How to Choose the Right Crime Scene Cleanup Company: Dos and Don’ts

No one thinks it could happen to them, but crime can happen anywhere, anytime. When a crime occurs at your home or office, you may be left dealing with the aftermath, including hazardous waste and bodily fluids that require professional cleaning. This is where a crime scene cleanup company comes in. However, choosing the right company is crucial for a safe and efficient cleanup. Here are some dos and don’ts to help you choose the right crime scene cleanup company.

Dos:

1. Look at the Crime Location: Assess the severity of the crime and determine if it requires a professional cleanup crew. Without hazardous materials, you might be able to avoid additional expenses.

2. Ask the Police: The police officers who responded to the crime scene may know some reputable companies that they often work with. They have first-hand knowledge of who provides the best services in the area.

3. Request Certification: Crime scene cleanup companies must be licensed and authorized to handle hazardous waste. A certified company indicates that they work efficiently and follow regulations while using the right materials for the job.

4. Get a Certified Crew: Crime scenes often contain hazardous waste, including human or animal waste, body fluids, and chemicals. A trained crew with proper certification is essential for a safe and thorough cleanup.

5. Research: Don’t rush to choose the first company you come across. Take the time to research and find out everything you can about the company, including customer reviews and ratings, methods, and equipment used.

6. Stay Somewhere Else: If the crime occurred at your home or office, it’s best to stay somewhere else while the cleanup crew does their job. This ensures your safety and reduces the risk of exposure to hazardous materials.

Don’ts:

1. Treat Your Crew Like a Maid: Crime scene cleanup companies are tasked with handling hazardous materials and not regular cleaning tasks unless they are related to the crime scene. Expecting them to clean other areas of your home or office will only delay the cleanup process.

2. Hire Regular Cleaning Services: Regular cleaning companies are not trained or certified to handle hazardous wastes. They might not even know the regulations surrounding the cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials.

3. Pick a Company That Does Cleaning on the Side: A certified hazmat crew should handle crime scene cleanups. The right crew will use specialized equipment to remove all hazardous materials safely and efficiently, following federal regulations. Companies that do cleaning on the side may overlook critical details.

4. Do It Yourself: Handling hazardous wastes, bodily fluids, and blood could expose you to deadly pathogens. Additionally, you risk throwing away essential materials or missing spots when cleaning. It’s best to leave cleaning to professionals who know what to do and have the right equipment and certifications.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right crime scene cleanup company is a crucial step in coping with the aftermath of a crime. Dos and don’ts such as looking at the crime location and requesting certification from the company can help you decide. Don’t rush to choose the first company you come across; research the company’s methods and customer reviews. Remember, a qualified and certified hazard waste crew is essential for a safe and thorough cleanup.