In times of family crisis, such as the loss of a loved one, unattended death, or a traumatic crime scene, the last thing you want to worry about is the cost of cleaning and restoring your property. Fortunately, many insurance policies cover these traumatic situations, providing a lifeline for those in need. Bio-One, with over 15 years of experience in trauma and crime scene cleanup, understands the challenges and complexities associated with these situations. That's why we're dedicated to working directly with your insurance provider to make the process as smooth as possible, from opening the claim to completing the project. This not only eases the financial burden but also allows you to focus on what truly matters - moving forward.
Before delving into how Bio-One collaborates with insurance companies, it's essential to comprehend the insurance aspect of trauma and crime scene cleanup. Many standard homeowners' and renters' insurance policies cover the costs associated with the restoration of properties affected by traumatic events. These policies aim to provide financial relief to those dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of such incidents.
When a traumatic event occurs, you may be dealing with immense grief and emotional stress. During this challenging time, handling insurance claims and the logistics of cleanup can be overwhelming. This is where Bio-One's insurance coordination services come into play.
Bio-One's primary goal is to provide a safe and habitable space for you and your family as quickly as possible. When insurance companies are involved, we ensure that the cleanup and restoration process proceeds without unnecessary delays. By working directly with your insurer, we minimize any financial barriers that might impede your ability to return to normalcy.
This approach not only simplifies the insurance process but also allows you to focus on the emotional healing and recovery that come with traumatic events. Grieving, coping, and finding support are essential steps on your journey, and Bio-One aims to facilitate them by handling the logistical aspects of trauma and crime scene cleanup.
In times of family crisis, insurance coverage can be a vital lifeline, and Bio-One understands the importance of leveraging this support. Our experienced team of insurance coordinators will work tirelessly to ensure that your property is returned to a safe and habitable state. By collaborating directly with your insurance company, we aim to make the process as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on moving forward and finding healing during challenging times. Bio-One is here to provide not only restoration but also peace of mind when you need it most.
Losing a loved one is an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. Amidst the grief, there is a mountain of practical tasks and paperwork that must be managed. Bio-One can help with cleaning your loved one’s home and securing their belongings, but there are a number tasks the family must tend to close out your loved ones life.
The process of closing out a person's life can take months, even years, to complete. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to navigate this intricate journey.
**Immediate Actions After a Loved One's Passing**
- Get a legal pronouncement of death: This is a critical first step in obtaining a death certificate, which is essential for many legal and financial matters. if your relative died at home, especially if the death was unexpected, you’ll need to get a medical professional to declare them dead. To do this, call 911 soon after your loved one passes and have them transported to an emergency room, where they can be declared dead and moved to a funeral home. If your family member died at home under hospice care, a hospice nurse can declare them dead. Without a declaration of death, you can’t plan a funeral, much less handle the deceased’s legal affairs.
- Learn about existing funeral and burial plans: If your loved one had specific wishes, it's essential to honor them. Otherwise, discuss funeral and memorial plans with family to make informed decisions.
- Secure the property: Protect your loved one's home and belongings to prevent theft or damage during this vulnerable time.
- Provide care for pets: Ensure that your loved one's pets are cared for until a permanent plan is in place.
**Within a Few Days of Death**
- Make funeral, burial, or cremation arrangements: Seek assistance from a funeral home and explore any available benefits, especially for veterans or members of organizations. If the person was in the military or belonged to a fraternal or religious group, contact the Veterans Administration or the specific organization to see if it offers burial benefits or funeral services. Benefits for veterans may include a military salute at the funeral or payment for a headstone or its engraving.
- Notify friends, family, and the employer: Informing people about the passing is not only a way to share the news but also to ensure that work-related matters are handled properly.
- Forward mail: Redirecting mail not only prevents property vulnerability but also helps identify necessary subscriptions, creditors, and accounts to be canceled or paid.
**Two Weeks After Death**
- Secure certified copies of death certificates: Get up to 10 copies of the death certificate. You’ll need death certificates to close bank and brokerage accounts, file insurance claims and register the death with government agencies, among other things. The funeral home you’re working with can get copies on your behalf, or you can order them from the vital statistics office in the state in which the person died.
