Bio-One ranked number one in Entrepreneur magazine’s 42nd Annual Franchise 500 for success in crime-scene and trauma-scene cleaning. This marks the fifth year in a row that Bio-One has been included in the ranking.
Tucson, Arizona – Bio-One ranked number one in Entrepreneur magazine’s 42nd Annual Franchise 500 for success in crime-scene and trauma-scene cleaning. This marks the fifth year in a row that Bio-One has been included in the ranking.
Bio-One of Tucson is locally owned and operated by David and Caroline Scott. Since July 2019 they have served over 300 community members, businesses and government agencies throughout Tucson and surrounding areas. Bio-One of Tucson is community partners with the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, of which David is a trustee. They are also major supporters of Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation.
Bio-One provides service in Coronavirus (COVID-19) cleaning and disinfection, recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and disinfection and more.
“The motto of ‘Help First, Business Second’ attracted us to pursue joining the Bio-One family and we’re thrilled to part of a winning team,” said David Scott, owner of Bio-One of Tucson. “We have cherished each opportunity to truly make a difference in our community.”
The number of Bio-One franchises have increased 145 percent in the last three years with over 100 locations in 41 states.
“We’re honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur,” said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, CEO of Bio-One Inc. “The ranking is a direct reflection of our Bio-One family, strength of our business model, and our ability to consistently deliver care and compassion to our clients.”
Over its 42 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Bio-One’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.
About Bio-One Inc.
Bio-One Inc. is the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise, operating in 41 states with over 100 locations. Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in Coronavirus (COVID-19) cleaning and disinfection, recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and much more. Each office is independently owned and operated by a member of the local community. For more information about Bio-One of Tucson, visit us at www.bioonetucson.com.
Understanding the Risk of C diff. to our Aging Community
By now, everyone who is familiar with Bio-One of Tucson knows that we specialize in crime scene cleaning, hoarding remediation, mold mitigation, and general biohazard removal services. And yes, many times when working in these circumstances we do find it necessary to clean up blood, vomit, urine, and fecal matter. Some times this can be due to a traumatic event, but many times we are called out to assist to clean up messes that come from a medical issue.
It is said that the aging population of Tucson is the third-oldest population of all metro in the nation (PCOA, 2019). With one in four adults over the age of 60 we find ourselves as a community with a great resource of knowledge and experience in our older population. However, as we age we often find that our bodies may not always cooperate with us as they had in the past. Therefore the immune systems of our older generation may be more susceptible to contract bacterial or viral infections if proper precautions are not taken. One of the lesser known bacteria contagions is known as C. diff (Clostridiodes difficile) a bacteria germ that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon (CDC, 2020). This bacteria infection can result in severe diarrhea, fever, stomach tenderness, loss of appetite, and nausea. These symptoms alone can sometimes be mistaken for a common upset stomach, but for our older population that may have mobility issues, and can not get to a rest room quickly this can quickly progress to a much more serious issue.
Spores from C. diff bacteria are passed in feces and spread by touch of food, surfaces, and objects when people who are infected do not wash their hands. These spores can persist in a room for weeks or months and if you touch a surface unknowingly infected with C. diff you may then unknowingly swallow the bacteria. The CDC reports, "that 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 diagnosed with healthcare associated C. diff infection die within 1 month" (CDC, 2020). Washing your hands and showering frequently can help to reduce the risk of exposure to C. diff however, if spores have already been released in the home due to an individuals inability to get to the restroom the risk of exposure for C. diff is high.
