Drug Lab Cleanup: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Drug Lab Cleanup: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque Phone: (505) 828-3567 www.SERVPROnealbuquerque.com

Drug lab cleanups in Albuquerque and across the country are an epidemic. Manufacturing of narcotics has moved to the house and property managers are left with a crime scene cleanup that only the experts at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque can help out with. Our professionally trained technicians are specialists for any emergency remediation including fire, water, mold, and reconstruction but we are especially skilled for any biohazard, drug, or crime scene cleanup. We uphold the industry’s highest OSHA standards for property management and care. In addition, we work directly with all major insurance companies making the process even easier for you.

There are a number of steps that need to be taken when it comes to any drug lab cleanup or any biohazard, drug or crime scene restoration job. The first step of course is to reach local law enforcement (911) and report any wrong doing. The second step is to call SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque at (505) 828-3567. From here, we will contain and stabilize the site.

Once the site is quarantined, the 20 years of experience of SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque will quickly remove any contaminated materials. Because we are a GB-98 licensed contractor, we are also a one stop shop for the complete remediation. We will work directly with the property manager and remediate any carpet, wood, vinyl, bamboo, tile and pergo flooring as well as drywall, cabinets and countertops.

Because a property requires a drug lab cleanup, that doesn’t mean that the property cannot be restored to its original state or even better. Our moto is that we will restore any property back to “Like it never even happened.”® Please feel free reaching out to your locally owned SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque with any questions or concerns. We are here to help in any way we can!

Phone: (505) 828-3567

Dead Body Cleanup: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Dead Body Cleanup: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

It is always a tragedy when dead body cleanup services are required, regardless if it is a loved one or not. Whether it is an unattended death or more recent, the experts at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque are here to help you with your property and get things back to “Like it never even happened.”®

Any crime scene cleanup including: suicide, homicide, or death caused by natural causes can be a very messy aftermath. The licensed GB-98 contractor at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque can help remediate the entire property, being a one stop shop. We also work directly with the adjusters of all major insurance companies, making it easier for you.

Some of the dead body cleanup services we provide are:

• Ceiling, Floor, Wall Cleaning/Remediation
• Drapery and blinds cleaning
• Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants
• Chemical residue cleanup i.e. tear gas & pepper spray
• Odor Removal

Our experts take after OSHA and EPA protocols to help change a deeply damaged domain once again into a perfect, safe home or business. Our first goal is the wellbeing of all parties, since crime scenes may include bloodborne pathogens, chemicals and other substances. No dead body cleanup is an easy process. We will dependably treat your property and the individuals involved with the greatest sympathy and regard in the extremely troubling times.

Feel free to give us a call with any questions at: 505-828-3567.

Disaster Cleanup Services: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque provides Disaster Cleanup Services throughout all of northern New Mexico!

Disaster Cleanup Services can come in many forms ranging from: Sewage backups, Crime scene residues, Suicide/death accidents, Homicide cleanups, Blood cleanup, Accident cleanup, Hoarding scenes, Animal waste/remains, Chemical spills, Tear gas cleanup, Meth lab cleanup, Suicide/death accidents, Homicide cleanups, Blood cleanup, Accident cleanup, Hoarding scenes, Animal waste/remains, Chemical spills, Tear gas cleanup, and Meth lab cleanup, etc.

Here are some tips on what to do if a disaster cleanup situation comes about.

• Position signage as well as an individual to prevent entry into a defined space, regardless of whether it is in an eating area.
• Call any law enforcement, if the situation requires legal intervention.
• In the event that the occurrence happens in the kitchen or food-prep area, stop everything including serving activities.
• Consider everything in the 25-foot range of the occurrence as being contaminated.
• At this point, calling the professionals at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque would be the best thing to do.

Once the site is quarantined and sectioned off, our experts can go to work. Some of the areas of work that we can help out with include:

• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Odor Removal
• Sewage and Biohazard Clean Up

There is no disaster cleanup service that the experts of SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque can’t tackle. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate reaching out to us: 505-828-3567.

