How to Clean up Sewage in Basement

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Biohazard cleanup experts (including us at SERVPRO) strongly advise property owners to have the professionals approach a sewage mess.

The last time you were down in your basement it was clean and dry, and now it’s soiled with wastewater. How could this happen? 

Clogs or damage to the sewer line or septic system is one cause. Another way this happens is when floodwaters from a storm have overwhelmed city sewers or caused sewage containment components to knock out of place. However sewage ends up in your basement, it needs to be removed carefully.

Biohazard cleanup experts (including us at SERVPRO) strongly advise property owners to have the professionals approach the sewage mess. But if you end up trying it yourself, we’ll share some tips on how to carefully handle this emergency situation.

Sewage is Hazardous to Your Health

Before you attempt to clean up a sewage mess, we must warn you that wastewater contains harmful chemicals and microorganisms. These toxins cause serious illness and sometimes death. Follow these guidelines before approaching a sewage mess:

• Do not allow contaminated water to come into contact with bare skin. When getting close to sewage contamination, don yourself with eye protection, rubber gloves, rubber boots, and other protective clothing.
• Be careful when washing or spraying off items, as this may spread contamination even further.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize hands, clothing, boots, and anything else that was worn or used to clean up.
• Consult a healthcare professional to make sure that your vaccinations are up to date.

Steps for Basement Sewage Cleanup:

Below are the steps on how to safely clean up sewage in the basement:

• Step 1: As mentioned above, put on protective clothing and equipment.
• Step 2: Turn off any gas or water to the basement.
• Step 3: Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
• Step 4: Remove contaminated items from the basement and put them into thick trash bags to contain them. This includes any carpet. Carpets and padding soaked with contaminated water most often need to be replaced.
• Step 5: Use a wet/dry vacuum (plugged into a grounded outlet) to extract the wastewater. Carefully empty the vacuum frequently either into a toilet or other passage to the sewer or septic. 
• Step 6: If you have a drain that is not currently blocked, hose down all areas that were touched by the water and route the runoff to the working drain or sump pump.
• Step 7: Scrub all affected surfaces with hot soapy water. Follow up with a 1:1 bleach and water mix. Using a brush broom helps cover the floors.
• Step 8: Clean up reusable cleaning tools thoroughly or replace disposables with unused ones
• Step 9: Do another rinse with clean water, and follow up with another bleach rinse. Again, only do this if the runoff has a place to drain.
• Step 10: Clean washable items outside using a hose. Launder contaminated soft items in warm or hot water with one cup of vinegar added. Double bag non-washable items and throw them away.
• Step 11: Clean protective clothing separately. Clean reusable protective wear. Double bag disposable protective equipment and discard.
• Step 12: Using high-powered fans and sufficient ventilation, allow the basement to dry completely. Removing all moisture prevents mold growth.

Call SERVPRO of Dallas for Emergency Sewage Cleanup

SERVPRO is committed to public health for our community. This is why we strongly recommend that you call on the professionals to handle biohazardous materials, including sewage cleanup. 

We are experts at saving items contaminated by water. Our Esporta Wash System restores soft goods and textiles to food-grade cleanliness.

If your basement has been affected by sewage, don’t delay! Contact us 24/7 at (972) 986-7677 for emergency contact.

Dallas Grocery Store Cleaning Guidelines for Coronavirus

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Grocery Store Cleaning During Coronavirus

Problem germs come in many forms, but viruses are particularly pesky. Viruses are persistent because they rely on other living beings to survive. 

According to the Center for Disease Control, the influenza (a.k.a. the flu) virus makes the rounds all year, but is most likely to spread during fall and winter. The flu survives through person-to-person contact as its lifespan shortens outside of a host’s body. 

Public places full of people (like a Dallas grocery store) present plenty of new host opportunities for viruses. More bodies in a high-use space means more chances for contagions to spread. With diligence in consistent cleanings, we can mitigate the spread of viruses in retail spaces.

Importance of Preventing Pathogen Spread in Grocery and Retail Stores

How do viruses spread? According to the CDC, droplets are released into the air when infected people sneeze, cough, or talk. Most often, the virus travels through the air and lands in the mouth and nose of the new host. 

It’s also possible that the viral microbes will land on surfaces to be picked up by the skin. When it’s picked up by the fingers, a person could unwittingly allow the virus inside by touching vulnerable entry points like the nose and mouth.  

The strain of Coronavirus that is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic advances the same way. The Coronavirus is more contagious than the flu because it can live on surfaces for several days, and we’ve not yet built up an immunity to it.

Due to public health measures like “shelter in place” directives, we’ve seen a growing demand placed on grocery stores facing increased shopping traffic. Under current circumstances in cities across the country, grocery stores remain open as an “essential service,” to serve those who need to stock up on supplies for remaining at home.

More traffic means that high touch areas (surfaces humans frequently touch like bathroom door handles and shopping carts) will accumulate germs and must be kept clean to prevent the spread of contagious viruses.

Because the coronavirus is believed to be more contagious and can live on surfaces for days, it’s important that we keep busy public places (like grocery stores) disinfected. 

Essential Areas to Clean in a Retail or Grocery Store

More shoppers visiting the grocery store means more hands touching things. As mentioned before, areas that are handled most frequently are called “touch areas.” By giving more attention to germ-prone areas, store workers play a significant role in preventing the spread of viruses. 

How do you properly clean sections of a grocery store?

