Hoarding + Spring Cleaning = New Beginning
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Spring cleaning is commonly associated with refreshing your home for warm weather ahead. While common activities include dusting, mopping floors, and removing clutter, Bio-One also sees an increase in hoarding remediation.
Maybe you’ve discovered a loved one is living in a hoarding situation and you want to help. Or you’ve inherited an estate and a trash or animal hoard was revealed. Perhaps you are living in a hoarding situation and have decided it’s time for help.
No matter the circumstances, Bio-One provides care and compassion, and can customize a unique plan to meet your needs.
We’ve had the pleasure to help many families throughout Northeast Ohio - from Lorain to Ashtabula, and Cleveland south through Akron, Canton and New Philadelphia. The photo I shared is from a home we remediated this week in the Akron area.
The dwelling had been condemned by the city. Our Bio-One technicians deployed quickly and restored the home to a safe and habitable place. And just as important is the compassion our techs bring to every job and every client. That's the very foundation Bio-One is built upon: Help First, Business Second.
We're proud of our crew and all they do! Below is another recent example of how our team made a home livable and safe again.
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Bio-One helps hoarders get their homes back in order and their lives back on track. Let us know how we can help.
If you are planning on buying or selling home, then you're likely well versed on the entire process, from the initial offer to closing. But what if there was a death in the home? Does that need to be disclosed in Ohio? Here's what you need to know.
Property Disclosure Documents
No matter how perfect a house looks on the outside, there is often property information a buyer needs to disclose before the sale can go through. Property disclosure documents reveal known structural issues, neighborhood nuisances, hazards, HOA details, water damage, and notable repairs made to the home.
But are you required to disclose a death? Rules for reporting a death in the home vary by state, and may include:
So what are the rules in Ohio? Here are the details:
In Ohio, there is nothing in the law books that requires disclosing such an event on a property. However, the seller has an obligation to disclose any fact that could be relevant to the buyer’s decision to purchase the property. There is no issue with a peaceful death, but in the case of a murder or suicide, disclosing it could prevent a potential lawsuit (consider the buyers will likely find out from the neighbors anyway!)
For a state by state guide on disclosure laws, you might want to visit this resource on Nolo.com.
Remediating After a Death in a Home
If a death recently occurred in the home you're hoping to purchase, there may have been biohazards from bloodborne pathogens that required remediation. It would be wise to ask the seller how the death was remediated to ensure proper steps were taken. The cleanup process may vary depending on the location of the death, how the death occurred, types of flooring, and if the death was undiscovered for days or weeks.
Bio-One technicians are trained and equipped to properly disinfect biohazards from bloodborne pathogens, and we ensure safe biohazard material handling and disposal. Once the entire area is cleaned of blood and body fluids, we also help property owners restore the location to its pre-incident state.
If you are selling a home and need a biohazard remediated or want to ensure remediation was done correctly, give Bio-One a call. Our experts not only contain and disinfect the dangerous biological materials, we carry out our work in a caring and private manner.
Be Kind
February 17, 2021
Kindness is catchy. That’s why I think every day should be Random Acts of Kindness Day. Nothing elaborate needed – think simple. Perhaps your neighbor’s garbage can tipped over. Instead of ignoring it, pick it up. Brush snow off a stranger’s windshield. Offer words of encouragement. When you do something nice, then others who observe the action are more likely to carry out kindness, too.
7 Ways to Observe Random Acts of Kindness Day
Get caught showing as much kindness as possible - we each have the potential to bring positive change. Please feel free to add to this list and share your ideas for Random Acts of Kindness!
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.
Akron, Ohio – 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 is locally owned and operated by Cuyler and Babs Costanzo. Since 2019 they have served residents, businesses, and government agencies in 13 counties across Northeast Ohio.
Bio-One provides service in recovery and cleanup after suicide, homicide, undiscovered death and hoarding situations. Bio-One also specializes in COVID-19 disinfection, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings, and more.
"We live by our motto: Help First, Business Second. We’re happy to do our little part to help people through tough times," said Cuyler Costanzo, owner of Bio-One. “We have cherished each opportunity to truly make a difference in our community, and we're happy to be part of a winning team."
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 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, visit us at BioOneAkron.com.
A Covid Christmas
January 4, 2020
I don’t know anyone who wasn’t impacted by Covid-19 this holiday. There were no large gatherings - my family and friends celebrated small. Many had a family member missing at the table because they were sick with Covid and quarantined. And how many of you Zoomed or FaceTimed your celebration with someone who should’ve been in your home?
In my family, it started with me. I lost my taste moments before Thanksgiving dinner was served. I spent the next 9 days in bed, barely leaving the room. (In between bouts of yuck, at least I was able to get most of my Christmas shopping done online!). While I was “Coviding” I was interrupted from time to time by my husband all-suited up with his PPE and a fogger. It made me laugh, but it’s not really weird since we’re in the business of disinfecting.
Our company, Bio-One, specializes in infectious disease decontamination. We routinely disinfect businesses, government buildings, and people’s homes. If you or someone you know is interested in disinfecting a workplace or home, please give us a call. We’re here 24/7, and believe me, you don’t want to get what I had!
Did You Know Suicides Spike AFTER the Holidays?
How you can help someone at risk
January 1, 2021
There is no doubt suicide rates are climbing. But you might find it surprising to know the risk does not go up at Christmastime. The truth is December has the lowest suicide rates of the year. However, there seems to be a spike in suicides specifically on New Year’s Day.
Increased alcohol consumption during New Year’s may play a role. Perhaps people at risk feel overwhelmed at the thought of making it through another year. Depression and desperation can drive the decision to end one’s life.
