Biohazard and Sewage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Water Tips  |  Fire Tips   |  Biohazard Tips   |  Mold Tips

At SERVPRO® of Downtown Portland / Team McGinnis, safety is always our top priority—especially when it comes to biohazard cleanup. Whether it's from trauma, chemical spills, sewage backups, or other hazardous materials, handling these situations requires specialized training and protective equipment.

Here are a few important biohazard cleaning tips to keep in mind:

    Do not attempt to clean it yourself. Biohazardous materials can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Improper handling puts your health at serious risk.

    Isolate the affected area. Keep people and pets away from the contaminated space until professionals can assess the situation.

    Avoid cross-contamination. Do not touch, move, or disturb anything in the area, including surfaces, objects, or flooring.

    Call trained professionals. Our certified technicians are equipped to handle everything from containment and cleanup to odor removal and full restoration.

At SERVPRO of Downtown Portland / Team McGinnis, we’re available 24/7 to safely restore your property and peace of mind. When it comes to biohazards, trust the pros—don’t take chances with your safety.

Need Biohazard Cleanup? Call Us Today – (503) 404-3004

After any biohazard or sewage contamination in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
  • Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

What to Do After a Contamination

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
  • Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
  • Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to Do After a Contamination

  • Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don’t use television or other household appliances.
  • Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

24 Hour Emergency Service

Biohazards like flood water or sewer backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of Downtown Portland / Team McGinnis has water damage restoration specialists and has specific training and expertise to safely remediate biohazard contaminants.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

  • Downtown Portland
  • Pearl District
  • Old Town
  • Chinatown
  • West Burnside

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