Grocery Store Cleaning Checklist

• Shopping carts: As carts are used throughout the day, constantly wipe down the touch areas of the cart (especially the handles) with disinfectant cleaner. Treat hand baskets the same way. Nightly power washing serves as a proactive measure to sanitize and prepare the carts for use the next day.
• Checkout aisles: Cashiers (and with the assistance of baggers) should frequently clean the checkout area. The conveyor belt, rails on each side of the belt, customer counter, and the bagging area should be wiped down at pace with the number of customers passing through. 
• Important: Keep credit card reading machines clean. Cash and plastic cards are known for harboring germs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms in a store probably already receive several cleanings per day, but with a recent emphasis on public health, it’s wise to increase the frequency of cleaning. Customer and employee restrooms should be sanitized throughout the day: floors, doors, stall walls/doors, all handles (including paper towel and soap dispensers), sinks, counters, baby changing sections, etc. Once the store is empty for the day, a more comprehensive cleaning should be done from top to bottom. Sanitize everything.
• Floors: Floors are high-traffic areas, and grocery store floors get even more foot traffic now that restaurant traffic is prohibited beyond carry-out. For more efficient and thorough floor sanitization, consider using an industrial auto-scrubber.
• Walk-in freezers and refrigerators: Because freezers and refrigeration units house more prepared food these days, it’s a best practice to keep them clean for food safety. Give extra attention to these areas where products are handled by customers. These areas should be routinely cleaned. At the time that works best for your store schedule, remove the items from the refrigerator or freezer and clean the surfaces with no-touch products. This mitigates contamination.

The above is not a comprehensive list, but it does cover some of the main trouble spots. Be aware of places where hands leave behind germs and coughs/sneezes may leave behind pathogens.

SERVPRO Cleanup Scope and Disinfecting Procedures for Dallas Retail Stores

In light of recent events, our SERVPRO has had a focused intent on assisting Dallas area public health efforts. We consult the CDC recommendations to keep our decontamination services and procedures aligned with official policies.

The CDC has emphasized consistent cleaning of “high touch” areas. Below is a list of examples of areas that collect germs with greater frequency.

Cleanup Scope of Work and Planning

These “high-touch” areas must be sanitized regularly:

• Bathroom fixtures 
• Counters 
• Doorknobs 
• Keyboards 
• Light switches 
• Phones 
• Tabletops 
• Tables
• Tablets
• Toilets 

Germ-prone heavy use areas:

• Bathrooms
• Carpets and rugs 
• Elevator cars 
• Fitness equipment
• Kitchen/food areas 
• Offices 
• Playground equipment 
• Retail spaces 
• Sales counters 
• Schools/classrooms 
• Shelving and racks 
• Stair handrails 
• Water fountains 

Cleanup Does Not Protect Against Future Contamination

SERVPRO is prepared to do our part for public health in the Dallas area by fighting COVID-19 with complete and thorough Dallas commercial cleaning services.

Please note that the decontamination process only eliminates the microbes present at the time of the cleaning. If an area is suspected to be contaminated again, the sanitation process must be repeated.

We understand that you probably don’t want a cleanup crew in the store while customers are present. With our 24-hour operations, we work around your store’s needs.

Other Measures Grocery Stores Should Take to Protect Customers and Workers

At SERVPRO, public health is a top priority. We’re here to support our Dallas area grocery stores by promoting efficient service and sanitation best practices. 

We’ve seen swift action by retailers to adjust to the current circumstances. For your consideration, below are examples of effective measures currently in use by grocery stores. 

• Dedicated shopping time for senior citizens: Allow the elderly exclusive access to the store the first hour of the morning when the store has not yet been touched with so many hands. This also helps curb a rush that puts our vulnerable seniors at risk with not enough social distancing.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers and courtesy wipes: Your cashiers may get slammed with long lines. Make sure they have hand sanitizer to protect themselves and disinfecting products (like wipes) to clean high touch areas and surfaces that could be sneezed on.

Place hand wipe and alcohol rub dispensers at entrances and other key points of the store. It’s recommended to use mounted dispensers to discourage portable containers from wandering away. 

• Hand washing breaks and cash handling protocol: If possible, rotate your cashiers out of register duty for handwashing breaks. Instruct them to sanitize their hands if they touch something a customer has handed to them like coupons and credit cards, but especially cash.
• Transparent guards at checkout: For years, sneeze guards have been used to protect buffet food and plexiglass has been used to protect clerks from criminals. Today, we are beginning to see see-through guards installed at registers. This protects your cashiers should someone unknowingly spray pathogens onto them. Store staff are on the front lines and need all the protection they can get. It keeps them working to help the community but also keeps them from getting the virus and then passing it onto others.
• Distancing markers: For the protection of all, 6 feet is the personal spacing guideline set by the CDC and the WHO. While it’s not practical to place floor markers in free movement areas, it makes sense to place them where people are stationary (where customers line up). These are gentle reminders to make space with others.
• Staggering of entrance: Too many people in the store at a time makes it a challenge to promote distancing. Allowing only a set number of people at a time to enter helps control crowds.
• Cart sanitation duty: While courtesy wipes are available, that doesn’t mean customers will use them. Dedicating some staff to wiping down carts between uses is a way to ensure one of the most touched surfaces is getting the proper attention. 

Why Hire SERVPRO Over Other Dallas Cleaning Companies?

SERVPRO of North Irving has years of experience in thoroughly decontaminating facilities with a variety of Dallas biohazard cleanup services. Past and present experiences have us well-prepared for this current public health event.

SERVPRO is here to partner with our Dallas area grocery stores to maintain a healthy shopping environment. Should you have reason to believe your store has been exposed to the Coronavirus or you just need a more thorough cleaning than the staff is equipped for, we’ve got you covered. Our team will thoroughly clean the areas and have you back up and running within a day.

We have been working one-on-one with facility owners to create tactical cleaning plans. We’re here to educate our community on what actions to take if someone infected with COVID-19 has been on the premises of a retail establishment. We’ve created in-depth protocol guides to help businesses prepare for the potential scenarios.  We’ll help businesses save time by sharing our proactive plan resources. 

