After 25 years as a brokerage owner and another 13 advising brokers, clients, insurers and industry associations on general insurance practices and procedures, I most unfortunately got to put my background to the test when my church hall suffered smoke damage last year. Those first on the scene thought it was ‘no big deal’, ‘just a bit of smoke’, and ‘will be fine with some fans’. The church building is heavily used and rented by many community groups, and this was just before the busy Christmas season. The gasping and coughing of members and renters soon made it clear that the hall wasn’t useable; I was asked to help, contacted some cleaning firms and reported the claim. The insurer immediately contacted BioSweep and asked their Manitoba representative, Dale Dublin, to drive to Regina. He was there within hours, assessed the situation, helped us work around major upcoming events in the hall, came back with equipment and crew, sealed up the building and 3 days later the previously pervasive smoke smell was GONE. GONE FOR GOOD. Cleaning was still needed for the residue and film on surfaces, but we could use the building. There was very little loss of rental income or disruption to church activities. BioSweep was professional, helpful, and easy to deal with. After helping many clients through similar smoke claims, some of which required removing drywall and carpet, scraping stippled ceilings, or worse, I was sceptical but must say, I am amazed and impressed with thisnew technology! I have no hesitation in recommending BioSweep.