Death Scene Cleanup Experts: SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

One of the most horrifying and challenging restoration projects is a crime scene cleanup. This is not for those weak of stomach. In fact, it takes a team of experts to tackle all the regulatory and professional requirements to meet the specifications of getting the site back to “Like it never even happened.”® Fortunately, the specialists over at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque are here to help. Here are a couple pieces of background and information that are good to know when a death scene cleanup event like this occurs.

1. Unattended Deaths

The sooner a death scene cleanup is reported the easier the restoration process will be. Obviously, this isn’t always the way things happen. The professionals at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque have the complete guide and over 25 years of experience to tackle the hardest of challenges.

1. Step 1: Assessment

It is our pleasure to come out and do a free estimate and assessment to see what the scope of work is and how to best approach the restoration.

1. Step 2: Contain and Section Off

The first step of a death scene remediation is to establish a control zone so that no further areas of the property are contaminated and damaged. There are a number of certified protocols SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque follows to ensure the highest safety in our working environments.

1. Step 3: Disposal

Once a death scene cleanup site is sectioned off and under control, the real work begins. Removing any contaminated belongings in the safest manner is key to ensuring the property is restored to its original state while not tainting any other aspects of the residence.

1. Rinse, Lather, Repeat & Restore
   

The aesthetic restoration is only half of the remediation process. Making sure air quality and health standards are met is where we excel. Here at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque, we make it easy by being a one-stop-shop in the whole process. This saves both time and money in getting the property back up to living conditions.

2. Does my insurance cover this?

Working with insurance agencies to help streamline the process is one of the things our customers appreciate most. Even if the property owner doesn’t have insurance, we make it as cost effective by being a GB-98 contractor. We can lower restoration costs by providing all the required services under one roof. So whether you have a residence or a commercial property, SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque is here to help!

Sewage Removal Cost – Money Saving Tips

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

Sewage removal can be stressful for any homeowner.  It can be costly if the damage is at a large scale. After assessing the situation and you feel that it is safe for you to handle the problem on your own, use the following tips on how to tackle this sewage removal project safely and inexpensively.

Sewage flooding generally happens because of broken pipes, roots or excess debris caught in your plumbing system. When this occurs, backed up sewage can enter your home through sinks, drains or any other opening.   When this happens, be sure to act quickly to make sure little property is damaged.  As explained by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), “Too late, property owners become aware of the on-going effect of this trapped water on structural and contents materials, which may include: discoloration, warping, splitting, delamination, and musty odor and mold growth.” This can be prevented by making sure you have cleaned the area thoroughly during and after the damage has happened.

Sewage Removal  

Before you begin your sewage removal, like stated before, make sure the water damage is small enough to be handled on your own.  Some sewage problems are too big to be handled by homeowners.  After assessing you sewage problem and recognize its severity, proceed with caution.  The first thing to remember is if any electrical boxes or power lines are in or around the water source, DO NOT ATTEMPT if you feel that it is unsafe to enter the water for cleanup.  Unless you know how to successfully turn off your home’s power source, call your local electrician to make sure it’s safe to proceed.

Once you know the area is safe, begin with removing any furniture or personal items.  Higher ground, outside air or large industrial fans can help the items stay dry and cool.  Begin with the largest area first then move to any items that may have gotten wet.  Your home is a large area when it comes to water damage so beginning with the larger space first could reduce your sewage cleanup cost.

Like stated before, move all furniture and personal items to a higher ground or move outside to let the drying process start.

When returning to the damaged area, starting the sewage cleanup immediately is essential.  The faster the water is removed the less likely mold and mildew will start to grow in the space.  Wet vacs ($49.88) are some of the most effective machines when it comes to removing debris and water.  If your sub pump is broken, a wet vac may be the only option for removing the water on your own.  The old fashion way of removing sewage water with buckets may be helpful as well.  Removing the water by hand can be effective in the beginning if there is large particles and debris that may clog the wet vac.  By removing a bulk of the debris, the wet vac can clear the rest of the contaminated water, thus saving you time and money in the long run.