To schedule a bioremediation cleaning or for assistance with planning, just call us at (972) 986-7677 or complete our convenient contact form. 

How to Disinfect Laundry After Dallas Coronavirus Infection

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the Esporta Wash System to disinfect laundry for those affected by COVID-19 in Dallas

Communities across the nation are taking action to prevent the spread of the contagious Coronavirus. As you may already know, this virus can progress into the COVID-19 disease that causes severe respiratory problems.

This disease is mainly spread through airborne droplets released by the sneezing and coughing of an infected person. It’s also believed to live on other surfaces for up to three days.

This means that we may catch the virus if we pick up the microbes with hand contact and then touch vulnerable body entry points such as the mouth, eyes, or the nose.

Can Clothing and Other Textiles Carry Infectious Agents?

Surfaces can harbor contagious microbes, however not much has been studied about Coronavirus living on clothing, linens, and other fabrics. However, if you are caring for someone suspected of or confirmed to have COVID-19, Harvard Medical School's Coronavirus Resource Center suggests handing clothing and linens that have blood, stool, or bodily fluids on them with gloves. Keep them away from your body, and launder them thoroughly.

For this reason, fabrics that a COVID-19 patient has come into contact with should be treated carefully and washed with care.

SERVPRO Procedures for Cleaning Soft Goods Potentially Impacted With COVID-19 Agents in Dallas

In the event of damage caused by flood or fire, soft goods need special care to be restored back to its original state. In the case of a flood or other water damage, the soft goods will become contaminated with bacteria. We use the patented Esporta System for recovery in such events for textile restoration and decontamination.

We expect the Esporta System to have the same results with pathogens from viruses as well. Cleaning all linens and clothing (especially in a care facility) can be a big job.

Concerns with patient and careworker safety is why we offer Esporta Wash System services to effectively sanitize soft goods and assist with the workload necessary to prevent the spread of viral pathogens.

Standard washing machines have limited disinfection capabilities and are prone to cross contamination. The Esporta Wash System is designed to remove up to 99% of contaminants while also avoiding cross contamination.

The Esporta Wash System:

This method has been scientifically proven to be more effective in the sterilization of soft goods. This is made possible by taking the front-load washing machine design a step further with a cage design.

It separates items into individual compartments that methodically pass through the detergent-rich water. Hydraulic pressure works with detergents to effectively flush the fibers of contaminants. The computerized process optimizes the wash cycle and facilitates quality assurance.

The Esporta Detergents:

A three stage process means a more thorough cleansing. Here’s how it works.

• Stage 1: The emulsifying detergent disarms bacteria of its food sheath layer. This allows for deodorization and removal of harmful organic matter.
• Stage 2: Next, the detergent breaks down inorganic material while also dissolving and removing contaminants.
• Stage 3: The final stage is sanitization with the use of hydrogen peroxide to kill molds and bacteria.
• (Fabric softening step optional).

Not only was this process designed to have superior cleaning power, it also uses an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic formula. This means less harm to the planet and no irritants to sensitive skin.

Esporta Wash System Tests:

Esporta technicians take quality seriously. This system has been tested for effectiveness.. A third party laboratory conducted testing on items after washing. It was found that after being processed by the Esporta Wash System, bacteria levels dropped low enough to be considered food grade safe.

ATP monitoring measures the amount of organic material (Adenosine Triphosphate) present in the contaminated object. In one case a raw sewage contaminated comforter measured 6,000 RLUs (Relative Light Units). A post-cleaning reading showed a new result of 10 RLUs (the safety standard for food preparation). A pair of moldy shoes had a reading of 621 RLU and after Esporta processing, this level dropped to an extremely sterile level of 4 RLUs. This proves the decontamination procedures to be highly effective.

Why SERVPRO Is Equipped to Handle Fabric and Textile Cleaning and Disinfection in Dallas

We caution the public to be skeptical of any claims that a product or service prevents or cures the 2019 Coronavirus. No product has been proven to cure or prevent this particular virus strain.

We also want to inform you that one Esporta cleaning will not prevent future contamination. If another contamination occurs, we would need to sanitize the soft goods over again.

While there is no guarantee that all COVID-19 pathogens can be eliminated, SERVPRO believes the Esporta Wash System to be safe and effective at ridding soft goods of infectious microbes. This textile cleaning has been completed without damage to the items.

SERVPRO North Irving is also prepared to provide disinfection and biohazard cleanup in Dallas for buildings and structures.

SERVPRO’s Commitment to Public Health:

• SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
• SERVPRO is performing all cleanup and bioremediation in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.
• SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porous surfaces.

SERVPRO is continuously checking in for the latest updates and instructions from the Center of Disease Control. We urge our community to stay informed and comply with directives from the CDC.

SERVPRO is committed to doing our part for public health in the greater Dallas area. We’re here to help sanitize areas affected by the Coronavirus, especially in the remediation of treatment areas for COVID-19 patients.

We are prepared to conduct safe removal, secure transport and decontamination of soft goods 24/7. Please reach out to us with any sanitation concerns or questions you have about our cleaning process. Call us at (972) 986-7677 anytime.

Professional Decontamination Services for Dallas Airports

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Professional Decontamination Services for Dallas Airports

Coronavirus has been in the news cycle for weeks as thousands of confirmed cases have emerged in the US. This particular virus leads to the COVID-19 virus (a.k.a. Coronavirus disease 2019) that attacks the respiratory system.

Because this disease originated abroad (in China), there is concern that people traveling from outside the country will bring more of the virus to the States. When assessing someone who has fallen ill, one of the criteria for giving a coronavirus test asks if the person has recently traveled internationally.

