Situations
Suicide cleanup, handled with care
If you have lost someone to suicide, you should not be the one cleaning. An independent company can take care of it quietly, and you can ask for an unmarked vehicle.
Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
What happens next
The Whatcom County Medical Examiner looks into suicides in the county, so its investigator will be in touch. The office is on 360-738-4557. Once police and the medical examiner have finished, the home is yours again.
Then the cleanup can happen whenever you're ready. Nobody has to be there; you can leave a key with a neighbor or a relative.
Asking for discretion
You can ask the company to come in an unmarked vehicle, to park away from the door, and to call one named person only. You can also ask it to keep certain items, such as letters, photos or jewelry, and hand them to you.
Questions
Does insurance cover suicide cleanup?
Sometimes. Homeowner policies differ, so call the insurer and ask before the work starts. The company can describe the work to you in writing, which can help when you speak to them.
Can I be told what was removed?
Yes. Ask for a written list of what was taken out, and say if you'd rather not hear the details.
Other situations
- Crime scene cleanupAfter a homicide, an assault or a break-in, once police have released the home.
- Unattended death cleanupWhen someone died alone and was not found for some time.
- Blood and bodily fluid cleanupInjuries, falls and illness at home, at work or in a rental.
- Hoarding cleanupHomes with animal or human waste, spoiled food or sharps under the clutter.
- Disinfection after illnessSurfaces and rooms after someone was sick or died of an illness.
- Vehicle cleanupBlood or bodily fluids in a car, truck or RV.
Whenever you are ready
There is no rush and no obligation. Call to ask questions, get a quote, or simply understand what would happen next.
Talk it through first
Call when you are ready. Say what happened, where, and whether police or the medical examiner have released the place. An independent cleanup company can then explain what it would do.
Call (360) 555-0108Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and privacy policy.