The holiday season is usually a mixed bag for most of us. On the one hand, there is the exciting prospect of spending time with friends and family, buying gifts, and maybe even taking a vacation. But on occasions, holidays may also be a time of stress, loneliness, and depression.
For some reason, the holiday season also sees higher rates of crime – ranging from shoplifting to petty theft, robbery, and even violent crimes like assault and battery. In particular, if drugs, alcohol, or firearms are involved, things can turn south really fast, leading to a messy crime scene at Christmas.
Why do crime rates spike during Christmas, when it is a time meant for festivities, for happiness, Jesus Christ, family, giving, and gaiety? Why should you call in the experts to clean up a crime scene on your property as soon as possible? These are some of the questions we will address here. But first, a little about us:
Bio-One Savannah is a leading provider of decontamination and biohazard cleaning/crime-scene cleanup services in multiple counties surrounding Savannah along the Atlantic Coast of Georgia. You can find the complete list of areas we serve on this page.
If you end up with a crime scene on your property, stay calm and call us at 912-755-1211. Our dedicated team of crime scene decontamination and biohazard cleaning experts will remove all traces of the incident and return your property back to its original state.
The holiday season usually refers to the time between Halloween and the New Year, roughly two months long. In many parts of the northern and western United States, this period is marked by heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.
Colder temperatures usually reduce human activity, which also includes crime. Across the United States, the peak crime rates occur in the warmer spring and summer months. Based on this, there is an exception to this rule.
During the holidays, particularly as we get closer to the end of the year in December, there is a subtle increase in crime rates in many parts. The increase can be as high as 20% during the Christmas season, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey.
This spike is directly related to an increase in several different types of crime – larceny, robbery, and to an extent, burglary. What is the difference between these three? Let's find out:
Murder rates do not increase during the holiday season. Instead, most murders are committed in the summer. However, the same cannot be said about other forms of violent crime like assault and battery – they can go up by a few percentage points during Christmas.
In effect, we can say that while the more severe crimes like murder decrease during the winters, criminal activity overall does see double-digit growth as we get closer to Christmas and the new year.
Crime is a very complex matter involving numerous variables – psychological, economic, and social. We can only make some educated guesses regarding the various factors that contribute to an increase in criminal activity during the holiday season. They can include the following:
Holidays are a time of frenetic shopping activity – imagine crowds of people walking around with cash and other valuables on their person. People often leave their valuables and gifts in cars at their homes during the winter shopping spree. And many families often travel during this season, leaving their homes vacant – all easy targets for the opportunistic criminal.
Christmas is also a painful season for your wallets – buying gifts, food, and drinks for family and friends can cost a small fortune. Many criminals often act out of sheer desperation in an attempt to get gifts for their families. Others are sometimes just flat-out broke and want money to get them through the cold months.
This a relatively new form of theft that arose with the rise of e-commerce deliveries. Porch pirates are people who steal packages left at the doors of others' homes. Since many Christmas shopping is done online these days, porch pirates have a glut of easy pickings to choose from in the days leading up to Christmas.
Violent altercations are a common sight during family get-togethers and parties. These social occasions are often highly stressful times for many people, as they are forced to spend time with individuals with whom they have issues. The stress, when combined with the consumption of alcohol and drugs, can lead to violent assaults or worse.
As a state with a humid subtropical climate, Georgia tends to have warmer Christmas than, say, New York or Connecticut. And this is also reflected in the state’s ranking for December crime rates. On the list of the states with the most thefts or burglaries in the Holiday Season, Georgia ranks fourth, behind Washington, New Mexico, and Texas.
Somewhat surprisingly, the states with the fewest thefts in the same period are New York, Vermont, Mississippi, South Dakota, and New Hampshire. Back in Georgia, the Atlanta Police Department records show that the highest number of crimes and arrests usually happens in December (this has nothing to do with the recent ANTIFA attack on Atlanta).
The situation is not that different in Savannah, GA, as it is Georgia’s fifth-largest city with a population of about 150,000 people. Holiday crimes tend to happen more often in urban areas than in rural communities. The Savannah metropolitan area is the third largest in the state, with a massive population of over 400,000.
Bio-One Savannah’s expert decontamination and biohazard cleaning services are available all over the greater Savannah metropolitan area, including nearby counties like Bulloch County, Brantley County, Camden County, Liberty County, Chatham County, and surrounding communities.
If you urgently need discreet crime scene cleanup services from an experienced decontamination cleaning company in any of these locations, you can rely on us. Our crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination crews are active 24/7. To contact our biohazard cleaning team, give us a call at 912-755-1211, or use our service request form here.
Injuries and death are common at scenes of crime, particularly when the criminal is challenged by either the victim, passers-by, or law enforcement. This invariably results in blood splatters, body fluids, feces, and other forms of biological contamination.
