Thanks to pop culture, the public knows more about the crime scene cleanup process than a few years ago. But many are still unaware of their responsibilities when crimes occur on their property. This can leave them in a lurch when they discover that it falls to them to arrange for cleanup after sudden deaths or other incidents.
Murder scene cleanup can be particularly distressing to deal with. Violent crimes are traumatic and it's understandable to assume the authorities are there to help. Learning that police and paramedics aren't responsible for picking up the pieces can make the situation harder to cope with.
Finding the right cleanup company is one of the best things survivors can do for themselves. Here are the key points to consider when selecting a cleanup provider.
1. Does a Murder Scene Cleanup Firm Serve Your Area?
Finding a provider that serves your area may seem like a given, but it's not as straightforward as you may think.
It's not unusual for a trauma and death cleanup company to pay for advertising in your city even if they're located hours away. Online advertising, in particular, often casts a broader net than necessary.
You should likewise avoid services that rely on toll-free numbers. These often connect to call centers that can be located almost anywhere.
Instead, seek out a cleanup company that you can confirm is based in your area.
2. Are They Certified and Insured?
As recently as the 1990s, the trauma cleanup industry was largely unregulated. Public awareness of blood and fluid-borne illness wasn't as widespread as it is today, and the lack of industry oversight made companies hard to rely on.
That changed over the last few decades, consumers still want to do their due diligence when selecting a service provider. The company you choose should be insured, have all the pertinent bloodborne pathogen certifications, and follow OSHA personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and remediation processes.
3. Can They Provide Compassionate Service?
Dealing with death is always traumatic, especially if the victim was a friend or loved one. To make this difficult process as easy as possible, you want a cleanup provider who is not only quick and thorough, but compassionate as well. This includes handling cleanup after violent crimes with discretion and confidentiality.
If a death occurred in a private residence, dealing with personal effects is another concern you want your cleanup provider to handle with care. A quality provider can work with you to recover valuables found at the scene as well as sentimental items like photographs.
Your service provider can also help you handle insurance claims and deal with adjusters. This will take the burden off your shoulders and allow you to deal with other pressing matters.
Don't Handle Cleanup After Violent Crimes Yourself
Whether you're dealing with murder scene cleanup, undiscovered death, or some other form of trauma cleanup, you don't need to handle the situation alone. Instead, you should always reach out to qualified professionals as soon as possible.
Bio-One Houston North is on-call 24/7 to help you navigate these difficult circumstances. We're licensed, fully insured, and compliant with the CDC and EPA regulations. To learn more and arrange for quick and compassionate cleanup services, contact us today.
