Recent Biohazard Posts

Are You READY?

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Contact us to learn more about our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned service and for a free quote.

When our logo is on your door, your commitment to clean is clear.

Are you ready to be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?

With reported COVID-19 cases on the rise, communicate to your customers and employees that you’ve chosen a higher standard of clean with the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 global pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes far beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning.

When you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we stand on over 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

Fast Response With Confirmed Cases

In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 

Have Questions? Interested in a free quote?

Call Us 24/7: (636) 583-5200

Hoarding: A Serious Situation

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Helping your hoarder in Franklin County, MO

According to The Mayo Clinic, “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.”

Many people with hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem. Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail, or packaging.

Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded. Bugs, fleas, rats, and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard.

SERVPRO® of Franklin County has encountered hoarding situations in several different ways.

 Often, we are called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when they arrive on-site. Our technicians’ will communicate with the insurance company regarding their content’s coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and stored by SERVPRO of Franklin County or relocated to a storage facility so work on the fire or water loss can begin.

Another way we encounter hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, case workers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job. Sometimes family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well.

Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but SERVPRO® of Franklin County is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” If you encounter a hoarding situation, call SERVPRO® of Franklin County today.

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup 24/7 SERVPRO of Franklin County, MO

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Franklin County also offers fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Franklin County Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, we help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices.

SERVPRO® of Franklin County can help with the following issues:

  • Bloodborne Pathogens:
    • We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. We also thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
  • Methamphetamine Labs
    • Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. We follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.
  • Crime Scene Residues
    • From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.
  • Arson & Vandalism
    • We also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.
  • Sewage Backups
    • Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.
  • Black Water Intrusions
    • This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
  • Mold Mitigation and Remediation
    • In as little as 48 hours, a minor mold issue can quickly spread through a home or business. Once you contact us, we’re dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

Contact SERVPRO of Franklin County today for 24-hour emergency service. (636) 583-5200

Hoarding in Franklin County, MO

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

Hoarding in Franklin County, MO

According to The Mayo Clinic, “Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.” Many people with hoarding disorder do not find their habits to be a problem.

Hoarded items are often things others would throw away or look at as junk or garbage such as old newspapers, junk mail or packaging. Hoarding can lead to homes filled with extreme clutter to full capacity from years of accumulation, making living conditions unsanitary and crowded.

Bugs, fleas, rats and other vermin may be present, at which point an exterminator would need to be called. At times, hoarding may spread to outside the home as well, to storage facilities, or even the garage or yard.

SERVPRO® of Franklin County encounter hoarding situations several different ways. Often,
we are called for a fire or water loss and find the hoarding situation when we arrive on-site. We will communicate with the insurance company regarding their contents coverage, and after approval, contents can be packed out and possibly cleaned, dried, and stored, or relocated to a storage facility so work on the fire or water loss can begin.

Another way SERVPRO® can encounter hoarding jobs is through calls from landlords, case workers, real estate agents, or family members, often after the death of a loved one. In these situations, the crew will see if they should look for any items of importance while they clean the job. Sometimes, family members will come and try to help the hoarder sort through their contents as well.

Each case is very different, and hoarding jobs are often sensitive situations, but SERVPRO® of Franklin County is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

If you encounter a hoarding situation, call SERVPRO® of Franklin County today. (636) 583-5200

What You Should Know About Sewage Clean Up

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage damage Franklin County, MO

Sewage is one of the most dangerous substances to enter homes or buildings.

It contains fungi, bacteria and viruses, many of which are disease-causing. Unfortunately, many people fail to understand the hazards that sewage presents, particularly for the very young or very old, or for those with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems.

The IICRC has complied guidelines for professional sewage clean-up called the Standard for Water Damage Restoration (S500).