Statistics aside, it’s important to remember that people can act on suicidal thoughts any time, any day. If you suspect someone is wrestling with these kinds of feelings, the worst thing to do is nothing. Here are ways you can help:
1. Stay in contact. Now that the celebrating has ended, they may be more likely to believe now is the best time to make a crucial decision that might lead them to end their lives.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—it won’t push a person to take action. Ask things like: How are you feeling? Are you considering harming yourself? Have you had thoughts like this before? Have you tried to hurt yourself in the past? Have you thought about how you might harm yourself? Are you able to access the things that you would need?
3. Allow them to express their feelings without being censored. This can be therapeutic, so don’t be afraid to “go there” in the conversation.
4. If you feel they are at risk, don’t leave them alone. If they’re willing to go to the hospital with you (and you feel safe doing so), take them to the emergency room. If that’s not an option, call 911.
5. Don’t assume that it’s “your job” to save someone from taking their life. You can encourage, reach out, and “be present,” but understand there is nothing you can do to keep that person from making the decision to take their own life.
If they are considering self-harm, tell them they can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255.
They may also call the crisis hotline at their local county Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board. Below are a couple of options:
Summit County ADM Board: 330-434-9144
Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board: 216-623-6888
Heroes Are Around Us
December 30,2020
I noticed somewhere that yesterday was National Hero Day, and then I started thinking we should be celebrating our heroes every day. After all, every day ordinary people are doing extraordinary things. What struck me most this week was the outpouring of love from residents in and around Hinckley, where a 3-year-old boy was abandoned – in wet clothes and barefoot – at a cemetery two days before Christmas. Almost immediately families were offering to adopt the boy, and Christmas gifts for him started filling the lobby at the police station.
Or how about Trooper Bee with the Ohio State Highway Patrol? He personally changed a flat tire for a woman stranded on the side of the highway. Detective Dies with Akron Police donated a laptop to a disabled veteran whose laptop was stolen. The vet is a paraplegic and speech-impaired, and his laptop was his lifeline.
Also a big shout out to all the road crews and snow plowers who worked all night Christmas Eve through Christmas morning clearing the streets while most of us slept.
And did you know a Summit County Sheriff’s deputy kept the Grinch from stealing Christmas? The arrest was in jest, but a reminder of how deputies are always looking out for us.
There are many unsung heroes all around us. (FYI you might want to check out the Akron Beacon Journal, which is sharing an uplifting story every day this week). Thank you to everyone – including our awesome techs at Bio-One – who jump into action any time of the day or night when someone is in need!
A Quick Way to Get Your House Ready to Sell
December 17, 2020
All my friends in the real estate industry tell me this is the busiest they’ve been – EVER! They say houses are selling at an almost unbelievable rate, which I guess shouldn’t be surprising considering existing home sales are at a 14-year high. It makes sense: people are seeking more comfortable work-from home locales, and mortgage rates are low. If you or someone you know is looking to move, Bio-One provides a number of services that can help get the home ready for market.
Cooking smells? Tobacco odor? Cat urine? Lingering smells can turn-off buyers. Bio-One is an expert in odor remediation and is able to eliminate odors quickly so your home is ready to sell and ready for a new family.
Clutter? Hoarding? Rodent droppings? Covid-19 exposure? We specialize in extreme cleaning and disinfection. We’ll de-clutter and deep-clean so that the property is “show ready” in no time. Getting a home ready for sale is a daunting task, we're here if you need us. Let us know how we can help!
NOV 16, 2020
If you find yourself looking at a crime scene, your initial reaction may be to clean it yourself. You may want it to be gone as soon as possible and that's completely understandable. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't take on the task:
1. Fluids! Coming into contact with bodily fluids, especially blood, can be harmful, even dangerous. Body fluids can carry disease and pathogens that you just don't want on, or near, your body.
2. Invisible to the eye! What you can't see, CAN hurt you. If you leave behind any traces of the scene - including germs and pathogens you can't see - you may be exposed to harmful elements and your home won't be as sanitary as you think.
3. Don't stress! You may be worried that you can't afford crime scene cleaners, so you may be surprised to know insurance will usually take care of the cost (and Bio-One will handle all the paperwork with your insurance company, if you'd like).
Bottom line, you should never try to clean a crime scene yourself. You'll be emotionally healthier, less stressed, and more sanitary when you let the professionals properly and safely take care of it. Bio-One is here to help.
World Kindness Day
NOV 13, 2020
I thought it would be nice to mention today is World Kindness Day, and the first day of World Kindness Week. The idea is that kindness is catchy. In other words, if you do something nice, then so will someone else. In fact, studies show when others observe kindness in action they are more likely to carry out an act of kindness, too.
So, imagine if you head out for the day and your neighbor’s garbage can has tipped over. Instead of ignoring it and letting the wind make a mess, you pick it up and return it to the corner. Three other neighbors notice and give you a smile and a nod on their way to work.
One of those neighbors notices a stranded driver on the side of the road on his commute to work. He remembers your thoughtfulness and offers assistance to the stranded driver. Several passersby take notice.
At a business office, a woman struggles with a paper jam. She’s had a horrible day. The customer has been waiting, but she remembers the stranded driver she passed earlier in the day. The customer lets the office worker know to take her time. Everyone has a bad day.
We each have the potential to improve each others’ lives through understanding and kindness. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker or stranger, our ability to show our humanity should have no limit.
On World Kindness Day, let your compassion shine brightly. Get caught showing as much kindness as possible. Remember our gestures inspire others and can become infectious and spread.