With heightened concerns about who may be carrying the disease by plane, the public may be increasingly suspicious of airports. Decontamination of facilities may be necessary as a precaution against spread of the disease.

Passengers, staff, and TSA agents could be exposing each other to pathogens. The virus can live on surfaces for up to three days. So if an investigation ties an airline or airport to a confirmed case of the disease, decontamination will be necessary.

Thorough and professional cleaning of airport surfaces with industrial-grade products (like aircraft cabin cleaners) should be part of an action plan to prevent the spread of this disease that has traveled the world.

Terminal Disinfection Should Be Handled by Professionals

To understand how this newer strain of the virus would impact high-traffic public areas (like an airport) we consider how it is passed around.

The Coronavirus is mainly spread when an affected person coughs or sneezes viral droplets into the air. It’s also presumed that if the microorganisms attach to the hands, the virus can enter the body by a person touching vulnerable points (mouth, nose or eyes). Since we believe the microorganisms are able to survive for up to three days on surfaces, it’s important to take additional sanitation measures.

SERVPRO is here for the "what-ifs." What if you receive a report of a symptomatic passenger or staff member? What if you review your janitorial operations and you’re not sure if it’s enough to eliminate pathogens?

We’re prepared to assist airports in the greater Dallas area in limiting the spread of disease. Our Dallas biohazard cleanup service decontaminates the affected areas and surfaces. If needed, we carry out the safe disposal and carry of infected materials.

Keeping things clean is how airport staff can best be proactive for public health. Be skeptical of any claims that a product or service will prevent or even cure this virus. Such claims are unsubstantiated. No product has been tested and proven to cure nor prevent this strain of the Coronavirus.

Maintaining Your Dallas Airport During the Coronavirus Outbreak

SERVPRO is meticulous and thorough with our cleaning procedures and aims to promote awareness of trouble areas.

The CDC highly recommends consistent cleaning of "high touch" areas. Below is a list of areas that are more likely to collect germs.

Cleanup Scope of Work and Planning

Keep these "high-touch" areas clean:

• Counters
• Tabletops
• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Bathroom fixtures
• Toilets
• Phones
• Keyboards
• Tablets
• Tables

Be mindful of heavy use areas:

• Kitchen/food areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/classrooms
• Offices
• Retail spaces
• Water fountains
• Shelving and racks
• Sales counters
• Carpets and rugs
• Stair handrails
• Elevator cars
• Playground equipment
• Fitness equipment

Precautionary Measures for Airports and Airlines

Below is a list of recommendations specific to the airline industry.

• Monitor staff and passengers for symptoms (take the temperature if possible). Look out for those who are coughing, have difficulty breathing or present flu-like symptoms. Keep sick people away from others and follow sickness reporting protocol.
• A staff member experiencing symptoms should get clearance before continuing or returning to work.
• Wear personal protective equipment when necessary.
• Use additional ventilation wherever possible.
• Reduce contact through social distancing (and minimize public outings during layovers).
• Wash hands with soap frequently and thoroughly.
• When hand-washing is unavailable, use hand sanitizing products.
• Avoid touching faces.

It should be emphasized that airport staff who are in constant contact with people and objects (e.g. TSA agents who process a continuous queue) are more at risk for exposure to pathogens. They should be trained on how to protect themselves and prevent the spread of germs.

Why Choose SERVPRO as Your Dallas Airport Cleaning Service

SERVPRO takes public health seriously. Our professional cleaning services give peace of mind to everyone involved in your airline operations.

If you find out someone has been on a plane or in the airport has come down with the virus, we’re prepared to do the necessary bioremediation and decontamination of all affected areas.

A professional cleaning also reassures the public that you’ve taken proactive steps to ensure that your facilities are safe.

Our Commitment to the Community:

• SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
• SERVPRO is performing all cleanup and bioremediation in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.
• SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porous surfaces.

We at SERVPRO North Irving are actively monitoring the CDC for the latest information and advisories for Dallas residents. We are equipped to do well beyond your daily janitorial cleaning routine. We respond with consideration for your specific situation whether it's a preventive measure or discovery that a confirmed COVID-19 case is connected to your airport. We’ll be equipped with any and all resources needed to thoroughly clean, disinfect and sanitize the facility.

One such example of our specialized cleaning methods is our industrial-grade Esporta Wash System. This decontaminates any cloth material and includes the safe transfer of any affected objects.

We are on call 24 hours a day to assist with clean up in the event of an airport emergency. For immediate action, we’re there when you need us. We are diligently following all CDC guidelines and regulations and staying up to date with communications from the FAA the same way airports and airlines are also doing.

SERVPRO is committed to doing our part to promote public health in high traffic environments. We understand that the Coronavirus situation has made a substantial impact on the airline industry, and we are here to help.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you have about potential public health hazards. If you have any questions about our cleaning services, please reach out. Call us at (972) 986-7677 anytime.

Dallas Commercial Storage and Shipping Container Biohazard Cleanup

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers Dallas biohazard cleanup services for commercial storage and shipping containers. Call today for a complimentary estimate.

Decontaminating Storage and Shipping Containers

Dallas is a hub for international transactions. It’s a common occurrence for Dallas to receive international shipping containers filled with just about anything.  With the hazards of travel, it’s common for shipments to arrive with issues that require professional cleaning services, including biohazardous cleanup. 

We’ve seen commercial storage and shipping containers arrive with:

• Mold growth.  This often happens when something wasn’t packed correctly and humid air was able to enter the container. The result is mold growth inside the container and on everything packed in it. Our franchise is a licensed Texas Mold Remediation Contractor, and we have experience with Dallas mold remediation for molds of all sizes and types. 

• Spills.  The spill could be liquid or solid.  If it’s difficult or hazardous to clean, we can help. 