Here are the key principles you should know about sewage back-ups:

  • Sewage contains a variety of pathogenic – disease causing – fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Anyone who works on sewage losses must have updated vaccinations, including one for Hepatitis B.
  • Sewage exposure is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including anyone under two or over 60, those who are pregnant, ill, recovering from surgery, on prescription drugs or chemotherapy, or are AIDS victims.
  • It is not safe to stay in a building that’s flooded with sewage unless the contaminated area can be completely sealed off and placed under controlled air flow so that there will be no cross contamination of unaffected areas.
  • Highly absorbent sewage-saturated materials, such as carpet, pad, upholstery, bedding, wicker, paper or even fabrics that can’t be washed in hot water (130°F/54°C) for at least 10 minutes, must be contained and disposed of properly.  This goes for sewage-saturated drywall, insulation and several other structural materials too.  There’s simply too great a health risk involved if any of these materials are dried in place and cleaned only.
  • Only the most highly trained professionals should attempt sewage remediation work. Then, a “third party” indoor environmental professional can provide post-remediation verification or “clearance testing” to ensure that the home or building is safe to re-occupy.

Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (636) 583-5200

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup Franklin County, MO
Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Franklin County offers fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Franklin County is trained to safely and effectively remove bio hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.


Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Franklin County can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. SERVPRO of Franklin County can help with the following issues:

  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Methamphetamine Labs
  • Crime Scene Residues
  • Arson
  • Vandalism
  • Sewage Backups
  • Black Water Intrusions
  • Mold Mitigation and Remediation

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO® Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.


METHAMPHETAMINE LABS

Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO® follows federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.


CRIME SCENE RESIDUES

From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and  pepper spray residues, SERVPRO® can clean and restore your property and contents.


ARSON AND VANDALISM

SERVPRO® Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. SERVPRO of Franklin County also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism, etc.

Call SERVPRO of Franklin County today for more information. 

Biohazard, Crime Scene, and Vandalism Cleanup

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Biohazard Cleanup

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Franklin County offers fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Franklin County is trained to safely and effectively remove bio hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Franklin County can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. SERVPRO of Franklin County can help with the following issues:

  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Methamphetamine Labs
  • Crime Scene Residues
  • Arson
  • Vandalism
  • Sewage Backups
  • Black Water Intrusions
  • Mold Mitigation and Remediation

 

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO® Technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.


METHAMPHETAMINE LABS

Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO® follows federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.


CRIME SCENE RESIDUES

From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and  pepper spray residues, SERVPRO® can clean and restore your property and contents.


ARSON AND VANDALISM

SERVPRO® Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. Your local Franchise Professional also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

Contact SERVPRO of Franklin County today for 24-hour emergency service.  636-583-5200

What You Should Know About Sewage Clean Up

4/20/2017 (Permalink)

Sewage Clean Up - Pacific, MO
Sewage is one of the most dangerous substances to enter homes or buildings. It contains fungi, bacteria and viruses, many of which are disease-causing. Unfortunately, many people fail to understand the hazards that sewage presents, particularly for the very young or very old, or for those with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems.

The IICRC has complied guidelines for professional sewage clean-up called the Standard for Water Damage Restoration (S500).

Here are the key principles you should know about sewage back-ups:

  • Sewage contains a variety of pathogenic – disease causing – fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Anyone who works on sewage losses must have updated vaccinations, including one for Hepatitis B.
  • Sewage exposure is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including anyone under two or over 60, those who are pregnant, ill, recovering from surgery, on prescription drugs or chemotherapy, or are AIDS victims.
  • It is not safe to stay in a building that’s flooded with sewage unless the contaminated area can be completely sealed off and placed under controlled air flow so that there will be no cross contamination of unaffected areas.
  • Highly absorbent sewage-saturated materials, such as carpet, pad, upholstery, bedding, wicker, paper or even fabrics that can’t be washed in hot water (130°F/54°C) for at least 10 minutes, must be contained and disposed of properly.  This goes for sewage-saturated drywall, insulation and several other structural materials too.  There’s simply too great a health risk involved if any of these materials are dried in place and cleaned only.
  • Only the most highly trained professionals should attempt sewage remediation work. Then, a “third party” indoor environmental professional can provide post-remediation verification or “clearance testing” to ensure that the home or building is safe to re-occupy.

Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (636) 583-5200

How Can A Homeowner Perform Odor Control?

9/6/2016 (Permalink)

Odor Control

Responsive odor control is key to keeping foul smells from taking over the home, and homeowners can perform many of these tasks on their own. And when a certain stench is proving to be too difficult to deal with, certified professionals can provide ample backup. Certified technicians have access to a variety of commercial products that are designed to neutralize many stenches. And a professional may be necessary if the smell is caused by something like smoke, which is notoriously difficult to neutralize.

However, there are situations where a homeowner can perform some form of odor control on their own. This normally includes smells caused by pet waste and food remnants, and the approach is somewhat simple. To begin with, it is extremely important that a homeowner responds to the source of the smell right away. By washing the area with some hot soapy water, a homeowner can blunt some of the stench, and a homeowner may be able to get rid of it completely by applying white vinegar and water to the area, and by opening windows. Fresh air can go a long way in eliminating repulsive smells, as can vacuuming. Finally, a homeowner can apply baking soda to the carpet to slowly draw the smell out of the flooring. This may take a couple days, but once vacuumed up, it should leave behind a fresher smell.

Again, if these methods aren’t enough, and they often aren’t, then homeowners shouldn’t hesitate to bring in an experienced, certified professional to effectively neutralize the odors.

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Franklin County is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contact any surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call, and leave the restoration to us. 636-583-5200

There is Hope for Your Hoarder

3/22/2016 (Permalink)

If you or a loved one is dealing with a hoarding situation, especially with a family member who is ill or recently deceased, SERVPRO of Franklin County can help you resolve the situation with understanding and compassion. People who are dealing with a hoarding disorder deserve a trusting cleanup team who can help restore their lives to normal.

A hoarding situation required special expertise in cleaning and restoration. We have dealt with every kind of critical restoration situation and have the depth of resources to handle jobs from a small kitchen disaster to the toughest and most complex estate jobs involving toxic odors and biohazardous materials.

By listening to the family's needs and concerns, we create a plan that everyone agrees upon, whether this involves cleaning, sorting, distributing, communicating, and disposing or donating unwanted items.

The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Franklin County is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (636) 583-5200

Illegal Drug Lab Clean Up

3/17/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know that Franklin County, MO was considered to be Ground Zero for methamphetamine production? According to KTVI news, busts for the drug are down in Franklin County. However, drug users are switching from one drug to another. Use of Heroin and opiates and the crimes that go with them have also jumped. 

At SERVPRO, we realize many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. We follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. We are trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.

Biohazard emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours, and that’s why SERVPRO of Franklin County is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have the qualified trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Biohazard Cleanup? Call Us Today 636-583-5200

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

3/17/2016 (Permalink)

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. We have specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Sewage is considered category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Franklin County is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are water damage restoration specialists with specialized training, equipment and protective gear to safely restore your home or business.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

Toilet Overflow or Sewer Backup?
Call Today 636-583-5200

Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup

1/27/2016 (Permalink)

After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of Franklin County will respond immediately and have the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes. 

SERVPRO technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Their first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. we will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services

-Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals

-Tear gas and pepper spray residues

-Fire extinguisher residue

-Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants

Common Trauma and Crime Scene Scenarios

Crime Scene Residues
From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can clean and restore your property after a crime scene investigation.

Bloodborne Pathogens
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs
SERVPRO realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces.

Need Trauma or Crime Scene Cleanup? Call Today 636-583-5200

Toilet Overflow?

1/27/2016 (Permalink)

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (636) 583-5200

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Franklin County will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.
-Water from a clean source like a broken water line
-If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
-May contain bacteria and viruses
-Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
-May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
-Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Franklin County is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Union community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.