- Find the will and the executor: Locate the will and determine who will manage the estate's settlement, often known as the executor or personal agent.
- Meet with a trusts and estates attorney: While not always required, having an attorney can simplify the process, especially for larger estates.
- Contact a CPA: If your loved one had an accountant, or even if not, it's crucial to handle tax matters correctly.
- Take the will to probate: The probate process ensures debts are paid and assets are distributed according to the will.
- Make an inventory of all assets: List all assets, from bank accounts to personal property, to facilitate the settlement process.
- Track down additional assets: Sometimes assets can be challenging to locate, so be thorough in your search. Comb your family member’s tax returns, mail, email, brokerage and bank accounts, deeds and titles to find assets. Don’t leave any safe-deposit box or filing cabinet unopened.
- Make a list of bills: Ensure that necessary expenses like mortgage, taxes, and utilities are paid during the settlement process.
- Cancel no-longer-needed digital services: Cease services like cell phone plans and streaming subscriptions.
- Decide what to do with the passport: Determine whether to keep it as a memento, return it officially, or destroy it.
- Notify relevant parties:
- The Social Security Administration (SSA): If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you need to stop the checks. Some family members may be eligible for death benefits from Social Security. Generally, funeral directors report deaths to the Social Security Administration, but ultimately, it’s the survivors’ responsibility to ensure the SSA is informed. Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report the death, or visit your local SSA office. The SSA will let Medicare know that your loved one died.
- Life insurance companies: You’ll need an original death certificate and policy numbers to make claims on any policies the deceased had.
- Long-term care (LTC) insurance companies: If your loved one had LTC insurance, regardless of whether they were receiving benefits, you’ll need to notify the insurer of the death.
- Banks, financial institutions: If you share a joint account with your deceased loved one, you’ll need to notify the bank that they’ve died. Most bank accounts carry automatic rights of survivorship, which means if your name is on the account, you have full access to the funds when your loved one dies. You become the sole owner on the date of your relative’s death. Most banks will require a death certificate to remove the relative from the account. If the deceased person was the sole owner of a bank account, the bank will release funds to the person named as beneficiary once it learns of the account holder’s death. Many banks let their customers name a beneficiary or set the account as Payable on Death (POD) or Transferable on Death (TOD) to another person. You’ll need to show the bank a death certificate to get the funds released. If the owner of the account didn’t name a beneficiary or POD, things get more complicated. The executor will be responsible for getting the funds to repay creditors, pay bills and divide funds according to the dead person’s will. You may need to open a special “estate of (the deceased’s name)” account for any income received after death.
- Financial advisers, stockbrokers: Determine the beneficiary listed on accounts. Depending on the type of asset, the beneficiary may get access to the account or benefit simply by filling out appropriate forms and providing a copy of the death certificate (no executor needed). While access to the money is straightforward, there are tax consequences to keep in mind. You will be responsible for paying any taxes earned by the account once your loved one dies. Keep in mind, the tax burden could be significant on a well-funded investment account.
- Credit agencies: To prevent identity theft, send copies of the death certificate to one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. You only need to tell one of them, and it will tell the others.
- Cancel the driver's license: Remove the deceased's name from records to prevent identity theft.
- Close or update credit card accounts: Handle credit card accounts to avoid any misuse.
- Terminate insurance policies: End coverage for home, auto, and health insurance policies.
- Delete or memorialize social media accounts: Decide whether to delete or create memorial accounts on social media platforms.
- Close email accounts: Prevent identity theft by closing the deceased's email accounts.
- Update voter registration: Notify relevant authorities to remove the deceased from voter registration rolls.
Handling these practical tasks can be overwhelming but remember that you don't have to go through this process alone. Reach out to friends, family, and professionals like Bio-One for support. And above all, take the time you need to grieve and heal.
