may be for the victim’s next of kin, it’s in their best interest that they get the property cleaned up and disinfected as soon as the police give a go-ahead.

Crime Scene Cleaning: 5 Steps to

Follow

The following steps are involved in crime scene cleaning.

1.    Initial Site Assessment

First off, the extent of damage and scope of the project must be identified. This helps in choosing the best cleaning tools and equipment as well as devising an effective cleaning plan. The crime scene is then contained to prevent cross-contamination.  

2.    Health and Safety Come First

Crime scene cleaners must be equipped with full protective suit while wearing double pair of cleaning gloves and double shoe coverings to minimize cross-contamination. Wearing a N95 mask is the minimal level of respiratory protection that is required, however it’s always a good idea to us a full-face respirator to overcome health and safety risks. If you are not wearing a full-face respirator then you will need some sort of eye protection too.

3.    Start from the Top

The crime scene cleaning should typically begin with the ceiling. Cleaners should move their way from top to bottom to prevent the re-contamination of areas and materials that have already been cleaned.

If there are any carpets, upholstered furniture, and other porous items at the scene that has been affected will likely need to be treated and places into biohazard marked bags or boxes. Metal and non-porous materials, on the other hand, can be treated and reused.

4.    Scrubbing and Disinfecting

All items at the scene should be cleaned and disinfected before they are removed from the scene. This will prevent the spreading of harmful diseases and infections. The cleaning instruments you use must be properly disposed of in biohazard containers. Any disinfecting chemical used to clean should be at minimum a virucide (kills all virus). Bio-One proprietary chemical is a virucide and Tuberculocidal mixture.

5. Proper Waste Disposal

All waste material should be sealed tight in red biohazard bags and containers before they are disposed of at a proper biohazard disposal site.

Useful Tools and Equipment

Here’s a list of some of the tools and equipment that make the crime scene cleaning process easier.

·        Personal protective equipment (PPE)

·        Biohazard disposal containers

·        Plastic sheets and duct tape

·        Cleaning supplies and disinfectants

·        Industrial strength deodorizers

Get Professional Help

Biohazard scene cleaning can be a challenging task if done on your own. Not to forget the scene dangers that may arise if the task isn’t done properly. The best way to clean up a scene is by hiring professional crime scene cleaners. Equipped with proper knowledge, skills, and equipment, they’ll get the job done quickly and safely at affordable rates. Get in touch with experts at Bio-One for a hassle-free experience.


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Unattended Death: What Does It Mean?

 

You’ve probably heard the term ‘unattended death’ while watching a crime show or read it in a newspaper. But do you know what it means?

 Let’s dive in for a comprehensive understanding of what an unattended death is and how the scene cleaning process works following one.

What is an Unattended Death?

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, unattended death refers to a death that happens when no one is around. More often than not, the body remains undiscovered until several days or weeks have passed.

Usually, we hear news of unattended deaths of elderly people who lived alone and had no family members or acquaintances to check up on them regularly. Some unattended deaths turn out to be suicides or homicides.

The Body Decomposition Process

In most cases of unattended deaths, people find the dead body only after it has started to decompose. The longer the body remains undiscovered, the further it goes into decomposition.  

The body goes through three stages of decomposition:

1.    The Autolysis Stage

Autolysis is a process of self-digestion that a body undergoes when it doesn’t receive oxygen. Moreover, the accumulation of waste causes the cells in the body to be stressed. Ultimately, the pH level between the cells drops, creating an acidic environment for the body. Due to the acidity, the cell membranes rupture and release enzymes that start eating the cells from inside out.

2.    The Bloating Stage

This is the stage where several gases are released while bacteria, fungi, and protozoa continue to attack the dead tissues to liquefy them.

3.    The Active Decay Stage

During this stage, the fat and muscles are turned into paste-like substances with a powerfully unpleasant smell. Flies and other insects join microorganisms at this stage and help in the removal of soft tissues.

Taking Matters to the Coroner’s

Office

In the event of an unattended death, the remains of the dead body are taken to the coroner’s office for a forensic examination, which may or may not involve an autopsy. This is usually done within 24 to 48 hours before the body is released for burial.

Cleaning the Scene of an

Unattended Death

Cleaning the scene of an unattended death is one of the most challenging tasks. Body decomposition results in the release of bodily fluids and harmful bacteria, which can not only make you feel sick but also spread several viruses and bacteria in the environment.

Considering these health risks, you should never attempt to clean up the scene of an unattended death.

Hire a Professional Company for

Undiscovered Death Cleaning

To clean up the scene of an unattended death quickly, and safely, make sure you hire experienced professionals. Bio-One experts follow strict safety guidelines and use industry-best tools and equipment to dispose of biohazards at the site of an unattended death. They’ll disinfect the affected area and restore it to as close as it can back to its original condition so that it looks and smells perfectly pleasant.

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Have you ever seen this symbol? The one with four circles. It’s the biohazard symbol. We’re sure you must have seen it several times.

 

Today, we’ll discuss what it means, what is its history, and how it is used.

Let’s get started!

The Meaning of ‘Biohazard’

In the context of this symbol, the term ‘biohazard’ refers to an infectious agent that poses a risk to our health or wellbeing, either by causing infection or by disrupting our environment.

The Biohazard Symbol

Across the world, the biohazard symbol is used to report and warn people of any dangerous substance that may cause harm to them. It was first adopted in the 1960s to indicate possible exposure to biological substances that may contain toxins, viruses, or medical waste. These substances include blood, human cells, and bodily fluids.

Representing actual or possible presence of a biohazard, this symbol is used to identify any containers, equipment, rooms, materials, or experimental animals on an international level. You may have seen the biohazard symbol printed on chemical labels in orange-red or fluorescent orange color with clear wording providing you with crucial information on the hazard.

The Meaning of the Four Circles

 The four circles in the biohazard symbol represent the infection chain and have specific meanings.

1.    Agent

Agent refers to the type of pathogen that can cause an infection or hazardous condition.

2.    Host

The host is the organism that is infected by the pathogen.

3.    Source

The source tells about the origin of the pathogen.

4.    Transmission

It is the means through which the pathogen infects the host. It may be direct or indirect. Common transmission routes include breathing it in, and/or touching contaminated surfaces.

The History

Charles L. Baldwin and Robert S. Runkle are believed to be the creators of the biohazard symbol. This was back in 1966.

Working at the National Institute of Health, Baldwin started paying attention to different types of warning symbols. The fact that there was a wide range of symbols worried him. After all, how can you expect someone to know the full range of icons?

This pushed him to create a symbol that could be used universally. He started working with the Dow Marketing and Packaging Design department with no ideas in mind. In fact, they didn’t even want it to have a meaning – it just had to be something that people could easily memorize and recognize.

They took some common symbols, mixed them with a series of some new ones, and showed them to people, asking them to guess what each of them meant. The fewest guesses belonged to the biohazard symbol. After a week, the team showed the same symbols to the same group of people and found that the biohazard symbol was the one that people remembered the most! 

Baldwin and his team conducted extensive research before they created the perfect symbol that people today know as the biohazard symbol. The combination of simple design and bold color caught people’s eye. The U.S. Center for Disease Control, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Institutes of Health soon authorized the symbol for universal use.

Today, the biohazard symbol is used to indicate all levels of biohazard. It’s three-sidedness eliminates the chances of mistake when pasting or printing it for warning. It has been playing a crucial role in preventing accidents in everyday life.

You can even spot it in the logo of Bio-One!