• Food spoilage.  Sometimes a shipment of food spoils and creates a terribly smelling and biohazardous environment.  We will remove and dispose of the rotted food and sanitize your container to remove all food remnants and smells. 

• Hazardous materials and biohazardous waste.  We can clean your container and its contents even when the cleanup contains pathogens that are dangerous for a human to contact.  We specialize in Dallas biohazard cleaning. We’ve cleaned many types of hazards including infectious disease, bodily fluids and waste, bloodborne pathogens, viruses, and more.

Call for a Complimentary Quote for Dallas Cleanup Services

Give us a call for a free decontamination quote.  Let us know the best time for us to stop by and check out your container, and we’ll be there.  Schedule any time by calling (972) 986-7677. 

Shipping and Storage Container Cleanup Procedure

Your shipping container can either be cleaned on your property, or you may drop off your container in our cleaning facility.  We recommend dropping your container on our property to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination with your other shipments. 

The first step is to clear the shipping container of all the materials inside of it.  The materials have to be cleared so we can have full access to every surface inside of the container.  This gives us the best chance to properly sanitize and decontaminate it.  

If the materials inside of the container are contaminated themselves, we will clean each of them individually.  In situations where the materials are packed on pallets, they will be unpacked, cleaned, and reassembled on a new pallet.  All materials will temporarily be stored in one of our warehouses while the container itself is sanitized. 

With all the materials decontaminated and packed, we’ll decontaminate the shipping container itself.  Once the container has been tested and reads free of microbial contamination, the cleaned pallets and materials packed inside. 

Then, we’ll give you a call and let you know your shipment is ready to be picked up at your convenience.  

Weekday, Weekend, After-Hours, and Overnight Cleaning Available

It may not be possible for you to drop off your shipping container at our cleaning facility.  If this is the case, we’ll ask when the best time for cleanup is. We’re available 24-hours a day, including holidays.  

Many of our clients choose an after-hours time to avoid the cleanup interfering with their regular business operations.  Whatever your situation is, we’re happy to work out the best time for you. 

Testing Microbial Levels -- How We Know It’s Food-Grade Safe

Shipping containers are hard surfaces, which makes it feasible for our technicians to reach a food-grade safe level of sanitization.  After the container is clean, we test its surfaces to verify our results. The best way to do this is by using ATP testing.

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, which is found in all living cells.  Everything alive has ATP, and the greater the ATP level, the greater the microbial contamination.  The goal is to receive an ATP score of zero, which marks a perfectly clean, food-grade safe surface. 

The results of our ATP testing will be available to you after cleanup. 

We will use the disinfectant that will be the most effective against your type of contamination.  Our preferred cleaning agent is SERVPROXIDE, a proprietary cleaning agent created by SERVPRO. SERVPROXIDE is EPA registered and effective against bacteria, mold, and also meets CDC requirements for cleaning certain types of viruses and pathogens.  The Safety Data Sheets for all of our chemicals are available and can be shared upon request. 

We Are the Trusted Leader in Dallas Biohazardous Cleaning

SERVPRO of North Irving has over 30 years of experience cleaning and restoring properties and belongings.  We are headquartered in Dallas, Texas just minutes from Downtown. Our certified technicians and restoration experts can arrive anywhere in North Texas and surrounding areas quickly to help.  

Give us a call or contact us online for a free estimate to decontaminate your shipping container. 

We’re here to help. 

Dallas Property Deep Cleaning with SERVPROXIDE, Our Newest EPA Registered Disinfectant

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides custom disinfection solutions for every property in Dallas. Call (972) 986-7677 for a free quote.

Dallas Commercial Property and Home Deep Cleaning with SERVPROXIDE, a Hospital-Grade Disinfectant

SERVPRO has a new, proprietary disinfectant that is ideal for deep cleaning, SERVPROXIDE. 

As a franchise specializing in biohazard cleanup and disinfectant cleaning services, we have added SERVPROXIDE to our preferred team of disinfectants. 

SERVPROXIDE is an EPA registered disinfectant and sanitizer. It’s designed to disinfect hard surfaces from mold, viruses, and other harmful bacteria, and it can also sanitize soft surfaces like carpet.  SERVPROXIDE also has the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating and is fragrance-free, which makes it a safe disinfectant for everyday use. 

SERVPROXIDE has received the D2 rating by NSF International, meaning no rinse is required for that surface to be safely handled again.

Where We Use SERVPROXIDE 

SERVPROXIDE can be used in many areas. We prefer using SERVPROXIDE to disinfect surfaces during:

• Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning. The disinfectant can either wet a towel, be sprayed, or be misted to clean air ducts and HVAC units. 

• Restaurants. When we’re called to disinfect a commercial kitchen, we use a disinfectant that we know will neutralize bacteria on all hard surfaces and floors.  SERVPROXIDE is an effective disinfectant that gives us our gold-standard of a Zero ATP Score in food-grade safe cleaning.

• Daycares and Schools. Keeping our children safe requires a clean environment, and this is all the more important during the flu season.  We use SERVPROXIDE to disinfect all surfaces like desks, flooring, walls, doors, carpets, and anything else little hands will touch. 

• Hospitals and Nursing Homes. Maintaining a disinfected environment is a necessity in a healthcare setting or where people with a higher risk of sickness live.  Just like in schools and daycares, we use SERVPROXIDE to disinfect every surface touched. 

• Homes. We’re often called to help disinfect homes for various reasons including creating a safe space for a vulnerable person coming from the hospital or surgery and people with compromised autoimmune systems or viruses. We have cleaned homes affected by the flu, C-Diff, accidents involving blood-borne pathogens, and more. 