The duty of the first responders – police, paramedics, and other investigators – does not involve cleanup and biohazard decontamination. After they take all the relevant samples and other evidence, they often cede control of the crime scene property back to its original owners.
Up until at least the 1990s, the unpleasant task of crime scene cleanup and suicide cleanup was left to the hapless owners. Very few professional cleaning companies were willing to take up a biohazard decontamination job.
Thankfully, the 1990s and early 2000s also saw the genesis of the crime scene clean-up industry – professional cleaners who take over the responsibilities of removing all biological and chemical contaminants from a crime scene or trauma scene, sparing the owners of further duress. They are rightfully called the last responders.
Also called crime and trauma scene decontamination, or CTS decon, companies like Bio-One Savannah provide a vital service within the wider cleaning industry. It is certainly not for the faint of heart or stomach – crime scene cleanup and biohazard deal with blood, decaying animal/human remains, and potentially toxic substances like chemicals in a meth lab, for example.
Apart from crime scenes, CTS decon companies also handle suicide cleanup, odor removal, blood spill cleanup, hoarding cleanup, homeless encampment cleanup, feces urine cleanup service, junk removal, meth lab toxic chemical decontamination, and biohazard decontamination needs.
The prime duty of a biohazard decontamination and cleanup team is to remove all contaminants and dangerous substances from a site and restore it back to its previous state, fit for normal human use and habitation. This complex task is called remediation, and it requires a comprehensive cleaning approach. This is something best left in the hands of biohazard crime scene cleaning experts.
While it may have been the norm in the distant past, cleaning a crime scene on your own is never a good idea. Here are 5 compelling reasons why you need to call in the experts like Bio-One Savannah for your crime scene clean-up and remediation:
All bodily fluids – blood, urine, and feces – are considered biological hazards by the federal government due to their ability to spread dangerous pathogens and diseases. Biohazard cleaning team professionals always wear full protective gear (PPE kits) when cleaning any contaminated site. If you want to avoid the risk of catching deadly diseases like HIV and hepatitis, leave the cleanup to the professionals!
Witnessing a crime happens on your property is traumatic, especially if you or your family were among the victims of violence. It is often a life-changing situation for many. Being forced to clean up the mess will only add to the overall mental trauma – crime scenes are often extremely gruesome and gut-wrenching. The best thing you can do is to spare yourself the trauma and bring in the experienced pros for a discreet crime scene cleanup.
Blood is notoriously hard to clean from surfaces. It can flow and pool up under your carpets, floorboards, and other surfaces. If there were any headshot wounds, the brain matter may end up as hardened deposits on your walls. All these can lead to foul odors if the site is not properly sanitized. Only a decontamination and biohazard cleaning company can provide comprehensive remediation in such circumstances.
You cannot unilaterally decide to undertake the cleanup of a crime scene – they are often of acute interest to law enforcement agencies. You need explicit permission from the investigating officers to even start the process. Experienced cleaners know the protocol and can handle everything on your behalf.
Visible signs of violence can severely depreciate the value of a property and often render it unsellable. Ideally, you want any trace of the crime scene to be wiped out to protect your real estate investment. A discreet crime scene cleanup is essential. And to do this legally, you need the assistance of a professional crime scene cleaning team who has had the proper training.
At Bio-One Savannah, we have the benefit of decades of professional cleaning experience among our teams to discreetly remediate impacted spaces. We offer a wide range of decontamination and biohazard cleaning services, including:
Bio-One Savannah is the premier name in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination in Savannah, GA, and nearby counties. A proud, locally owned business, our biohazard decontamination professionals serving the local community have a stellar track record and high customer review ratings.
The Bio-One Team makes dependable and compassionate service a priority when dealing with all our clients. Our mission is simple – help first, business second. We are a trusted, experienced, and discreet decontamination cleaning company.
Along with years of experience and expertise in crime scene cleanups, we also offer our clients discretion, compassion, and comprehensive remediation. We deeply understand the impact a violent crime can have on the psyche – which is why we offer quick and efficient cleanup so that you can leave the incident in your past and move forward.
The Bio-One Savannah crime scene cleanup and biohazard services are available 24/7 – just give us a call at 912-755-1211 any time you have a crime scene cleanup or biohazard removal emergency. You can also contact us using the service request form available online on our website.
A cleanup company takes a crime scene and cleans it to how it was before the crime took place. Doing this entails many different tedious methods such as deodorizing and disinfecting.
Different crimes require different approaches. For example, in a violent crime, where someone has died at the scene, a crime scene cleanup company must disinfect and sanitize the area. In an area where teargas has been used, the type of threat is different and the chemicals and tools used are different.
There are, of course, quite a few other things that a crime scene cleanup company in Georgia must handle.