In a world driven by profit margins and competitive markets, a motto like "Help First, Business Second" may seem like a refreshing departure from the norm. This simple yet powerful statement lies at the heart of Bio-One, a company that exemplifies the true spirit of empathy and social responsibility. But what does this motto mean in practice, and how does it set Bio-One apart from the crowd?
At its core, "Help First, Business Second" represents a commitment to putting people and their needs ahead of profits and bottom lines. It's a reminder that success should not be measured solely in monetary terms but in the positive impact we, as a company, can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large.
In a time when corporate social responsibility is gaining increasing importance, Bio-One's motto serves as a shining example of how businesses can be a force for good. It demonstrates that success need not come at the expense of others but can be achieved through a collaborative and compassionate approach.
In practice, "Help First, Business Second" is not a mere slogan but a guiding principle that shapes Bio-One's every action. It's a reminder that, in the pursuit of profit, we should never lose sight of our capacity to help, uplift, and make the world a better place. It's a call to action for businesses everywhere to reevaluate their priorities and, like Bio-One, put people and society at the forefront of their mission.
By now, most of us have heard of Marie Kondo’s famous book and Netflix series, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It’s definitely nice to be in a clean space, but is it life-changing? Or magic?
Believe it or not, clearing the clutter in your home really can make a big difference in many aspects of your life.
The most obvious reason to clear the clutter is for health and safety reasons.
Too much mess can harbor the growth of dangerous germs, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
You need to be able to wipe down floors and surfaces. It’s also essential to throw away old food and make sure pipes are clear and functional. This prevents:
But what if you keep everything sanitary?
Are there reasons beyond health and safety to pick up?
Research tells us yes—clearing the clutter can benefit your health in a number of ways.
Decluttering can help you get a better night’s sleep—and not just because you no longer have piles of laundry on your bed.
People living in cluttered homes are more likely to experience insomnia. The exact link between clutter and trouble sleeping isn’t clear, but it is somewhat of a chicken-and-egg problem.
Clutter increases stress levels, which makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. Lack of sleep leads to difficulty concentrating and completing tasks, which can make it hard to clean.
Imagine how your quality of life improves when you’ve had a good night’s rest. Now, let that feeling motivate you—better sleep is on the way.
When your home is messy, it can be difficult to have friends over. You may resist inviting others out of embarrassment, or it may not be possible for practical reasons. Everyone needs a place to sit, after all!
When you create a fresh, welcoming space, you can enjoy the company of your loved ones in your own home. You can even host friends and family from out of town when they come to visit.
Decluttering can help you cultivate your connections and begin creating new ones.
Even if you’re not consciously aware of it, clutter in your home may be affecting your stress levels.
On a conscious level, seeing clutter can be a constant reminder of your to-do list. When you see a pile of items on your counter that need to be put away over and over again, your brain feels a little ping of guilt.
Over time, constantly feeling that need to clean up can create a heavy stress load. And in this day and age when so many are working from home, that added stress all day every day while trying to be productive at work can quickly build to overwhelm.
Clutter can also affect your stress levels subconsciously. Seeing clutter can overwhelm your working memory.
Your brain is constantly working on a subconscious level to determine what you need to pay attention to and what you need to ignore. When there are items everywhere, the brain works harder to process what should be noticed.
On the other hand, cleaning up clutter lets your brain relax. Being in a clean room may decrease your cortisol, or stress hormone, levels.
Just as your brain working hard to ignore clutter can lead to stress, it can also lead to distraction. Cleaning up your space can improve your ability to focus on tasks and get things done.
On a physiological level, your brain will simply have less stimulation. The more you see, the more work your brain has to do. When your area is clean, you can funnel that brainpower into whatever you’re working on.
Clutter affects your focus on a conscious level, too. If you’re noticing cleaning tasks that need to be done, it can be hard to hone in on the task you’re working on.
Even if you’re trying to focus on cleaning, multiple messy areas can make it difficult to choose just one. Every tidying task you complete gives your brain just a little more room to focus.
When you’re in a clean space, odds are you feel better. Studies link cleanliness to a better mood, feelings of accomplishment, and the ability to relax.