• Gyms. Gyms typically have hundreds of pieces of equipment, and hand-cleaning each one may not be possible.  To sanitize gyms, we charge our misters with SERVPROXIDE to create a wet fog that can clean hard-to-reach places.  Wet fog is created with the use of an Ultra-Low-Volume mister. No rinse is required. 

• Vehicles, including Ambulances and Buses. We’ve cleaned privately owned vehicles and those used for public transportation or ride-shares. All hard surfaces are cleaned with SERVPROXIDE, and soft surfaces (like cloth seats) are also cleaned using the same disinfectant with an upholstery wash tool. 

• Airplanes.

• Cruise Ships.

• Boats.

• Trains.
• Carpet Cleaning and Upholstery Cleaning. SERVPROXIDE can sanitize soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, drapes, and other types of upholstery. We spray the SERVPROXIDE on the surface and then wet-wash the area with either a professional carpet cleaner or upholstery cleaner. 

What SERVPROXIDE Can Disinfect

SERVPROXIDE is EPA registered and has been tested to successfully disinfect a variety of bacteria including:

• Gram-Negative Bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli, Bordetella, and more. 
• Gram-Positive Bacteria like Staph and Listeria. 

It has also tested to inactivate the following viruses:

• Hepatitis A, B, and C
• H1N1
• Influenza B
• HIV Type 1
• Rotavirus
• Specific strains of Norovirus and Parvovirus
• And more

Complimentary Quotes Available

Give us a call at (972) 986-7677 or contact us online for a complimentary quote or simply to ask for guidance.  

Let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll connect you with one of our cleaning experts.  

Custom-Planned Home and Commercial Property Deep Cleaning

We create a custom disinfection plan for every home and business.  We’ll take into consideration what surfaces need to be disinfected or sanitized and how often the cleaning needs to take place to keep the environment clean and safe for inhabitants.  

The highest priority spaces in a property are typically those where a compromised individual resides followed by shared spaces. Shared spaces include kitchens, bathrooms, break rooms, and living rooms.  

If you’re a business, then you already understand the high-cost of interruption. We know you need a safe environment for your employees, and we also know we shouldn’t be in the way of your operations. Tell us when the most convenient cleaning time is for you, and we’ll make it work--including after-hours, overnight, and weekends. 

SERVPROXIDE for Biohazard Cleanup in Dallas Fort Worth

In situations where biohazard cleanup is necessary, our technicians will wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep themselves safe during cleaning. These types of situations typically involve:

• Accidents or traumatic events where blood-borne pathogens are present, including blood, bodily fluids, and feces. 
• Crime scene cleanup.
• Aftermath cleanup like unattended death, suicide, and homicide. 
• Cleanup after a virus-infected individual.

We understand the sensitive nature of these cleanings, and we can accommodate the cleaning to occur at the most convenient time of day.  If necessary, we will clean in unmarked vehicles to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Our clients’ information is not published or advertised. 

Items that cannot be sanitized will be taken and disposed of lawfully at a medical waste facility. 

We are the Trusted Leader in Biohazard Cleaning for Dallas 

SERVPRO of North Irving has been cleaning and restoring properties in North Texas for over 30 years. We live and work in our hometown of DFW, and we’re always ready to help our neighbors. We have over three decades of experience, and our team of experts can help you, too.

Give us a call any time. We’re ready to help.  

Biohazard Cleaning Prices - How Much Does it Cost?

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Biohazard Cleanup

The aftermath of an emergency or crisis can be overwhelming to a point where everyone runs for cover. But when it’s the property you’re responsible for, at some point you must return to the site and look over the damage.

In some special cases, biohazard cleanup service is necessary. So when putting your recovery plan together, biohazard cleaning prices are included in your expenses. Recovery is a big job, but SERVPRO of North Irving is here to help you through the entire process. 

When is Biohazard Cleanup Necessary?

For the safety of everyone involved, the cleanup of a biohazardous site should be handled by trained professionals. In these following scenarios that involve health hazards, professional services should be involved.

Crime Scene Cleanup

Crimes happen so unexpectedly. Whether it’s a space destroyed by vandals or a bloody scene where a murder has happened, being the witness to the scene can be traumatic.

SERVPRO of North Irving has ample experience with crime scene cleanup in Dallas. Property owners rely on us to thoroughly sanitize the area of any human remains or substances left behind by law enforcement personnel.

In extreme situations when a SWAT team deploys teargas, our specialized services will entirely remove the remaining substance.

We know these situations are of a very sensitive nature, so we ensure that any death cleanup procedures are handled respectfully and with dignity. We may take additional measures to protect your privacy such as using unmarked vehicles.

Unattended Death Cleanup

Unfortunately, people will sometimes die with no one knowing about it for days. A body in decay creates biohazards and sometimes blood soaks deep into the floor.

In the event of an unattended death scene, professional cleaning is necessary in order to clean up any and all pathogens left behind.

We at SERVPRO of North Irving understand the sensitive nature of these circumstances (especially with suicide clean up). Taking care of an unattended death occurrence will be handled with compassion and discretion.

Infectious Disease

Public health threats don’t happen every day, but it’s important to be proactive to stop diseases from spreading when they arrive. We’ve dealt with cases of infectious bacteria like MRSA and C Diff. 

Not all cleaning services put themselves in harm’s way, but SERVPRO does. We are committed to doing our part to maintain public health. For example, we have been addressing the thread of the newly discovered Coronavirus.

Because these nasty organisms can be tough to kill, it’s of vital importance to take measures that will effectively sterilize the affected area. We sanitize hard surfaces, restore carpets, treat clothing/textiles and conduct tests to ensure that the threat is completely removed.

Rodent Infestation

Rats do whatever it takes to survive and often this is done at your expense. Along with causing severe structural damage, they also leave a significant amount of biological waste in their wake.