When the police and the first responders have finished their job and the coroner leaves, the scene left behind will often contain biological remains such as blood and other bodily fluids. These biological agents can contain many pathogens and life-threatening hazards that a cleanup company will remove quickly and safely.
These signs of a crime are not only a physical hazard but an emotional and psychological danger as well. They pose a threat by serving as a constant reminder of the crimes that took place there.
Whether the crime committed occurs in a home or an office, people are exposed to its effects. A crime scene cleanup company removes these dangers and makes it easier for those involved to move on.
In an event where tear gas is used, a crime scene cleanup company in Georgia. like Bio-One Savannah, is paramount.
The chemicals from tear gas do not dissipate and fly away after the incident. Instead, they remain in the area until they are properly disposed of by a professional.
Tear gas chemicals can cause a host of health problems ranging from respiratory to skin to even severe allergic reactions. Without its removal, the chemical agents would continue to expose people to this biohazard.
Companies like Bio-One Savannah also provide services for:
Wherever dangerous medical waste materials are involved, it’s always best to hire a crime scene cleanup company Georgia expert.
When a decomposing body is discovered, the environment around it may become very hazardous. This is another time when crime scene cleanup companies are indispensable.
Homeless encampments and properties influenced by hoarders are often susceptible to a myriad of dangerous pathogens and other related factors. Some of these venues leave behind very stubborn odors that only a crime scene cleanup company will successfully eradicate.
While they’re not really known to do such, crime scene cleanup companies will offer sewage backup cleanups. Sewage backup can cause foul odors and be harmful to be around.
Mold can cause a host of respiratory ailments if not treated and remedied correctly.
Emergency vehicles will often become contaminated after transporting victims of a crime or accident. Which is why some crime scene cleanup companies will also assist in cleaning emergency vehicles.
The thing that makes Bio-one Savannah so successful at crime scene cleanups is the level of training, the certifications, and the use of industrial cleaners and protective equipment. But other than that, our success also derives from our commitment to helping clients.
If you find yourself in need of a cleanup company that is available 24/7 everyday of the year, you can call at 912-755-1211 or visit our website www.bioone-savannah.com/.
If you ever wondered how crime scene cleanup companies work, read about the requirements they all share and the things they have in common. Crime scene cleanup Georgia service providers have a series of requirements imposed by the state. Below is a list of these requirements and regulations.
When using a vehicle for crime cleanup, experts must always follow these requirements:
In regards to manifest, the following requirements must be followed:
There must always be a separate area for storage when dealing with a biohazard. This area must be marked with a biohazard symbol as well as a sign that reads: “No unauthorized personnel.” Said storage must not exceed 30 days and must be at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
All crime scene cleanup services in Savannah have to operate by these rules. Beyond operating by these rules, they work by ensuring their employees are using the best protective gear possible to preserve their health and that of their clients.
They work by taking the crime scene, erasing every bit of biohazardous material, and decontaminating the entire area. Crime scene cleanup services work by making areas safe again and helping the homeowner or property manager move on.
As not all companies have the same level of professionalism and care, we recommend researching any possible cleanup service and ensuring they have an excellent reputation.
Bio-One of Savannah has proven expertise, client approval, and years of experience providing top-notch and lightning-fast crime scene cleanup Savannah services. We will restore the area to the way it was before the crime or incident took place.
Our services include:
Our commitment to the safety of both our clients and our employees is unmatched. We realize that our clients require discretion, compassion, and privacy which is why our friendly staff is always available 24/7, everyday of the year.
For crime scene cleanup Georgia services, call: (912)755.1211 or visit us at www.BioOne-Savannah.com.
We live in troubled times; even with a pandemic going around and many people staying away from crowds and in their homes, the rate of homicides has had a massive rise during 2020. These and other violent crimes tend to leave behind a scene of chaos containing all sorts of biohazards, including blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. These must be cleaned up as quickly and professionally as possible to prevent any danger to those that would be exposed to the area's pathogens.
Homeowners, property managers, and business owners alike can become affected by crime in the blink of an eye and suddenly find themselves having to clean up biohazards from a crime scene. It is important to make sure the right crime scene cleanup service is contacted and avoid any contaminants and further emotional hardship.
The only responsible thing to do is to find a Crime scene cleanup Savannah expert with a great reputation and testimonials to back their reputation up;. Someone with years of experience and no complaints.
Facing the aftermath of a crime can be an emotionally draining experience. But it doesn’t have to be when you reach out to a reliable service provider.
Before selecting a company to remove biohazards and cleanup, make sure they adhere to OSHA regulations and use only EPA-compliant chemicals. They must be properly certified and put their clients first and their business second.
Not all crimes leave the same type of residue. For example, while most cleanup services are trained to handle biohazardous material, fewer companies will know what to do with other chemical agents such as tear gas.
