Biohazard Containment

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

A technician in full Tyvek and PPE preps a containment area to limit the biohazards reach.

SERVPRO offers safe & effective crime scene & biohazard cleanup services quickly for homes & businesses due to sewage, trauma, chemical spills & more. We isolate areas as quickly as possible to eliminate contaminates spreading to other areas of your home or business. Whether it be blood, or any bodily fluid, SERVPRO is ready to help!! "Like it never even happened."

Call us today at (336)740-5144 for any issues or questions you may have on the subject!!

Dangers of a Sewage Backup

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

A very realistic view of a Sewage Backup and its effects on all surroundings.

Sewage back ups are among one of the worst plumbing problems because of the risk that they present to homeowners and residents. Sewage can spread illness, disease and even death. The National Resources Defense Council reports that nearly 2 million cases of illnesses are caused by sewage contamination each year. Sewage is full of contaminants, viruses and bacteria that pose a serious threat to people and their pets. In addition, sewage may contain other toxic substances like pesticides, residuals from pharmaceutical drugs, fungi and protozoan.

Here are some of the most common bacteria that are found in sewage and what they can do the human body:

• E. Coli – Causes abdominal cramping, diarrhea and occasionally death.
• Acanthomoeba – Causes eye, nose, throat and ear infections.
• Salmonella – Causes abdominal cramping and diarrhea
• Heliobacter Pylpri – Leads to increased chance of ulcers
• Hepatitis – Causes liver infection and liver failure
• Leptospirosis – Creates muscle aches and vomiting
• Coronavirus – Including COVID-19

Who can work in Biohazard cleanup?

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

A certified and trained SERVPRO Professional in action!

Who can work in biohazard cleanup? Because there is no specific education requirements, certifications, or work experience required to work in biohazard cleanup, it is often believed that anyone can work in biohazard cleanup. The fact is, biohazard cleanup is not for everyone.

Biohazard cleanup can be a stressful, demanding profession that requires you to work long hours and encounter a wide range of tragic circumstances. If you think biohazard cleanup is the same as a standard cleaning company or janitorial service, or if you imagine biohazard cleaning to be similar to your favorite episode of CSI, you will quickly find that neither is true.

The good news is that a career in biohazard cleaning can be incredibly rewarding, as you take some of a family’s burden away and offer them compassion and respect when they need it most. More than anything, biohazard cleanup helps families heal.

Sewage Waste Cleanup

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Trust the Pros at SERVPRO!!

SERVPRO experts are ready to assist in the clean up of sewage and other biohazard materials and provide deep cleaning services for your home. 

Blackwater is the mixture of urine, feces and flushwater. Whenever a commode backs up, or overflows, or the dreaded pipe busts in the crawl space, it is imperative to properly mitigate all contaminated areas as soon as possible!!

Trust the Pros at SERVPRO of Winston-Salem North!!

Biohazard Clean Up and Bloodborne Pathogens

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

An example of a recent biohazard job involving blood

Biohazard- A biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment. Often, this biological waste is pathogenic in nature or contaminated in some way. Biohazards also include potentially infectious agents that present a risk for potential health effects. Biohazard can be found in water damaged buildings where bacteria is present because of a sewage backflow or where fungi is allowed to grow, and the condition eventually affects the health of the building’s occupants.

Biohazards must be eliminated by professionals. If improperly handled, bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause serious health effects. In addition, if improperly handled, the contaminate may remain present in the building, causing a higher risk of exposure to the occupants.

Bloodborne pathogens- A pathogen is something that causes health effects. Germs that can cause health effects in human blood and health effects in humans are called bloodborne pathogens.

It is critical that someone with the proper training take care of the mitigation of blood and other biohazards. Trust the pros at SERVPRO of Winston Salem North, and give us a call at (336)744-5104

Has Your Dog Ever Destroyed Your House ?

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Who would have thought something this tiny could make such a big mess!?

A big majority of people have pets in their home, especially dogs! But have you ever came home to a mess that your dog left for you? It sucks! Pets can start acting out for multiple reasons. They could be getting older, trying to adjust to a new environment or they could just be doing it out of spite. I recently went out to a job site where the homeowner's dogs had been using the bathroom in the house while they left them home during the day. It had been going on for a couple of weeks. The floors were the most affected and everything had went into the cracks and around the baseboards. Along with that there was also just basic general cleaning that needed to be done. It had gotten to the point where the homeowners needed some help to clean the house. They were planning on moving out and selling the home, but wanted it to look and smell CLEAN! Soo.. They reached out to SERVPRO Of Winston-Salem North for help! We tackled the job and cleaned from top to bottom. We cleaned the walls, floors, cabinets (inside and out) and the bathrooms. Everything we did was to insure the customer was getting the best of the best. The home looked so much better, you could tell a world of a difference and after we were finished the customer was very satisfied. 