Even if life circumstances are bringing you down, having a well-ordered space can still help you respond more calmly to stress.
Emotional regulation is the ability to respond mindfully to your emotions instead of reacting thoughtlessly to triggers. In a clean space, your brain is less distracted, giving you the mental real estate to process your feelings and respond thoughtfully.
Once again, it all comes down to brain space—when you’re not distracted by visual clutter or feeling guilty about jobs left undone, your brain has more space for other things.
You can dedicate the time you spend worrying about clutter to solving problems and growing new ideas. If you create physical art, love home projects, or are a crafter, you’ll have space to work on your projects (and hopefully, motivation to clean them up when you’re done!).
Despite all the benefits of having a clutter-free home, it isn’t always easy to make it happen. If you’re overwhelmed, let Bio-One help you. We have a discreet, compassionate team of cleaning experts who are passionate about helping you.
Call us today for a consultation.
Bio-One of Fremont is dedicated to assisting First Responders, Public Service Agencies & Property Owners/Managers, and this June we join them in supporting National Safety Month.
Celebrated every June, National Safety Month is an opportune time to promote safety awareness and encourage individuals, organizations, and communities to prioritize safety measures. It serves as a reminder to proactively address potential risks and hazards in our surroundings as well as those that arise from, unplanned circumstances.
Bio-One of Fremont understands the critical role safety plays when it comes to unplanned events such as trauma, crime scenes, and hoarding situations, where safety protocols are of utmost significance to ensure their customers homes, offices and personal spaces are returned to a habitable condition. In this blog, we will explore the stringent safety protocols Bio-One of Fremont follows to ensure your well-being. Here's how they prioritize safety in different scenarios:
As we observe National Safety Month, let us recognize the importance of safety in all aspects of life and appreciate the dedication of service providers and first responders. Through their commitment to safety, they provide peace of mind to individuals and communities, restoring livable spaces while minimizing risks and ensuring the well-being of all involved.
Bio-One Fremont is a professional biohazard cleanup and restoration company. Our highly trained and experienced team specializes in cleaning up after traumatic events such as crime scenes, hoarding situations, and unattended deaths. This is why Bio-One was called upon during the most devastating events in recent history, including the shootings at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, and Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.
Bio-One Fremont is dedicated to assisting Law Enforcement, Public Service Agencies & Property Owners/Managers. We offer professional & discreet service with free estimates available. With Bio-One, you can trust that the job will be done right the first time, with the utmost care and respect for the situation at hand.
Our Mission: At Bio-One Fremont, our mission is to alleviate the effects of trauma on individuals, companies, and communities by providing compassionate and professional cleanup services that support the recovery process.
Our Vision: Our vision is to prioritize people over profits and operate with a strong commitment to helping those in need. We strive to restore homes and spaces to a safe and healthy state so that our clients can move forward with their lives.
Our Values: Our core values of compassion, experience, and respect guide everything we do. We believe in treating every client with empathy and understanding, drawing on our years of experience to deliver exceptional service, and respecting the dignity and privacy of those we serve.
At Bio-One Fremont we believe in our motto - Help first. Business second. That is why all our technicians are certified Mental Health First Aid responders; we understand the people we help are dealing with trauma, and they require compassion. While we hope you never need our services, know that we will be there for you if the occasion rises.
This is the question I hear most from friends and family.
Bio-One Fremont is committed to helping people who have experienced trauma. It's what we do, and we take great pride in being able to make a positive difference in people's lives during their time of need. But why did we choose to do what we do? The answer is simple: it's all about the people we serve in the San Francisco Bay Area Tri-City, Tri-Valley, and the Highway 4- Delta Valley Corridor.
Trauma can be a life-changing event, and it can happen to anyone, at any time. It can be overwhelming, emotional, and difficult to deal with. For many, the aftermath of a traumatic event can be just as challenging as the event itself. That's where Bio-One Fremont comes in. We understand the impact that trauma can have on individuals and communities, and we're here to help.
