Emily Kil is co-owner of Eco Bear, a leading biohazard remediation company in Southern California. An experienced entrepreneur, Emily assisted in founding Eco Bear as a means of combining her business experience with her desire to provide assistance to people facing challenging circumstances. Emily regularly writes about her first-hand experiences providing services such as biohazard cleanup, suicide cleanup, crime scene cleanup, unattended death cleanup, infectious disease disinfection, and other types of difficult remediations in homes and businesses.
California real estate professionals are facing a set of different practices and protocols as a result of the COVID-19 which collectively can be called a “new normal” for the profession. Real estate agents, brokers, and associated professionals need to be aware of tactics and strategies that have been recommended as a means of keeping people…
California is slowly beginning the process of “re-opening.” Business and other operations across the state will not be the same as they were prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Californians will be able to enjoy access to a variety of things that have been unavailable for an extended period of time. These…
One of the most challenging situations involving biohazardous contamination is the aftermath of what technically is known as an unattended death. In basic terms, an unattended death involves a situation in which a person dies alone for one reason or another. The deceased individual’s remains aren’t found for a period of time that may equate…
The United States has the highest number of incarcerated individuals in the industrialized world. Suicide is a major issue in jails, prisons, and other correctional institutions in the United States. Suicide is considered a serious health problem in U.S. correctional facilities. Suicide is the second leading cause of deaths in jails and the third leading…
One of the most challenging types of biohazard remediation endeavors is what is known as trauma scene cleanup. In basic terms, trauma scene cleanup involves the cleaning and disinfection of the site of a traumatic event that results in the presence of biological matter like blood, bodily fluids, and other biomatter. These scenes oftentimes fairly…
San Marcos has enhanced some of the COVID-19 restrictions and mandates coming down from the state of California over the past 90 days. In other words, some of the measures taken in San Marcos have been stricter and more severe than what even Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered in response to the coronavirus pandemic. With…
As of the end of May 2020, 18 states including California were still experiencing a moderate increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19 infections. About a dozen states in the country appeared to have reached a plateau in new cases. The remaining states were experiencing notable increases in the number of new cases…
As of the end of May 2020, California and the rest of the United States was technically considered to be in what at times is being referred to as the first COVID-19 wave. Reference to “first wave” recognizes the reality that many infectious disease experts believe that a second COVID-19 wave is a real possibility.…
Although Southern California has pleasant weather during much of the wintertime months, as summer draws near, the desire to spend more time out of doors with family and friends will increase. The warmer months of summer are arriving at the same time that state and local governmental agencies contemplate loosening some of the restrictions placed…
People across the United States, including in Southern California, are fascinated with crime. One need only look at television schedules and film premiers to get a feeling for how interested people from all walks of life are about crime. This includes what fairly can be called an intense fascination with crime scenes and crime scene…
While COVID-19 has dominated headlines when it comes to infectious diseases in California, the United States, and around the world, professionals involved in the travel and lodging industries need to remain vigilant in regard to other dangerous infections and health issues as well. The reality is that hotels, motels, Airbnb’s, and other types of lodging…
Throughout Southern California and across the United States, churches have largely been shuttered for “normal” services over the course of the past couple of months as a result of directives issued by state and local governments. Some churches are ignoring these directives and are conducting church services with full pews. In some areas, churches will…
In order to effectively undertake odor control and elimination, you must understand what constitutes odor. You also need to understand how a human being perceives odors. Accurate information about understanding what constitutes odor is imperative. In the age of the ubiquitous internet, there is some information about what makes up odors and how we perceive…
Thousands of families across the United States face the horrific aftermath of a violent crime that occurred in their homes. Southern California families are not immune from this dreadful peril. Cleaning up a violent crime scene presents potential health risks to a person undertaking such a task. In addition, crime scene cleaners will also tell…
The only true way you can understand how to control, combat, and eliminate odor is to understand some fundamental facts and factors. There are four primary principles of odor control that you need to understand: Remove the source Clean the source area Recreate conditions of penetration Seal the surface Remove the Source The initial and…
Crime has been and remains an endemic problem in the United States, including in Southern California, according to the United States Department of Justice. This includes a variety of crimes that exclusively occur in a residential setting as well as other types of crimes that happen in homes with alarming frequency. When a crime of…
