Stay Calm and Call SERVPRO of Sussex County!

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sussex County offers an array of professional services to help you maintain your home, business and property.  Restoring a home or an office after a water intrusion demonstrates how we can take something damaged and make it like new.  Our national advertisements show such drama as a jet engine blowing a home apart – or a huge water balloon exploding over a home…resulting of course in a horrendous flood.  However, there are some services that SERVPRO does not advertise – simply because they are not your typical services that show a tedious beginning and a glamorous ending – they apply to the health of others.  Our bio-hazard team tackles all types of jobs that no one else typically will want to be bothered with.  Most involve the things we all find to be offensive; whether it be sewage, bodily waste, blood or even death. 

  We have ongoing contracts with state and local law enforcement groups that take care of cleaning police vehicles and cells after a bio hazardous mishap. These range from intoxications with vomiting to injuries that cause blood and bodily fluid loss.  We clean them all.  Perhaps the most psychologically challenging incidents involve death.  Suicides and natural deaths occur every day in our society and think about the magnitude of such events…especially if no one cared to offer the family assistance with the clean-up.  I am reminded of that well known credo that first responders live by – “We move toward the problem - not away from it!”  Death and injury can be very tough on any family and just knowing that a group stands ready to step in a take some of the tragedy out of such an event is priceless!

CDC Guidelines for Safe Surface Cleansing

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

The following guidance is for buildings in community settings and is not intended for healthcare settings where specific regulations or practices for cleaning and disinfection may apply. Additionally, this guidance only applies to cleaning and disinfection to prevent the spread of most harmful germs, such as viruses or bacteria. This guidance does not cover cleaning of other materials (such as chemicals) from surfaces. Regularly cleaning surfaces in your facility helps prevent the spread of germs that make people sick.

Cleaning with commercial cleaners that contain soap or detergent decreases the number of germs on surfaces and reduces risk of infection from surfaces in your facility. Cleaning alone removes most types of harmful germs (like viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi) from surfaces.

Sanitizing reduces the remaining germs on surfaces after cleaning.

Disinfecting can kill harmful germs that remain on surfaces after cleaning. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, disinfecting can further lower the risk of spreading disease.

If you do sanitize or disinfect, clean surfaces first because impurities like dirt may make it harder for sanitizing or disinfecting chemicals to get to and kill germs.

Consider the type of surface and how often the surface is touched. Generally, high touch surfaces are more likely to spread germs. If the space is a high traffic area, you may choose to clean more frequently or disinfect in addition to cleaning.

When to Clean Surfaces

• Clean high-touch surfaces regularly (for example, pens, counters, shopping carts, door handles, stair rails, elevator buttons, touchpads, restroom fixtures, and desks).
• Clean other surfaces when they are visibly dirty.

How to Safely Clean Various Surfaces

In most situations, cleaning regularly is enough to prevent the spread of germs. Always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after cleaning. Follow these tips to safely clean different surfaces in your facility:

For hard surfaces:

• Clean surfaces with soap and water or with cleaning products appropriate for use on the surface.

For soft surfaces:

• Clean the surface using a product containing soap, detergent, or other type of cleaner appropriate for use on these surfaces.
• Launder items if possible, according to the label’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
• Vacuum surfaces such as carpets and rugs and dispose of the dirt safely.

Biohazards - What You Need to Know

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Biohazards are any substance or object capable of harming the health of living organisms.  The job of a biohazard cleaner is to completely clean, sanitize and deodorize the site where a violent crime, suicide or traumatic accident has occurred.

Unless you live near factories that produce biohazards, one way you can encounter them are through crime scenes. You can also find these in crime scene cleaning like in suicide cleanup and crime scene cleanup. This is because human substances like blood are biohazards when found lying around the exposed environment.  Biohazards could become a threat to your health. That is why you should call for a professional crime scene clean up service if you have these in your place of residence or business.  Two recent shootings in our county are – unfortunately - examples of crime scenes with biohazards. More biohazard examples include the following:

• Exposed human, animal, and insect wastes
• Industrial accidents with body fluids
• Decaying dead body of a living organism
• Homicide or suicide incident places
• Dangerous Disease Outbreak
• Large scale disasters or warfare with numerous dead bodies
• Sewage spills and leaks (might contain biological wastes)

 These are only general examples of the long list of biohazards.  When you encounter any of these incidents near you, contact a professional crime scene or suicide clean-up specialist.  You shouldn’t wait long before looking for experts to clean them because they can become more harmful as time passes.  The best biohazard cleaning specialists are right here in Sussex County at SERVPRO.

 SERVPRO of Sussex County assists the Delaware State Police as well as almost every local police and EMT unit in our area.  If you have any such issues or questions – please call the top biohazard professionals at 302-856-9768 today or visit: SERVPROsussexcounty.com for more information.