Due to the highly contagious nature of C. diff it is imperative that all fecal matter accidents be remediated immediately and with the proper precaution. At Bio-One of Tucson we have top-of-the-line chemicals, tools, and personal protective equipment capable of disinfecting the entire home quickly and effectively. Because C. diff is a bacterium transmitted by touch, many people are under the false impression that a home can be disinfectd simply by wiping hard surfaces with a bleach mixture. That may work for some surfaces, but we use high quality chemicals specifically designed to kill this bacteria, as well as a chemical fogging machine that reaches all the hard to reach surfaces in the home where bacteria may be hiding. This method is incredibly effective and allows our clients to return home to a fully disinfectd environment. If you, or someone you love, may be at risk of contracting C. diff due to fecal matter issues please contact Bio-One of Tucson at 520-771-5960 or www.bioonetucson.com for professional assistance in keeping your home healthy.
Responding to Unattended Death
What to remember when it matters
Jan 2021
Discovering an unattended death usually happens between loved ones or friends/neighbors. When this happens, it's both shocking and overwhelming. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, unattended death refers to a death that happens when no one is around. More often than not, the body remains undiscovered until several days or weeks have passed.
Usually, we hear news of unattended deaths of elderly people who lived alone and had no family members or acquaintances to check up on them regularly. Some unattended deaths turn out to be suicides or homicides. You may feel like you need to move the body or cleanup the area. Coming into contact with decomposition is not a safe option if you're not properly trained to do so.
Before acting on any of these natural responses we would urge you to take a breath and pause. Although it may be tempting to move or clean items it is best to leave the scene undisturbed and to contact your local police department and/or coroners office to advise of what has occurred. These officials will help you coordinate the removal of the body from the scene, however there may still be a need for additional cleaning after that has transpired.
Don't ever feel like you need to be the one to clean a death of a loved one. This can be an emotionally taxing task as well as dangerous if done incorrectly. To clean up the scene of an unattended death quickly, and safely, make sure you hire experienced professionals. Bio-One of Tucson follows strict safety guidelines and use industry-best tools and equipment to dispose of biohazards at the site of an unattended death. They’ll disinfect the affected area and restore it to as close as it can back to its original condition Bio-One of Tucson is certified and trained to take care of this for you. We are discreet, thorough, and compassionate. All of our technicians are trained to ensure that you receive the highest degree of sanitization and care during this time so that you can focus your energy in working through this difficult time.
We are always available 24/7/365 Contact www.bioonetucson.com or 520-771-5960 if you have any questions on what steps should take you will always reach a live person to help provide you answers.
In 2020 We All Learned to Dance
It has been said a million times this year, but 2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. As we usher out 2020 today and welcome 2021 with open arms it reminds me of the legendary Garth Brooks song The Dance:
“Looking back on the memory of… the time we shared ‘neath the stars above.
For a moment all the world was right, How could I have known that you’d ever say good bye.
And now, I’m glad I didn’t know. The way it all would end, the way it all would go.
Our lives, are better left to chance I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance.”
These lyrics resonate as I reflect on 2020 as a year in which we all needed to learn a new dance. As awkward as middle school students at their first school dance we crowded around the peripheral expanse of the metaphorical gym floor of Covid-19, looking around trying to see how we best learn how to move to this new song. Just as in those formative school dances we first found ourselves huddled with the few in the room that we were familiar with, tapping our feet to get the rhythm of what worked best. Then we began to have to cross the divide and gasp! talk with others that we may not have conversated with previously. Soon we found ourselves, all under the same stars, at properly socially distanced intervals figuring out the footwork and learning how to collectively move to the new music. By the end of the 2020 we now find that the circumstances of this dance caused pain, but has also allowed us to forge new partnerships across a vast variety of community partners.
Although today marks the end of 2020 it does not mark the end of this dance. The year 2020 has brought us pain in the form of losing family, friends, and seeing community businesses close doors. However, we have also witnessed the unparalleled synergy of our community working together. We have forged new dance partners and have learned new steps that have better prepared us all as we move into 2021. We have had the opportunity to partner with so many city officials, business owners, property managers, and homeowners throughout this year and move through the expanse of Covid-19 in tandem. We look forward to the day that this particular dance ends but we are grateful for each of the partners that the dance of 2020 brought us.
