What happens, gently
The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner looks into every death that is not natural, so a deputy coroner will be part of the first hours. Once the home is released, the family or the property owner arranges cleanup.
You can ask the company to set aside anything personal they find, such as letters, phones, photographs or jewelry, and give it to one person you name. You can also ask them to tell you before they remove furniture.
When they are done, the room should look like a room again. Some families want to see it then. Others ask a friend to look first.
Things you can say on the call
- "I don't want to be there while the work is done."
- "Please keep anything personal in one box for me."
- "Please park and work without signs on the vehicle."
- "Call this person, not me, if you have questions."
Questions
Does homeowner insurance cover suicide cleanup?
Some policies do. Read the policy or ask your agent, and keep the company's bill.
Can cleanup wait a few days?
Yes, though blood and fluids keep soaking in. Keep the door closed and the room empty until the company comes.
Do neighbors need to know?
No. You can ask the company to come in an unmarked vehicle and to say nothing about the work to anyone but you.
Other situations
- Crime scene cleanupAfter a homicide, assault or other violent event at home, once police release the scene.
- Unattended death cleanupWhen someone died alone and was not found for some time.
- Blood cleanupBlood or body fluids from an injury, a fall or an accident at home.
- Hoarding cleanupPacked homes where animal waste, human waste or spoiled food has become a health problem.
- Disinfection after illnessAfter a long illness or death at home, where body fluids reached floors, bedding or furniture.
- Vehicle cleanupBlood or body fluids inside a car, truck or van.
When you are ready
One call, then a plan you can say yes or no to
You do not have to clean this yourself, and you do not have to decide anything tonight. If the home has been released, a company can talk you through the next steps.
Talk it through with a cleanup company
Say what happened and where. The company will tell you what it would do and what it needs from you. Nothing is agreed until you say so.
Call (559) 555-0101Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.