We live in something of a rough and tumble society. A stark example of our collective reality is that none of us are immune from crime. This includes those of us that own small businesses in Southern California. If you’re a business owner that has become the victim of a crime at your establishment, you…
Safety issues associated with odor control and elimination must not be underestimated. The stark reality is that undertaking odor remediation or elimination can present some significant physical and mental health issues that need to be understood. All individuals involved in odor control and elimination needs to understand safety practices and protocols necessary to protect themselves…
After considerable controversy that lasted about four years, the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, was passed into law and signed by the President in the fall of 1994. The law comes up for review before Congress in order for it to be reauthorized on a set schedule. Prior to 2020, each time the VAWA…
The United States Department of Justice, or DOJ, has enumerated 10 primary rights that accrue to a victim of crime. These are: Right to attend Right to be informed Right to restitution Right to enforcement of victim remedies Right to compensation Right to privacy Right to return of property Right to be heard Right to…
A considerable amount of attention has been paid to how tenants are to be protected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state established some limitations regarding what can and cannot be done in regard to evicting tenants from rental property for nonpayment of rent during the pandemic. In addition, some cities and counties in the state…
The National Organization for Victim Assistance hosted a vital presentation on Suicide and the Impact of COVID-19. The panel focused on a number of important topics, including: Understanding and using the Columbia Protocol Means elimination and lowering the risk of suicide The National Organization for Victim Assistance included a discussion led by faculty members from…
As is the case in other segments of the economy, the entertainment industry is positioning itself to “reopen” after a wide-ranging suspension of operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paramount concern with the relaunch of film, television, and other types of productions is the health and safety of all involved in these…
The aftermath of the death of a loved one is never an easy process to navigate. The situation becomes far more complex as well as emotionally challenging when a family member or friend dies in what is known as an unattended death. In fact, an unattended death not only presents challenges to family and friends…
Arguably, no industry has been harder hit by the COVID-19 pandemic than has restaurants across the country. Some restaurants were able to remain partially operational by maintaining pickup and delivery services. Some were not. There will be some establishments that will never see their doors open again. A majority of eateries will at least be…
COVID-19 has created difficult situations for those in senior living apartments and nursing homes. As the requirements change, it’s important to know what to do to keep everyone safe, including the residents of the senior living apartments/nursing homes as well as the staff. COVID-19 affects people of all ages and genders, but seniors (age 65…
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will slowly be “reopening,” moving away from some of the restrictions placed on residents and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Relief from some of the restrictions placed to suppress the spread of the novel coronavirus raises some concerns and questions. At the top of the list is…
Mold can prove to be a major problem in a home or business. A residential or commercial HVAC system can prove to be a primary contributing factor to harmful mold contamination. When it comes to the development of a general and yet crucial understanding of the nature of mold contamination of an HVAC system, there…
One of the most important resources available to a person – usually a woman – who is the victim of domestic violence in California is a restraining order. Because of the prevalence of domestic violence, it behooves us all to have an understanding of the process for obtaining a domestic violence restraining order in California. …
An understandably considerable amount of attention is paid to suicide prevention among young people, including high school age students. The vital necessity for ambitious, comprehensive suicide programs directed towards high school students cannot be overstated. With that important reality recognized, attention also needs to be paid to suicide postvention in a high school setting. Specifically,…
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the creation of a special COVID-19 Testing Task Force. Infectious disease specialists in California and around the world have made it abundantly clear that widespread testing is fundamental to safely “reopen” communities and lessen at least some restrictions previously put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mission…
Owning a restaurant during the COVID-19 outbreak requires numerous changes. While dining rooms still can’t be open for sit-down service, many restaurants are open for curbside and delivery, keeping businesses alive. At Eco Bear, we understand the difficulties restaurants face during this pandemic. We are here for you to help you understand how it affects…
Dialysis is a crucial treatment that must continue even in the face of COVID-19. At Eco Bear, we’re here to help you understand the precautions you can take and the disinfection measures you can use to ensure the safety of your employees and patients as much as possible. All patients must be provided access to…