CDC Checklist to get ready for the COVID-19 outbreak.

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our CSC program helps small business stay ahead of the COVID19 problem. Call us to learn more 336 744 5104

As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community. Use this checklist to help you take steps to plan and protect the health of you and your family.

Engineering Controls reduce exposures PLAN AND PREPARE Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials Create a household plan of action.

• Consider members of the household that may be at greater risk such as older adults and people with severe chronic illnesses.
• Ask your neighbors what their plan includes.
• Create a list of local organizations you and your household can contact in case you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.
• Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.
• Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.

 Take everyday preventive actions:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed or for potential changes at your workplace.

  Administrative Controls refer to employer-dictated work practices TAKE ACTION In case of an outbreak in your community, protect yourself and others:

• Stay home and speak to your healthcare provider if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath
• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
• *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
• Keep away from others who are sick
• Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet)

 Put your household plan into action

• Continue to practice everyday preventive actions
• If someone in the household is sick, separate them into the prepared room
• If caring for a household member, follow recommended precautions and monitor your own health
• Keep surfaces disinfected
• Avoid sharing personal items
• If you become sick, stay in contact with others by phone or email
• Stay informed about the local outbreak situation
• Notify your work if your schedule needs to change
• Take care of the emotional health of your household members, including yourself

 Take additional precautions for those at highest risk, particularly older adults and those who have severe underlying health conditions.

• Consider staying at home and away from crowds if you or a family member are an older adult or have underlying health issues
• Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick and limit close contact with others
• Practice good hand hygiene

 Take the following steps to help protect your children during an outbreak:

• Notify your child’s school if your child becomes sick with COVID-19
• Keep track of school dismissals in your community
• Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places

We Are Cleanup and Biohazard Experts

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our CSC program helps small businesses stay ahead of the COVID19 problem. Call us to learn more 336 744 5104

About Coronavirus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to respond to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus that was first detected in China and has now spread internationally. While the virus is termed coronavirus, the sickness that results after infection has been termed COVID-19.

COVID-19 has now been declared a pandemic, which is a global outbreak of a disease.  

Need Specialized Cleaning Services?

Call Us Today 336-744-5104

Symptoms

Illness from COVID-19 is wide ranging, from mild to severe symptoms and death. According to the CDC, symptom may appear two days to two weeks after exposure:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

It is important to consult your medical provider if you develop any severe or concerning symptoms.

Expert Level Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Winston Salem North is uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Need Specialized Cleaning Services?

Call Us Today 336-744-5104

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Sources:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fsummary.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fsymptoms.html

How to Clean and Disinfect to help slow the spread of Bacteria and Viruses.

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our CSC program helps small businesses stay ahead of the COVID19 problem. Call us to learn more 336 744 5104

Cleaning and disinfecting are part of a broad approach to preventing infectious diseases. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Winston Salem North is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

1. Know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing

Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

2. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often

Typically, this means daily sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, phones, and toys. Some schools may also require daily disinfecting these items. 

Immediately clean surfaces and objects that are visibly soiled. If surfaces or objects are soiled with body fluids or blood, use gloves and other standard precautions to avoid coming into contact with the fluid. Remove the spill, and then clean and disinfect the surface.

Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?

Call Us Today – (336) 744-5104

3. Clean and disinfect correctly

Always follow label directions on cleaning products and disinfectants. Wash surfaces with a general household cleaner to remove germs. Rinse with water, and follow with an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill germs. Read the label to make sure it states that EPA has approved the product for effectiveness against whatever you are trying to clean.

If a surface is not visibly dirty, you can clean it with an EPA-registered product that both cleans (removes germs) and disinfects (kills germs) instead. Be sure to read the label directions carefully, as there may be a separate procedure for using the product as a cleaner or as a disinfectant. Disinfection usually requires the product to remain on the surface for a certain period of time (e.g., letting it stand for 3 to 5 minutes).

Use disinfecting wipes on electronic items that are touched often, such as phones and computers. Pay close attention to the directions for using disinfecting wipes. It may be necessary to use more than one wipe to keep the surface wet for the stated length of contact time. Make sure that the electronics can withstand the use of liquids for cleaning and disinfecting.

4. Use products safely

Pay close attention to hazard warnings and directions on product labels. Cleaning products and disinfectants often call for the use of gloves or eye protection. For example, gloves should always be worn to protect your hands when working with bleach solutions.

Do not mix cleaners and disinfectants unless the labels indicate it is safe to do so. Combining certain products (such as chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners) can result in serious injury or death.