What is Considered Bio-Hazardous?

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sussex County is well known as the leader in water, fire and mold remediation, restoration and reconstruction.  We are all familiar with the challenges presented when any of these events may occur and why it is so important to minimize the initial and prevent any secondary damage after the fact.  The following are six examples of Bio-Hazard problems that we tackle as well.

• Human Blood and Blood Products – This includes items that have been affected by blood and other body fluids or tissues that contain blood that is visible.
• Animal Waste – obviously feces, fluids or decaying carcasses or the nesting or bedding that animal thrive in and may contain pathogens.
• Human Body Fluids – these include semen, pleural fluid (lungs), cerebral spinal fluid, vaginal secretions, amniotic fluids, pericardial fluid and peritoneal fluid.
• Microbiological Waste – mostly found in medical or laboratory settings – specimens or cultures and viral pathogens
• Pathological Waste – Unfixed human tissue (excludes skin), biopsy materials and anatomical parts from medical procedures
• Sharps Waste – basically this conveys any material or product such as needles, glass, scalpels or IV tubing that has the needle still attached

All of these types of waste should always be handled by a professional; as they are dangerous and can lead to injury, sickness or even death.  SERVPRO of Sussex County is staffed with trained technicians with proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to ensure the safe removal and clean-up required in each case or event.  It should also be stated that we also offer services to remediate areas affected by a deceased individual. 

If you require any assistance with any assistance with the removal of hazardous waste – please call 302-856-9768 or visit SERVPROsussexcounty.com.

The Challenges of Unattended Death Cleanup

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Unattended death refers to a death in which the body is not discovered for days, weeks or even months. Unattended deaths are most common in the elderly; especially when they reside alone. When the body of an unattended death is discovered; it is of course a very difficult situation for the family and this can also be the case for the group offering the cleanup.

In such cases as unattended deaths – ALWAYS USE A PROFESSIONAL GROUP to remediate and restore the environment and the property. Decomposing bodies pose biological contamination threats that if not treated with professional care can lead to permanent property damage and even worse there is a possibility of harmful exposure to others. A decomposing body which emanates bodily fluids is the worst case scenario and obviously the drama created by such a scene is the least of the worry. These fluids create a serious health hazard to those around it and can even cause disease and infection that can be deadly. The abhorrent odor is a clue as to just how unsafe such a situation can be since the odor produced by decomposition can itself be a pathogen.

The longer a body deteriorates while undiscovered creates a potentially larger remediation cleanup and may affect items in the home which may absorb the odor and pathogens. This may not be a nice topic to discuss but think of how challenging this scenario would be without professional services such as SERVPRO of Sussex County.

SERVPRO of Sussex County has been handling this type of unenvious task for more than 25 years and we have the proper training to make sure the issue is taken care of quickly and professionally. Any family death is difficult and with services such as ours; there is no need to expose your family to such a horrific situation. Call SERVPRO of Sussex County today at 302-856-9768 if you need these or any of the services we proudly offer.

STICK! With us!!

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Call us today to get the service and the sticker!

2020 was a challenging year; and 2021 is not showing much change with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and all of its challenges. Businesses, schools, houses of worship, senior centers, medical centers and many other segments of our community are all trying to reach a point of safety and normalcy. Some are still awaiting a safe time to re-open. Our country as a whole has endured a great deal of adversity and suffering. Some of us have lost much more than others when you remember that nearly a half a million Americans have died due to this virus. Although the numbers are improving; we are now hearing of variant strains that may cause more worry. A Bio-hazard threat has brought the entire world to its knees.

It has been said that the best defense is a good offense. This holds true to almost every arena in life and not just athletics. SERVPRO of Sussex County has fulfilled the CSC (Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned) Service for literally hundreds of local businesses and residences since March of 2020. As you move throughout the community; you will see our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Stickers on store, restaurant and other businesses windows and entrances. All of these businesses share something else in common – they are all OPEN for business. The owners took steps almost immediately to fight the virus with the most respected Bio-hazard company in America – SERVPRO - and not one of these outlets have experienced any issues concerning infections or contamination. The CSC Service works!

When my family and I venture out for a meal – we patronize those restaurants who proudly display the CSC Sticker – not just because they are SERVPRO customers – but because we know that the business is safe and clean. Perception is reality and our service and our sticker create a perception of safety.

If you would like to use our CSC Service and have that symbol of cleanliness in your window – call us today at 302-856-9768 and schedule the best bio-hazard cleaning and viral deterrent available.

How SERVPRO Can Help You Fight COVID-19

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Sussex County has hundreds of professional health care facilities as well as doctor’s offices. We are fortunate to also have Beebe, Nanticoke and Bayhealth Hospitals in our area. Healthcare is not only a major industry in Sussex County but also in our entire state. It is an industry that generates thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in revenue. SERVPRO of Sussex County has served many of these practices over the years and we are proud to play a part in keeping the health care industry clean and healthy.

