Answering Common Suicide Cleanup Questions
After losing a loved one to suicide, cleaning up the area in which the death occurred is an important step in healing. Crime scene cleanup crews can handle suicide cleanups in Orlando to shield you from the emotionally trying process of returning your home to normal and to ensure that all potentially hazardous material is thoroughly removed and disposed of safely. Suicide cleanup is not something people have experience with until they need it, so it’s natural to have many questions. Here are the answers to some of the questions that may be on your mind.
Will first responders help with cleanup?
Many people believe that the first responders who come to a crime scene or suicide handle the job of cleaning up, but this is incorrect. Although you may need to call police, ambulance, or fire to your home after a suicide, they are not permitted to get involved in cleaning your property in any way. You will be left with the task of cleaning, after any processing of the scene that the police determine is necessary has been completed.
Why can’t I clean up on my own?
In addition to the emotional toll of cleaning up the scene of a loved one’s suicide, there is a safety issue to consider. Exposure to biohazardous waste puts you at risk for diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. When a trained professional does not do the cleaning, biohazards can also linger on your property even when the surface looks clean. Further, there are federal, state, and local regulations that govern the disposal of biohazardous materials, which you will not be able to follow.
What does a suicide cleanup team do?
Suicide cleaning involves removing any materials that are damaged beyond repair, including flooring, carpeting, wallpaper, and curtains. Once these items have been removed, cleaning of your remaining property will begin. Your suicide cleaning team will use a specialty cleaner that breaks down bodily fluids so that they can be thoroughly cleared away. Subflooring and walls will be sealed for additional protection so that those areas can be painted or re-floored as necessary. The team will dispose of biohazardous waste in compliance with all regulations.