These pests may carry any one of 35 diseases. In severe cases of infestation and for your peace of mind that rodent filth is completely eliminated, SERVPRO of North Irving will thoroughly clean the affected area to make it safe again. It will be as though those pests were never even there.

Sewage Backup

Wastewater inside of a home or commercial property is indeed a nightmare. This situation can reach a point where it’s beyond your control. 

Category 3 contaminated water (a.k.a. “blackwater”) should be regarded as an extremely dangerous health hazard. Even if it’s a minor backup, it’s important to take immediate action because if left untreated, this situation can quickly escalate to category 3.

SERVPRO of North Irving sanitizes all items touched by the water such as clothing and textiles. We use an EPA Registered Biological Contamination Disinfectant (before and after cleaning), restore the carpeting, and perform ATP testing.

How Much Does Biohazard Cleanup Cost?

Doing a proper job of removing threats to your health means using industrial-grade biohazard cleanup supplies. You won’t find them on the shelf at the supermarket.

Biohazard cleanup procedures involve professional staff who have been through extensive training to do a complete and thorough job.  

Depending on what factors are involved, SERVPRO of North Irving biohazard cleanup cost typically ranges between $899-$10,000.

Labor

The goal of our highly-skilled staff is to ensure that the site is 100% safe upon job completion. Because of the complicated nature of biohazard scenarios, we may need several people and many manhours to get it done. 

When providing the estimate, we can go over the details of the expected labor requirements. 

Materials

Our thorough process includes the use of industry-standard methods that include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Biohazard waste bags and containers (human blood requires special containers)
• Esporta Wash System
• ATP testing supplies
• EPA contamination disinfectant
• Carpet cleaning or replacement
• Protective gear
• HEPA air scrubbing
• ULV fogging

Size of Affected Area

An affected site can range in size from a small bedroom used to coalesce from an illness to an entire building flooded with blackwater. So the bigger the area, the more staff, manhours, and supplies are needed to do a complete job. 

When providing an estimate, we can explain how extensive the recovery is expected to be in regard to the square footage.

The Breakdown

In our experience, pretty much every job is different. The costs are determined by the nature of the situation, the extent of the affected area, and the severity of the damage.

Basic biohazard cleanup costs around $899. Full restoral of a site will often include odor removal with multi-filter air scrubbing and fogging. With this added, services start at $1,299. 

In the case of death, costs can range from $1,500 to $10,000. For example, unattended death cleanup costs are more expensive if floor replacement or incineration is needed.

When the unthinkable happens, you may be faced with a big and expensive job, but don’t dismay. If you have insurance, call your provider to find out how much cost the policy will cover. SERVPRO of North Irving is prepared to offer help with our financing option.

Contact SERVPRO in North Irving for a Free Estimate

It’s important that you call us right away, especially if it’s a sewage issue. We’ll assess the entirety of the damage and go over the estimate with you. We’re here to help you through these emergencies, we’ll answer any questions you have, and get your property back to normal as soon as possible.

Biohazard Cleanup in Dallas

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Location is a Dallas based biohazard cleaning company. We have serviced DFW since 1986.

What is a biohazard cleanup?

Biohazard cleanup is a term used to cover a wide range of cleaning that is related to biological fluids and materials.  There are a number of causes that could warrant a biohazard cleanup, otherwise known as biohazard remediation. Accidental death, unattended death, suicide, and crime scene cleanup are the most frequent causes that require biohazard cleaning.  However, there is really no limit to the potential causes that may require a professional biohazard company to perform bioremediation work.

An easier way to approach the question is to take into consideration what needs to be cleaned.  Any biological fluid (anything originating from within a human), including blood, feces, vomit, and more, are all potentially harmful if not properly disposed of.  Common incidents that require biohazard cleanup involve death.

Due to the nature of potential health hazards because of exposure to biological fluids, the cleanup process is thorough and extensive.  Our trained technicians are equipped with proper Personal Protective Equipment and specialized tools to clean any biohazardous material properly and safely.  

Bioremediation examples we’ve cleaned include:

• Unattended death
• Suicide
• Hoarding
• Trauma
• Rodent infestation
• Dallas crime scenes

The nature and extent of the cleaning will determine the necessary steps in biohazard cleanup.

When should I call a biohazard cleaning company?

The affected area in a biohazard cleanup needs to be treated as soon as possible. Understandably, in the case of unattended deaths, this may not occur.  In many other situations, it is important to call SERVPRO of North Irving and set up a time for cleaning.  

There are a number of reasons you should call quickly.  As biological fluids deteriorate on surfaces in your home or business, they begin to let off an odor that can quickly transform the area uninhabitable.  Biological fluids, such as blood, easily seep through cracks and holes.  This makes the remediation work more difficult by the day. What one might consider a small issue can quickly turn into an odor that renders the area unlivable.  The longer an odor lingers in the affected area, the more drastic measures will be needed to properly complete the bioremediation.

If you find yourself asking when you should call about biohazard cleanup, the answer is probably right now.

Why do I need a professional to handle Dallas biohazard cleanup and biohazard waste?

The longer it takes to get a biohazard cleaned, the more risk there is to anyone in contact with the site of bloodborne pathogens.  Biohazard risks are a major concern and the reason that remediation has to be done properly and professionally.  In this case, out of sight, out of mind isn't safe.  One cannot simply wipe or hose off the affected area and expect the issue to be resolved.  In fact, bloodborne pathogens are more hazardous than you would expect.  Every 1 in 24 Americans have HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C.  These diseases, and the risk of exposure, cannot be taken lightly.

These bloodborne pathogens can survive up to 16 days after the death, meaning the risk continues long after the incident that necessitates a biohazard cleanup.  Because of such serious risks, our crews follow all safety protocols and contain, sanitize, and decontaminate all affected and potentially affected areas.