As we usher in 2021 we can still hear the music playing of Covid-19, and we are still here with our dancing shoes on. If you, or anyone you know, needs a dance partner for Covid-19 disinfection we at Bio-One of Tucson (520) 771-5960 stand ready to navigate the steps with you.
Steps to take to protect your business from Covid-19
As we find ourselves in the final days of 2020, we find ourselves maintaining the fragile balance of trying to keep our businesses open to the public while also protecting our teams and clients. Reported cases of Covid-19 continue to climb in our community. If you’ve had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your business, we strongly recommend contacting Bio-One of Tucson for COVID-19 disinfection services. However, you may also need some guidance on what to do if one of your employees advises that they have received a positive test for Coronavirus.
Disinfecting Your Business From COVID-19
Under the OSHA General Duty requirements an employer will want to notify other employees that may have been exposed to the confirmed Covid-19 employee as soon as possible to reduce further risk of exposure. However, it is imperative that the employer does not release the name of the exposed employee to prevent potential privacy concerns.
If you believe that your business or home has been exposed to an active COVID-19 infected person we urge you to take the precautionary measures needed to mitigate the impact to the health and well-being of everyone involved. If you would like additional information on if a Covid-19 treatment is the right fit for your business, please contact Bio-One of Tucson at 520-771-5960 for additional information. Contact us today!
Animal Hoarding
and the mess it leaves behind
DEC 9, 2020
Imagine this scenario: Ms. X is a reclusive woman living alone with over twenty-five cats. Although in her heart she loves these animals and pictures herself a savior to the homeless cats in her community, she can’t quite keep up with all of the needs of the animals in her. Over time, the pet food containers, fecal matter, and urine accumulate into a truly hazardous living condition for herself and the cats. The condition of the animals begins to deteriorate as vaccinations are not administered and disease among the cats begins to transmit. A neighbor notes the issue and contacts animal control in concern for the animals. The animals are subsequently removed, and Ms. X is now left with an overwhelming home environment that is unhealthy to live in.
Scenes like the one described are much more prevalent in our community than many know. Animal hoarding, which is the excessive acquisition of more animals than could reasonably be adequately cared for by a person on a particular property is discovered frequently. The National Humane Society estimates that over 250,000 animals suffer and die due to animal hoarding on an annual basis. To many, it doesn’t make sense that a person would voluntarily take on the volume of animals found in animal hoarding situations, however, similar to standard hoarding disorders, animal hoarding is typically a manifestation of an underlying mental illness. Animal hoarding disorder has no defined predisposition to gender, age, socioeconomic backgrounds, and or city versus rural residents. Animal hoarding can also be exacerbated after a specific traumatic event or loss of a loved one in a person’s need to generate love or control within their environment.
As avid animal lovers, it can be an unconscious reaction to singularly focus on the ill treatment of the animals, and subsequently forget about the person involved. There is no question that it is imperative that the animals get the medical treatment they need and a safe place to call home as soon as the hoarding is discovered, but we also should remember that there is a hurting person involved in this scenario as well. Our position as a community could be to treat the person suffering from this mental condition with kindness while helping them to get the medical treatment and a safe place to call home as well. The urine and feces left behind in an animal hoard environment can result in a toxic environment for the person left behind.
Bio-One of Tucson specializes in the remediation of urine and feces decontamination. Our technicians provide discreet aide to help restore those in need in returning their environment back into a safe place for them to live. The restoration of the living environment can assist in decreased likelihood of relapse into animal hoarding tendencies once again. If you, or anyone you know, needs help with the remediation of animal urine and feces remediation in their home please contact Bio-One of Tucson for a free estimate of services. Our business model is to operate with intent to keep the dignity and respect of the client intact as we help to restore their home to a healthy environment. Contact us today at (520) 771-5960 or www.bioonetucson.com.