Some of the issues we have addressed over the years include: water damage, growth and mold remediation, bio contaminants cleanup, duct work inspections and duct/vent cleaning as well as full scale cleaning services which cover carpets, floors and upholstery.Recently, there are major concerns about the spread of pathogens such as COVID-19. The goal of every medical practice is to maintain a location with a sanitary environment. SERVPRO of Sussex County has the resources to put you in contact with the right people to sanitize your healthcare facility and help prevent the spread of pathogens. The coming months will probably be difficult to many businesses and healthcare facilities.

Almost every health care office has experienced issues of bio-hazard safety.We take these types of jobs very seriously and want to make the goal to each situation satisfactory to all involved. Call us today at 302-856-9768 or visitwww.SERVPROsussexcounty.com.

Grime After Crime

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is well known for responding to some of the most unsavory scenes you could be faced with. We help those who have been affected by the wrath of nature, man-made misfortune, or unintentional mishaps. It’s one thing to work in someone’s property, but cleaning up the scene of a crime is entirely different.

We all enjoy the mystery that accompanies tales of crime, and the dedicated people who solve them. What is often overlooked are the unfortunate people who must cleanup what is left over. Convenience store owners, roommates, friends, and family members can all find themselves in such an unpleasant situation after law enforcement moves on from the scene of a crime or criminal activity. Whether it is vandalism or trauma, SERVPRO technicians have years of experience cleaning up after severe situations.

We have experience cleaning:

• Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals
• Tear gas and pepper spray residues
• Fire extinguisher residue
• Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants
• Chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs

Most of these events come with a sense of urgency to return the victims property to a preloss status. Some property can be restored; others must be replaced. We operate with a great sense of sensitivity and will help you through each step of the process. If you find yourself faced with cleaning up after one of these events, don’t hesitate to give SERVPRO a call 302-856-9768.

Dirty Birds

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Forrest Gump said “life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get.” Life at SERVPRO of Sussex County is much like that chocolate box; we never know what the next call will bring. Typically, most customers need our assistance with water, fire or mold issues. Others will call for us to clean their carpets or ducts. Recently, we responded to a call regarding a pigeon infestation…….yes I said pigeons.

If Mr. Gump were an employee here he would probably say “If it makes a mess – we will clean it up.” That best describes our mindset. But, let’s talk about the pigeons. There are many animals who; although they exist in an outdoor habitat; look for any chance to share our living quarters. Rodents come to mind as do insects, as we generally encounter them on a regular basis and an in most cases an exterminator will remedy. When your attic becomes infested with birds and all that they bring and leave behind – an exterminator will be limited. They can probably remove the birds – but the mess is left for the homeowner.

In this particular case, the pigeons found an opening in the soffit and began to use the area for eating, nest building, egg laying and rest room facilities. Trust me feces, egg shells and foreign nest materials from an estimated 70 or more birds can create a mess that will surpass your worst nightmares (please see video). The smell alone is overwhelming. PPE is a must, since birds like many animals carry some nasty diseases and bacteria – as does their excrement. The affected area had to be contained and most of the flex ducts had to be replaced and extensive vacuuming and cleaning was applied. After we finished our remediation – there was not one feather of evidence left behind!

A word to the wise – inspect your home for any opening that may offer an entry point for unwanted guests and pests. If you suffer a similar misfortune – please call SERVPRO of Sussex County at 302-856-9768 today!

Don’t Mess With The Mess of A Sewage Spill!

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

Sewage spills can be caused by a number of issues at your home including broken pipes, blocked plumbing and damaged septic systems, or by intrusion of contaminated flood waters. Sewage contains harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Direct contact with sewage or surfaces contaminated by sewage can result in illnesses such as gastroenteritis, infection and other diarrheal concerns. These types of illness may be violent and extremely unpleasant; but other pathogens can lead to death.

If you have had such misfortune occur in your home – First – Call SERVPRO of Sussex County! Next take steps to minimize any exposure to people or pets from the sewage. Our team of professionals will arrive quickly and offer a plan of remediation that will ensure the safety of all involved. They will remove the sewage and contaminated soil form under the house. This is the first step in the decontamination process. Any and all surfaces or items which have been in contact with any sewage must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Once the area has been decontaminated; typically a vapor barrier will be applied.

Another unpleasant result of such a spill or leak can of course be the smell. It is crucial to remove all of the sewage and affected soil – this should reduce the smell but there may still be a need for odor remediation. Proper ventilation and air flow in the affected area will also assist with the odor issue and get things back to a normal smell. Our technicians will advise and apply all measure necessary to take the mess and worry out of a home sewage event. Call us at 302-856-9768 if you have a sewage concern and we can make the issue “Like it never even happened!”