Our teams use specialized disinfectants and sanitizers to guarantee a safe environment after cleaning.  Some materials and items are not safe to remain in the residence or building.  These biohazardous waste items need to be properly disposed of in biohazard disposal bags.  These bags are then boxed and taken for proper medical incineration disposal.  Disposal of this material is required by law and is one of many reasons you need a professional to handle your biohazardous needs.

There are plenty of cleaning crews that might say they can take care of your bioremediation needs, but all cleaning should be handled by experienced crews.

We Are Here to Help With Any Dallas Biohazard Cleanups

When it comes to choosing the right people for your Dallas biohazard cleanup, there are a few things to consider.  You want a company with experienced biohazard cleaning certified technicians.  Our franchise has serviced Dallas for over 30 years, and we have technicians ready to help.  We have completed biohazard cleaning for all kinds of situations including crime scenes, trauma, and suicide cleanup.

With partnerships around Dallas for safe disposal of biohazardous waste, our team at SERVPRO has the knowledge, experience, and resources to make your biohazard situation, “Like like it never even happened.”

We understand that these calls are often the result of life-changing events, like and untimely deaths. Our staff is professional, patient, and empathetic towards your needs.

We know biohazard cleaning situations aren’t easy, and we are here to help.  

Our crews are available dispatch for 24-hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 986-7677.  Call us any time.

Written by: Brendan Gillette

Hoarding Cleanup Services in Dallas

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Irving offers hoarding cleanup services to all of Dallas. Photo: today.com

We are often called to clean and restore properties with hoarding conditions after a fire or water damage.  We provide Dallas biohazard cleanup for many hoarding situations, depending on the items being hoarded.  

No matter the type of hoarding help needed, our team has the experience to handle different types of scenarios, even before a damage has occurred.

Hoarding Hazards

• Hoarding can create cramped living conditions and fill a home to its capacity.  Often, only narrow pathways are available to move from room to room, and the number of items prevents the use of normal living space.  
• Accumulation can be in every room of the house and may spread to the garage, vehicles, and yard.
• When there are many items in a room, a fire hazard is caused.  This is due to blocked exits and excessive smoke caused by so many items burning at once.
• Unsanitary conditions that pose a risk to health may occur.  Keeping a clean environment becomes difficult with a large number of items in a room.  We encounter this when our technicians have to clean around hoarded items as we try to perform water damage restoration.
• A person who hoards may also choose to collect unsanitary items.
• Hoarding may cause injury or getting trapped by shifting or falling items.
• Hoarding may lead to legal issues such as eviction.

Dallas Hoarding Services

SERVPRO offers hoarding cleanup services, including biohazard clean up involving bloodborne pathogens.  We are a full service cleaning company.

We are prepared to:

• Inventory, sort, and pack items of value.

Many times, the decision of which items to keep and which to throw away are made by the disaster in the house. In the case of fire damages, many items are often destroyed beyond salvage.  In other instances, a family member or friend will help our client determine which items to keep and which to let go of.

• If needed, kept items will be transported to our facility for cleaning and storage.

In the case of a water damage or fire damage, the affected items are sanitized.  When there is no disaster, it’s the client’s choice to have their belongings cleaned.  The items are kept in our long term storage until the client is ready to receive them again either at a new location or when their home is rebuilt.

• Gather and dispose of items that require being thrown away.

Our technicians will inventory the items they can identify and report them to our customer’s insurance company.  Afterward, they are thrown away along with other debris.

• Identification and cleanup of hazardous contaminants.

Safety is always our top priority, both for our crews and our customers.  If we find hazardous conditions, we will advise everyone but trained technicians to keep away from the area until it has been sanitized.  Our technicians will put on the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and clean up the biohazardous condition they find. Everything will be bagged according to law and disposed of properly.

• Deep clean of the entire home, including the garage and yard.

When a disaster like a water damage, fire damage, or mold is combined with hoarding conditions, we often recommend that the entire house is deep cleaned for the safety of its occupant.  Deep cleaning includes wet washing carpets, wall cleaning, and air duct cleaning.

• If any part of the property is permanently damaged, our reconstruction team will rebuild it.

This situation is only warranted when the disaster that affected the home caused permanent damage.  In most cases, water does not do it. Mold and fire damage restoration often do require this level of restoration.

• If requested, we can provide our services in unmarked vehicles for your privacy.

Your privacy is important to us.  We understand that some homeowners may be embarrassed by the situation they find themselves in and don’t want any added attention to what is happening to their property.  We will do our best to accommodate requests for the use of unmarked vehicles.

Fire and Water Damage or Mold with Hoarding

If we are cleaning a hoarder’s house after a water damage or fire damage, we will also do the following:

• Perform water damage restoration services such as water removal and drying.

Because water soaks into everything and gets into small crevices, we need to have access to every area of an affected room.  We also need to have room to properly set up our professional drying equipment in the location and quantity the property needs.  For this reason, accumulation of items that inhibit us will have to move.

• Perform fire damage restoration services.

We will immediately provide emergency roof tarping and board up.  This helps keep the weather outside of the property and cause additional damage.  We will work with our client’s insurance company to also get approval for smoke damage restoration, deodorization, permanent roof replacement, moving and storage services, contents and textile cleaning, and reconstruction.  

• Perform mold remediation services such as mold inspection and mold removal.

We have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor license, and we’ve helped many homes with all different types of mold and mold growth sizes.  

When hoarding begins to seriously affect the daily life of your friend or loved one, we’re to help.  Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Dallas Texas

SERVPRO of North Irving is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company in Dallas, Texas.  We have performed work in the Dallas community for over 30 years.  We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 986-7677.  Call us any time!

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

Resources:

Mayo Clinic

National Fire Prevention Association