Mental Health Awareness
during the holidays
December 2020
As we venture into the final month of 2020 many of us are releasing a well deserved sigh of gratitude for the year to be finished, but for many this holiday season can be a time of increased stress and anxiety. Compound this with the added financial, emotional, and relationship stresses that have evolved from the pandemic of Covid-19 this is a time to be vigilant in our awareness of our own mental health, and those of our loved ones.
The period of time around the holidays are typically a time of high stress and anxiety for many. Over 60% of adults report elevated levels of stress and anxiety during this period of time. The pressures of holiday festivities that are supposed to bring joy can also be triggers for overwhelming emotion. As such, we implore everyone to take measure of their mental health needs during this time, and work through them as needed. As our line of business puts us front and center with the residual effects of what impacts families from depression and suicide we are special advocates to make sure that everyone is taking measure of their own mental health and those of their loved ones during this time. Some particular things to take notice of are:
Self isolating behaviors. If you are noticing that you are distancing yourself, or if a loved one is distancing themselves from others on a continued basis, this may be a sign to check in and ensure that they are doing alright. Feeling lonely and isolated is at an all time high right now in our community as many do not have the ability to be surrounded by the family or friends that they would like to be. However, there are measures we can take to connect. Utilizing virtual communications through Zoom, Whatsapp, or other technologies can help us utilize both the senses of sight and sound to connect with our loved ones and feel less isolated. Take this opportunity to host a virtual holiday gathering, or as an employee use this time to host a virtual appreciation event for your team. Those that close to you want to feel connected, now more than ever.
Acknowledge and give validation to the feelings that you are experiencing. Just because it is the "happiest time of year" does not mean to you have to feel perpetually happy. It is healthy to acknowledge and understand where our feelings are originating from, especially when they may lead down darker roads. If you find yourself needing additional support, please reach out and talk to a licensed therapist or support line. Many are now available via virtual communications to help talk through road blocks that may be erupting in your life.
Give yourself a pass on gift giving. Many times the holidays are a time where we show our love through the act of giving gifts. We tend to forget that there are other languages of love around this time of year. Right now more than ever, many families are experiencing a tighter financial state than in years before. Gifts do not have to be expensive to be meaningful. Getting creative in your gift giving is not only a sign of how much you care for someone, but is also alleviates financial stressors on your checkbook. Creating a gift that is uniquely from your singular talents, not only celebrates the unique joy that you bring to this world, but also communicates how much you care for the recipient.
Bio-One of Tucson is here to help if any family experiences the worst, however, it is our goal to make sure that we are the company that you never have to call. For more information visit our website at www.bioonetucson.com. Our motto is "Help First, Business Second," and our community and the people that are part of it always come first.
Thanksgiving
A Time to Reflect & Give Thanks
November 27, 2020
Thanksgiving is a time where we gather together, break out the stretchy pants, and prepare to eat some holiday favorite foods. However, it is also a time that we pause to reflect on the past year and take intentional time to give thanks for the blessings that have been part of that time. We, (David and Caroline Scott), purchased Bio-One of Tucson in July of 2019 and the inaugural year of opening our business brought a lot of learning, friendships, and growth.
When we opened our locally owned Biohazard and Trauma Clean up business in July of 2019 we had no way of knowing that half way through the first year of business that our community would be experiencing a pandemic along side the rest of the world. We could not have anticipated the changes in business models and business leadership skills that would be needed to weather the market conditions. However, even though we will celebrate with joy once this pandemic is over and no longer impacting our community, we also give thanks for it as it has brought knowledge and growth beyond measure in a short period of time.
Caroline is especially thankful for the past year bringing the right people onto the team at Bio-One of Tucson. She stated, "it's the team that makes this business into what it is, and through them we have been able to provide quality service to the community of Tucson with exceptional customer service and response."
David stated that he is also thankful for the support of his team, and this past year has also made him extremely grateful for the friendships and partnerships that he has made throughout the community with local police, fire, property management, and other small business professionals that have brought a sense of unity to the business. He holds proud that Bio-One of Tucson embodies the principle of "Help First, Business Second." Additionally, being able to serve the community through partnerships with the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, and the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation have been highlights to which he has a profound sense of gratitude for being able to contribute to.