Move the wet vac in a dry area making sure the power outlet is away from any water.  Starting your sewage cleanup should be less of a hassle if you have a high-powered wet vac.  Place the nozzle in the area with the least amount of water, which should be by a door opening so your wet vac has a safe area to sit. As the water begins to drain, it will be safe to start bringing the wet vac further into the room. Along the way, make sure you are wearing protective gloves, masks and shoes.  Sewageremoval can be very dangerous for your skin and respiratory system, depending on how well ventilated the room is.  Once the room has been cleared of water, the sewage cleanup of all walls and floors should begin.

Your local hardware store should be able to rent out drain rooters ($78 daily) to make sure your drains are cleared as well.  By cleaning out your sewer lines, it ensures that any roots or debris that may be blocking your pipes are destroyed.  A yearly cleaning of your pipes is essential.  This will save you time and money in the long run.

Sewage Cleanup of Personal Items

For the items that may have been damaged during the flood, you may be able to restore them if the water wasn’t too contaminated.  Begin with wiping down all surfaces.  Since items like wood and upholstery are so porous, airing them out quickly is important.  If you kept your items inside, air conditioning or heat generally dries out your home’s air, allowing the objects to dry quicker.  A home remedy of 3 to 1 water/alcohol can be useful for harder surfaces to disinfect the area.  If upholstery items that can be removed and washed, place in your washer at a higher water temperature to make sure all dirt and debris have been removed.

Once the sewage cleanup is complete make sure the room is fully dry before returning your furniture and personal items.  Ensuring that all moisture has left the damaged area will prevent any mold or mildew that might thrive in a wet environment.

Changing your air filters frequently after the flood will also keep your home’s air constantly clean and keep any smells at bay.

Asbestos: Dangers and Removal

10/28/2016 (Permalink)

Asbestos has been heavily used in the recent past as a soundproof, insulator and fireproof material in all types of buildings. It was later determined to be the cause of serious and fatal lung disorders. It is generally not considered to be a hazard unless it is disturbed from the location it rests. Removal is important, but you want to make sure it is done by experts like American Restoration that are EPA/AHERA certified.

The tiny fibers that comprise asbestos material are the real culprit when it comes to health risks. Once they are set free in the air they become a danger to any living person or animal that breathes them in. It can cause a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma, or simply attack the lung function in other ways. Exposure over time can prove fatal in some cases.

The fibers from asbestos are considered so toxic that you should not attempt removal on your own. This is a project that should be well-planned and carried out by a professional licensed team like one at American Restoration. Anything less could mean putting the lives of you and your family at risk for serious health problems on down the line. It is not worth taking the chance. Asbestos cleanup is a sound investment for the sake of safety.

Our experts at SERVPRO Albuquerque Restoration will come to your location and make a determination as to whether it is actually asbestos material. You can trust experienced professionals that are EPA/AHERA certified to make the right call. They will formulate a plan for the safe removal from your home or business. You will be involved in every level of planning so that you know the time frame and cost.

The lucrative business of cleaning crime scenes

7/21/2016 (Permalink)

Workers clean up an area surrounded by crime scene tape.

Despite a drop in violent crime across the United States, the crime-scene cleanup industry has boomed. Profits for the nearly 600 firms in the United States totaled more than $99 million in 2015, on revenues of $357.5 million, according to IBISWorld, a market research group. But those profits are sometimes reaped from those who can ill afford costs that may run into the tens of thousands of dollars when insurers do not pay.

Some say the field was not so crowded six years ago, and owners credit the boom to its depiction in popular media, including the indie film Sunshine Cleaning.

Weak or nonexistent government regulations, on such issues as training and proper cleaning standards, have allowed too many people to get into the business and are starting to drive down profits.

The lack of regulation has made cleaning companies rely on self-policing through the American Bio Recovery Association, which certifies operators and sets standards. But those rules are unenforceable, and the group simply asks that companies fall in line.

For consumers, the problem with biohazard removal is its price. Cleanups can cost from $1,000 to $40,000.