Tear gas can cause respiratory problems and damage to the heart and liver and the residue it leaves behind will remain a danger until properly cleaned up. Make sure you find a company experienced in the specific type of cleanup you require. It all requires a set of skills that not all companies can properly execute.
With Bio-One, you will find proven expertise in providing quick and professional crime scene clean-up. We will take care of all biohazards by disinfecting, deodorizing, and restoring the scene to pre-incident status.
We are state-licensed and OSHA certified; we use EPA-compliant chemicals and are used to assisting law enforcement public service agencies, and the private sector in the restoration of property that has been contaminated because of a crime.
Crime can take place any time, which is why Bio-One is always available 24/7 everyday of the year. We are fully committed to the safety of our employees and our clients and are equally committed to providing a service that is discreet and respects clients' privacy.
When you need reliable service, call us at (912)755.1211 or visit us at www.BioOne-Savannah.com.
Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.
Here is Week 7 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
Thank You to the Thin Gold Line
The second week of April is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications professionals who dedicate their lives to serving the public. Often called the thin gold line, 911 dispatchers are true heroes behind the scenes.
Coast to coast, Bio-One teams found fun and unique ways to recognize the Thin Gold Line.
Bio-One Helps Homeless Man with Vehicle Clean Up
This week, News San Diego reported "Homeless man's story inspires San Diego mom to enlist community's help", featuring Rene Flohr and Nicki Chipp-Flohr, owners of Bio-One. The Bio-One duo spotted a NextDoor post asking for anyone who could help 79 year-old, Les, who had been living out of his vehicle and was recently diagnosed with skin cancer. His vehicle was floor to ceiling full of items, and Bio-One was ready to help clean and disinfect the vehicle so it could be sold or donated.
In a message to Bio-One owners, Nicki said, "I am very proud of what we are doing to help someone. I thought you’d all appreciate it, since we live the Bio-One motto of #helpfirstbusinesssecond." We couldn't agree more!
Read the entire story on News San Diego.
A "Week in the Life" at Bio-One
The Bio-One team in Tuscon, AZ had a busy week with work ranging from COVID-19 disinfections, mold remediations, bird dropping clean up, medical waste disposal, suicide remediation, and more.
If you've ever wondered what it takes to be a crime and trauma scene cleaner, we recommend read through the Tuscon team's Weekly Wrap-Up!
Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.
Here is Week 6 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
Cherokee County Biohazard Remediation
Lives in the Atlanta area were forever altered on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 after a shooting spree at three metro Atlanta spas left eight people, including six Asian women, dead within the span of 45 minutes.
Our hearts and sympathies are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.
Two weeks after the tragic events in Atlanta took place, Bio-One answered the call to remediate the spa in Cherokee County. Led by Michele O'Brien and Rebecca Phillips, the Bio-One team provided a quick response and thorough decontamination. Read more in our recent blog post.
Tragedy in Rock Hill, South Carolina
As details from the tragedy in Rock Hill, South Carolina unfold, one Bio-One team paid special tribute to the victims, first responders and other local law enforcement officials. Bio-One owners, John and Jen Symons, live in Rock Hill and experienced the police response first-hand. "It's a tight-knit community. We just can't believe it," said Jen Symons.
Their team is currently in communication with local law enforcement, and activity supporting neighbors through this difficult time.
COVID-19 Disinfection at Dojo
This week, we're spotlighting the Atlantic City team where they are regularly disinfecting Ganguly's Mixed Martial Arts. According to Bio-One owner, Victor Russomanno, "We are contracted with a local martial arts studio to disinfect them weekly. In addition to their in-house protocol, we use an electrostatic sprayer to ensure maximum coverage and protection, to ensure those who are training are staying safe through our efforts."
Across the United States, Bio-One teams actively disinfect local businesses, government buildings, and residents in the fight against coronavirus. Learn more about our COVID-19 disinfection process.
Lives in the Atlanta area were forever altered on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 after a shooting spree at three metro Atlanta spas left eight people, including six Asian women, dead within the span of 45 minutes.
Our hearts and sympathies are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.
We sincerely hope businesses never experience these types of events, because that means it’s the worst day of their lives. However, Bio-One teams are ready 24/7 in the event biohazard remediation services are needed.
Two weeks after the tragic events in Atlanta took place, Bio-One answered the call to remediate the spa in Cherokee County. Led by Michele O'Brien and Rebecca Phillips, the Bio-One team provided a quick response and thorough decontamination.
“When we walked into the spa, it was like time stopped,” said Phillips. “Things were there just like a normal day and then chaos happened. It was a heavy feeling, and we appreciate the opportunity to help.”
Previously, Bio-One has been trusted to remediate several mass shooting tragedies including Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, Pulse Nightclub, the San Bernardino schools and Sandy Hook.