5. Handle waste properly

Throw disposable items used to clean surfaces and items in the trash immediately after use. Avoid touching used tissues and other waste when emptying waste baskets. Wash your hands with soap and water after emptying waste baskets and touching used tissues and similar waste.

6. Learn more

• CDC Says “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu
• Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration
• Biohazard and Sewage Emergency Tips
• Commercial Cleaning and Sanitation Services

What to do after a suicide happens in your home

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one.

Whenever a loss occurs in your home, it is always difficult to deal with. When it is an unexpected death, even more so. You will be overwhelmed, and there is no real way to prepare yourself for this unexpected event.  I hope that you find this list, and that it helps you navigate this uncertain period in your life. 

What to do first

• Call 911 or the police.
  When a suicide occurs, police need to be informed. They will have to treat the place of the suicide as a crime scene. Sadly, suicide or suspected suicide is considered a suspicious death, and must be investigated. You will cause a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering, and trouble with the police to those around you, if you do not report the death as such. 

• For the city of Winston Salem, NC
• Police & Fire (336) 773-7700
• For the city of Pilot Mountain , NC
• Police (336) 368-4725
• Fire (336) 368-4646
• For the city of Mount Airy, NC
• Police (336) 786-3535
• Fire (336) 786-3570

• Call SERVPRO of Winston Salem North .
  After the police have left the scene, the body will still be there, along with any chemicals, dust, or remnants of the investigation the officials may have left. Your home is now not only dirty, but dangerous.
  Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers.
  We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of Winston Salem North will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.
• Arrange for a place to stay.
  SERVPRO of Winston Salem North will work as quickly as possible to clean and restore your home “Like it never even happened.” Depending on the job, this could be very quick or take a few days. The trash and biohazard contaminants will need to be removed, and to prevent the spread of cross contamination, you will be happier and healthier away from the location. 
• If you need help finding a safe location to stay,  The Piedmont Triad Chapter of the American Red Cross is a great place to seek help. 
  1501 Yanceyville Street
  Greensboro, NC 27415
  Phone: 336-333-2111

What to do if a crime happens on your property.

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one

With a total of 39 per 1000 residents, we are currently only 8% safer than other US Cities across the nation. It will be either violent 6% or property 33%, both will cause damage to your home or business. 

We don’t want to scare anyone, but I do want you to be prepared for when something happens on your property. We want you to be aware of what to do since it can avoid unnecessary time, money, and headache. You should have a plan in place, and I’ve written this blog to help you. 

First Things First.

A crime occurred. It is a good thing that you are safe. You should know that this will disturb the normal flow of your next coming days, weeks, and sometimes months. We would never wish for that to happen, but you should prepare for it and knowing is the first step for it.

Calm down and Call the Authorities

Call 911 or a non emergency line if there are no medical emergencies

• For the city of Winston Salem, NC
• Police & Fire (336) 773-7700
  
  
• For the city of Pilot Mountain, NC
• Police (336) 368-4725
• Fire (336) 368-4646
  
  
• For the city of Mount Airy, NC
• Police (336) 786-3535
• Fire (336) 786-3570

We know that not everyone can take this situation easily, and some of you will also panic. We are humans, and you do not know truly how you will react until this horrible event occurs.  What I hope you do is act fast and contact the right people to help you. Call the police, and get yourself to a safe well lit area away from the crime scene, but within walking distance, so that the police will be able to speak with you. 

Calming down does not only help you but also assists the authorities in their investigation. If you are calm, then you are better able to assist those in need. You can do this. 

We HIGHLY ADVISE, that you should look for another place to stay temporarily. 

While the investigation goes on, the police will need access to the scene, maybe at hours that you would not be comfortable with. Winston Salem PD and Forsyth County Sheriff's office work tirelessly day and night. 

There could also be other factors, damage to property that causes it to be unsafe (broken glass, bullet holes, blood and other biohazards). These things can not be cleaned up right away, as the detectives will need to search and secure evidence.  Those things can and will affect your health and safety, so we suggest finding somewhere else close by to stay at. If you can not find something, or need assistance, The American Red Cross is always willing to help those in need. 

• The Piedmont Triad Chapter of the American Red Cross
  Phone: 336-333-2111

After the Investigation

You now face a new issue. You can finally return home, and start the process of cleaning up.

Nonetheless, you will see a filthy place depending on the severity of the crime, and length of the investigation.  

Call SERVPRO of Winston Salem North

(336) 744-5104

Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances. Our Motto is “Like it never even happened.” We want to return your home to the happy and healthy place it was in before this crime happened.

Crime statistics by https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/nc/winston-salem/crime#data