×

KOPE’s strategy

Local service steps up disinfecting efforts

Facebook photo Warren Koppenhafer is doing what he can. He’s been giving away disinfectant to clean cars and disinfectant wipes to the public for free. He said on his Facebook page for Kope Services that he “can’t guarantee this will kill COVID-19,” but it is done with EPA-registered products. He has sanitized high traffic outdoor areas like playgrounds for free.

Warren Koppenhafer felt like helping out his community, and had the means to do it.

KOPE services is a locally owned and operated exterior cleaning business based in Warren.

Last week, Koppenhafer decided to offer free cleaning and disinfecting services to public playgrounds and facilities.

“Whoever wanted to take me up on the offer, I would go and clean, disinfect and sanitize those areas as much as I was available to pro bono,” said Koppenhafer. “This is a good option for those who need large areas sanitized.”

Koppenhafer then took it a step further. His company buys highly-concentrated bleach that is typically used to kill algae, mold and bacteria and can also kill germs and viruses.

“The other day I was looking online and I couldn’t find Clorox wipes or really any cleaning supplies,” he said. “People could make something like what I have by using bleach, but some people don’t even have that.”

According to Koppenhafer, there is a nursing home in Warren County that ordered disinfectant materials online, but were told not to expect a shipment for four to six weeks.

So he went and did it for them.

“It is fairly cost effective for me and I’m able to do it and give back to the community I live in,” said Koppenhafer.

He did a little bit of math to create a solution mixing his concentrated bleach down to where it is still slightly stronger than what is recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). He added a soap that is bleach stable to give people a cleaner and disinfectant together in one ready-to-use solution.

“Important businesses in town such as nursing homes, the post office and hospitals can’t necessarily come to me because they have to prove what they are using,” he said. “The hope is to provide the public with supplies to slow the rush down on the stores and allow businesses to be able to get what they need.”

He held a pickup at the company’s truck wash location this past Sunday with the hope to hold another one within the next few days.

Because his time for this effort is entirely volunteer, Koppenhafer will not be available to sit at the truck wash all day, every day, but you can follow the KOPE Services Facebook page for updates.

When you pick up your solution, he asks that you bring your own jug and remain in your car. A sensor will let him know when you are there and he will come out with gloves to collect your jug to be filled and then return it to you.

Because this is a free service, he asks that jugs be limited to one gallon, however, he is keeping an open mind.

“If you have elderly neighbors or those with compromised immune systems, bring their jug, too, and I will fill it,” said Koppenhafer. “I had someone bring a five-gallon jug with plans to split it with their neighbors to spray things like mailboxes and doorknobs. That’s cool, that’s what it’s for.”

And it’s done out of the goodness of his heart.

He asks that anyone who has picked up a solution, do not sell it to anyone else.

“I don’t care what you do with it. Take it to friends, wipe down grocery store doors and carts before using, wipe down light switches, etc. Use it as a normal disinfectant,” said Koppenhafer. “I cannot guarantee anything with this,” he said. “It is an anti-bacterial disinfectant. All I’m telling people is that it is mixed like the CDC said, and it is being offered free to the community.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today