Veterinary services are essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, which means veterinarian practices must understand how COVID-19 spreads, what precautions they should take, and how to keep staff, patients, and animals safe during this time. At Eco Bear, we understand the stress this puts your practice under. We are here to help you understand the latest…
Daycare/preschool remains an essential business as it’s how essential workers are able to work. At Eco Bear, we are here to help you through these trying times as you figure out what’s safe and unsafe at your childcare business. The utmost concern is keeping the children, parents, and staff safe, which means understanding COVID-19, how…
COVID-19 has presented a series of difficult circumstances for jails in the area. Because inmates, staff members, and government officials continually come in and out of the jail, it’s much easier for the virus to spread in the close quarters and continual cross-contamination. At Eco Bear, we understand the difficulties COVID-19 poses for the jails.…
COVID-19 has created many difficult situations for people, especially those that lose a loved one. During this time of social distancing and required isolation, it can make it hard to have proper closure and say your proper goodbyes like we are used to doing. At Eco Bear, we are here to help you through this…
Getting married in the face of COVID-19 creates challenges, to say the least. With the limited number of people allowed in a group setting at one time and the risk of spreading the virus being so high, it’s no wonder couples throughout California are worried about their nuptials. First and foremost, at Eco Bear, we…
Managing a workplace during COVID-19 presents a completely different environment than you’re used to. Not only do you have to manage your workforce, but you have to manage the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace for both the employees and customers. At Eco Bear, we understand the difficulties these present. We’ve prepared this guide to…
Construction sites are considered essential, but they still pose risks for everyone working the site. While the need to continue construction work continues, we have to know how to properly protect the workers to protect their health as well as the health of the general public by decreasing the spread of the illness. Contractors should…
We know that drug and alcohol rehab centers are an essential business as the alcoholism and drug addiction doesn’t stop because a pandemic occurred. In order to continue to keep your services going and keep everyone safe, you must follow the recommended guidelines to keep everyone safe from the virus while providing the essential care…
COVID-19 is a serious respiratory disease that spreads quickly. As the number of infected people continues to rise, churches throughout the Los Angeles area must change the way they do things in order to prevent exposure and reduce its spread. As the current Health Office Order states, all non-essential service businesses must stop in-person operations,…
No segment of the population has been untouched by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, a growing number of people have become infected by the novel coronavirus, some individuals becoming seriously and even fatally ill. This healthcare crisis has impacted people in a number of other ways as well, including emotionally, financially, and…
If certain words mark the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are uncertainty, confusion, and hope. This trio of words can be applied to the COVID-19 pandemic in a number of different ways, including in regard to combating the spread of the novel coronavirus and what the future holds in store. In addition, a…
Ever since the emergence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the respiratory disease COVID-19, global healthcare leaders have capitulated back and forth regarding the use of face masks to prevent infection. Some countries – especially those who had prior experience with respiratory epidemics such as SARS and MERS – immediately encouraged the use of face…
The National Organization for Victim Assistance is involved in a variety of professional and public outreach endeavors. These include ongoing webinars on topics of interest and importance to professionals involved in providing victim assistance, professionals employed in different elements of the criminal justice system, victims and their advocates, and members of the general public. One…
Few things are more exciting – thrilling – in life than buying and moving into a new home. On the other hand, few things in life are more disappointing – tragic, really – than discovering a serious or even dangerous flaw at the property after closing the deal and moving in. The story of Matthew…
The state of California, through the Office of the Governor and the Judicial Branch, has initiated some specific steps to place what fairly can be described as a hold on the judicial process associated with residential evictions across the Golden State during and for 90 days after the state of emergency declaration. The state has…
Keeping ahead and having the best information about how COVID-19 spreads is vital. Just prior to May 2020, some reports began to circulate that a possibility exists that COVID-19 may have the capability to remain airborne both in a space lacking circulation and in a location with air handling systems. The bottom line for businesses…
There were some positive indicators during the second half of April that there has been some progress made in different locations throughout California and the rest of the United States regarding reducing the spread of COVID-19. While there has been some headway, at the same time the U.S. Centers for Disease Control made it clear…