Suicide Cleanup Process: What to Expect
It’s difficult to know what to say to fellow mourners when a loved one has committed suicide. Often, a comforting presence carries more weight than words. One thing you definitely shouldn’t say is, “You shouldn’t have to clean this up by yourself. Let me help you.” It’s a kind gesture, but you won’t be doing yourself or anyone else any favors. Suicide cleanup is a psychologically challenging and potentially hazardous job that is best left to professional cleaning companies near Orlando.
Establishing a Safety Zone
Before beginning a suicide cleanup job, the cleaning company will establish a safety zone. Its purpose is to prevent contaminated matter from spreading beyond the suicide site into other areas. It also helps family and friends know where they shouldn’t go until the job is finished.
Consulting the Family
The aftermath of a suicide is never easy to deal with. Professional cleaners are compassionate, supportive individuals. They’re always available to help families understand the cleanup process and what will happen. Families shouldn’t hesitate to voice their concerns or questions.
Removing Irreparably Damaged Materials
The cleanup starts with the removal of all materials that cannot be sanitized, repaired, and restored. Cleaners try to perform this task as quickly as possible, to prevent the contamination from spreading and affecting other structures. All contaminated porous materials must be removed, including the following:
- Mattresses
- Clothing
- Bedding
- Carpeting
- Curtains
- Wallpaper
- Drywall
- Floorboards
- Upholstery
Contaminated items will be handled and disposed of in a safe, controlled manner. Professional cleaners follow the strict regulations that pertain to biohazard waste transportation.
Cleaning and Sealing of Salvageable Structures
If bodily fluids have penetrated to the subfloor, part of this structure may also need to be removed. Otherwise, anything salvageable will be carefully sanitized with specialized cleaners designed to break down bodily fluids for removal. To ensure the safety of the occupants, the building’s remaining subfloor and walls might be sealed after a thorough cleaning. Once the cleaners have finished, construction contractors can be called in to make the final repairs or structural restorations.