David and Caroline Scott do not take the success of their first year of business lightly. They know the percentages of small businesses that fail in their first year, but believe that through the hard work invested by themselves, their team, and the welcoming of the Tucson community they have been able to see their dream of being small business owners become a reality. Coming from humble beginnings, they are grateful for the people that have called upon them this past year for service, to the clients that they have been able to help, and the many people who have referred them to others throughout the past year.
To be thankful by definition means to have a deep sense of gratitude and relief. To state that Bio-One of Tucson is thankful to be able to service the Tucson Community in some of their hardest times is an understatement. It is a privilege to be called upon to when someone needs help with Trauma clean-up, hoarding, Coronavirus disinfection, and many other services we provide. So with full hearts we say a big THANK YOU to the Tucson community for making our first year in business successful. We look forward to the next year, and the ability to continue to be able to make an even greater impact for our community.
What To Do if an Employee Gets Covid-19?
November 20, 2020 David Scott
As we find ourselves in the final days of 2020 we find ourselves maintaining the fragile balance of trying to keep our businesses open and operating as normal as possible while protecting our teams and clients. It’s more on our minds than ever. If you’ve had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your business, we strongly recommend contacting Bio-One of Tucson for COVID-19 disinfecting services. However, you may also need some guidance on what to do if one of your employees advises that they have received a positive test for Coronavirus.
Employee Reports Positive Case - According to the CDC once an employee reports a positive case of Covid-19, or reports close contact with someone who has tested positive of Covid-19, they should self quarantine at home for 10-20 days. They should be urged to contact a health care provider even if they do not show signs or symptoms as he or she can still transmit the disease.
The CDC has noted that Covid-19 exposure is transmitted through close contact. Close contact as defined by the CDC for these purposes is anyone who is within six feet of an infected individual for longer than 15 minutes. This includes the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms in the infected individual.
Vacate and clean the workspaces and common areas that were contaminated. Although it is possible to clean on your own many businesses have opted to instead have a certified company such as Bio-One of Tucson disinfect their places of business as they have tools that allow cleaning to cover every surface in the contaminated space, and as it minimizes the risk to essential personnel in the business if they are not required to do the sanitization themselves.
When Fievel Goes West He leaves a Mess
Why Rat and Mice Feces are Dangerous to your health
Nov. 2020
Fievel was a beloved mouse in a beloved animated movie about a mouse that adventures west, however, in real life when mice and rodents venture out west to our homes it can create specific concerns.
Rodents, such as rats and mice, leave behind fecal matter that can transmit bacteria, contaminate food, cause allergic reactions, and can transmit diseases to humans. As temperatures begin to drop we see an influx of people in our community having to deal with mice or packrats looking to seek warmer accommodations. These unwelcomed house guests create nests in an effort to find a warm place to shelter for the winter months. Many times they find access to shelter in garages, sheds, and in basements or attics. Many folks believe that the extermination of the rodents will be enough to eradicate the problem. However, if the fecal matter left behind from the rodents is not also remediated you may have additional cause for concern.
Rodent droppings can spread several types of diseases. Including but not limited to:
Rat-Bite Fever - Potentially fatal infectious disease spread by infected rodents and the consumption of food contaminated by rodents.
Salmonellosis- is a type of food poisoning spread by rodent droppings particularly in contaminated food stores.
Bubonic Plague- spread by the bite of an infected rodent flea. Can cause fever, head ache, and painfully inflamed lymph nodes.
Hantavirus- Potentially life threatening disease passed through the inhalation of rat urine, droppings, or saliva.
Dealing with unwanted houseguests is never a joy. However, if you find yourself with the resulting mess left behind by rodents or mice please give Bio-One of Tucson a call at 520-771-5960 or visit us at www.bioonetucson.com so that we can provide you a free estimate to ensure your living space is safe and healthy.