Bottom line, end of story is that biorecovery is not the same as having a fire or a flood in the house, As a result, there will be instances in which insurers won't pay the full bill, leaving it to consumers to shell out the rest.

WE'LL MAKE IT GO AWAY

5/6/2016 (Permalink)

Most people are used to seeing crime scene investigators collection evidence. But after all their pictures of the scene are taken, someone has to come in and clean up.

Hollywood has often portrayed the crime scene clean-up process.

The film "Sunshine Cleaning" profiles two women who start a crime scene cleaning company. In "Pulp Fiction," actors John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson famously get help from Harvey Keitel to clean up their own crime scene.

And ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder" shows people desperately trying to clean crime scene evidence.

But in real life, the legal clean-up truck that arrives is from SERVPRO Albuquerque Restoration.

The clean-ups are typically paid for with homeowner insurance.

When tear gas is fired, it takes up to three months to clean.

While some may ask who would want to do this job, employees like the fact it's always something different every day at work.

Santa Fe inmates sickened by dust, fumes during lengthy renovation, lawsuit charges

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

A new lawsuit says hundreds of inmates at the Santa Fe County Jail on N.M.14 south of town were sickened and injured by dust and fumes from renovation

SANTA FE – A lawsuit requesting class action status filed Friday alleges that hundreds of inmates at the Santa Fe County Jail were exposed to massive amounts of dust and chemical fumes that “created an epidemic of severe ailments” in 2014 while showers and lavatory areas were renovated.

The state District Court suit claims inmates “experienced a variety of painful, serious symptoms, directly attributed to the conditions created by the renovation,” including difficulty or pain when breathing, tightness in the lungs, chronic nosebleeds, body rashes, hives, blurry vision, stomachaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a high “similar to huffing paint.”

Symptoms persisted well after the work was completed, according to the suit. At least 300 inmates, and possibly as many as 500, were injured to varying degrees, the complaint says. At least three employees of the jail also suffered health issues.

The lawsuit filed by Rothstein, Donatelli, Hughes, Dahlstrom, Schoenburg & Bienvenu law firm asks for damages from Santa Fe County, the jail’s former warden and the company that did the work, Industrial Commercial Coatings LLC of Albuquerque.

A spokeswoman for Santa Fe County said it does not comment on pending or threatened litigation. Messages left for former warden Mark Gallegos, now jail administrator in Curry County, and with ICC were not returned Monday.

The suit says ICC was hired to apply a highly toxic chemical sealant containing isocyanate to approximately 28,880 square feet that included 51 showers and space for lavatories. It claims that the work was performed in a “hapless and reckless” fashion, bypassing safety protocols and exposing inmates to hazardous conditions “all day, every day, for months at a time.”

During a first project phase of grinding work, the lawsuit alleges, a fine dust comprised of cement, paint, metal and a polyurea sealant came into contact with inmates’ food and bedding.

Then, while sealant was applied during the second phase, inmates were exposed to toxic fumes circulated throughout the facility through heating and cooling vents.

“This left the inmates with no respite from the dangerous conditions created by the renovation,” according to the lawsuit. No attempt was made to protect inmates, the lawsuit alleges.

The complaint says dozens of inmates and at least three employees at the jail, one who now relies on an inhaler, sought medical attention and that jail staffers tried to talk people out of documenting their symptoms. It claims that when one employee who had to go on medical leave told Gallegos that the situation was “not good” and something needed to be done the warden his dismissed concerns, as well as those of other employees, including a staff doctor.

Representatives of the plaintiff class are Christopher Mavis, a member of an inmate crew that assisted with the renovation, and Joe Martinez, an inmate porter assigned to clean up common areas.

They were not provided with protective gear while many ICC employees were outfitted in “hazmat-type suits with hoods, full protective face masks, and respirators,” the lawsuit says.

Source: http://www.abqjournal.com/740454/news/lawsuit-santa-fe-inmates-made-sick-by-dust-fumes-during-lengthy-renovation.html