Our team of experienced professionals is trained to provide compassionate and discreet trauma cleanup services, taking care of the physical and emotional cleanup so that our clients can focus on their healing process. We take great care to treat every client with respect and dignity, ensuring that their privacy is protected and their needs are met.
Bio-One Fremont helps people who have experienced trauma because we believe that everyone deserves the chance to recover and move forward. We know that our work can make a real difference in people's lives, and that's what motivates us every day. We take pride in being able to support our clients during their time of need, and we're committed to providing the highest level of service possible.
At Bio-One Fremont, we're more than just a cleanup company. We're a team of compassionate professionals who care deeply about the people we serve. We are dedicated to assisting Law Enforcement, Public Service Agencies & Property Owners/Managers with professional & discreet service. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, know that we're here to help first, business comes second. We're happy to do what we do because we believe that everyone deserves a chance to heal and recover, and we're honored to be a start to that process. Learn more about us here or call for a free estimate.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and following Bio-One's motto of "Help First. Business Second", it's important to us to recognize the impact that mental health has on our lives. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and behave, and it can impact every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our work performance.
At Bio-One, we understand the importance of mental health and the toll that traumatic events can take on our emotional well-being. That's why we offer specialized cleaning services for situations where traumatic events have occurred, such as crime scenes or accidents. Our team is certified in Mental Health First Aid and trained to provide compassionate and professional cleaning services on a 24/7 basis while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our clients.
We also believe in promoting mental health and wellness in our communities. This month, we encourage everyone to prioritize their mental health and to seek support if they need it. We can all take steps to support mental health, whether it's practicing self-care, reaching out to a friend or loved one, or advocating for mental health awareness.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
Together, we can work towards a society where mental health is prioritized and everyone has access to the support and resources they need to thrive. Let's use this month to raise awareness and show support for those who may be struggling with mental health challenges.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate assistance, please call "911" and explain the nature of your problem to the operator. The Mental Health Services Division (MHSD) administers a number of mental health programs for Children and Youth, Adults and Older Adults.
Denver, CO August 19, 2022 – Inc. revealed that Bio-One is No. 4,365 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
Sandi Ellis, President of Bio-One, had this to say about the achievement: “We are honored to be recognized and this is only possible because of our amazing Bio-One owners across the United States. Every Bio-One owner works hard in their community, and we thank them for their time, dedication, and sacrifices.”
The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. Among the top 500, the average median three-year revenue growth rate soared to 2,144 percent. Together, those companies added more than 68,394 jobs over the past three years.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, which will be available on August 23.
“The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated,” said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today.”
Ellis said, “While the ranking is a wonderful reflection of the company’s growth in the past 12 years, I am also excited for the future of Bio-One. We’re investing in new technology, improving our digital strategies, and are in the middle of launching a new brand. It’s an exciting time to be part of Bio-One!”
Bio-One Inc. is the first crime and trauma scene cleaning franchise with over 125 locations. Each location is owned and operated locally by caring members of their respective communities. In an effort to boost business growth and impact more areas, Bio-One was acquired by Five Star Franchising last year. Bio-One has been ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s 43rd Annual Franchise 500 for 2022, and in 2021 placed number one in Entrepreneur’s Best of the Best for Crime Scene Cleaning and Trauma Scene Cleaning.
CONTACT:
Sandi Ellis
(303) 625-6543
Sandi.Ellis@BioOneInc.com
More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000
Methodology
Companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2018 to 2021. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2018. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2021. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2018 is $100,000; the minimum for 2021 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places. The top 500 companies on the Inc. 5000 are featured in Inc. magazine’s September issue. The entire Inc. 5000 can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.
About Inc.
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, visit http://conference.inc.com/.
We are delighted to announce our sponsorship of the First Responder Relay in Las Vegas on October 16th. The First Responders Relay is a 9 person 48-mile running relay with stages ranging from 4.0 miles to 7.7 miles. The relay is competition comprised of first responder personnel from throughout the United States and the World, and is hosted by the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF).
There is still time to register, but don't delay! Registration closes September 18. Visit www.CPAF.org to join us in Las Vegas!
