What You Should Know About Crime Scene Cleaning

What is crime scene cleaning? How does it differ from crime scene investigating? These are questions we hear all the time. Crime scene cleaning occurs after crime scene investigators process a crime scene, and includes ridding the home of potential biohazardous materials such as blood and body fluids. As “second responders,” crime scene cleaners are not members of law enforcement, but often work closely with police officers and investigators to help families who have experienced a tragic event.

Once the last piece of evidence is collected, bagged, and logged, and the final police officer has left the scene, the family of the deceased is left to deal with the after-effects of the crime. For most, cleaning up after the murder of a loved one is an unthinkable task charged with emotion and confusion. On top of that, most individuals are not equipped or prepared to take on such a precarious feat. This is why many people turn to a crime scene cleaning company for help.

crime scene tape

The Dangers of Cleaning a Crime Scene Yourself

The scene of a crime is a dangerous place to be. The blood and body fluids that are often found at crime scenes can carry harmful pathogens like HIV, hepatitis, and influenza that can be transmitted to anyone who comes into contact with the scene. Therefore, those tasked with cleaning up the blood and body fluids left at a crime scene should do so with adequate:

Equipment. Before entering a crime scene, you should be sure to outfit yourself in personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, respiratory masks, and shoe coverings.
Education. Although crime scene cleaning is not a federally regulated industry, it helps to educate yourself on the risks of bloodborne pathogen exposure and proper PPE use prior to cleaning up potential biohazards.
Attention to detail. During crime scene cleaning, you want to be sure to contain the affected area to prevent cross contamination of other rooms in the house. Additionally, it is recommended that you treat all blood and body fluids as if they contain a life threatening illness, no matter to whom the blood belongs. Why? According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 3.2 million people in the U.S. have chronic hepatitis, and most people do not know they are infected.

Aftermath has specialized in crime scene cleanup since 1996 and has offices nationwide. At Aftermath, we believe it is our job to lift the burden of crime scene cleaning from the minds of those who are grieving. To learn more, speak with an Aftermath representative today.

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Sources:

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm

Fox NY: http://www.myfoxny.com/story/22484748/violent-crime-rates-increase

OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/recognition.html

Testimonials

"Exemplary Communication, Care, Attention to detail. This team deployed quickly to a biohazard situation, provided excellent advice and counsel, performed their work with integrity, and were instrumental when helping us with the insurance claim. A+++"

Randy N. - October 11, 2022

"From my initial contact with Jeanine to the final walk through with Jason, Tristan, Marquel and Fritz Aftermath services has been tremendously upfront, kind and compassionate after the death of my sister. During such a difficult time I never would have thought that I would walk away with five new friends. I am forever grateful."

Megan M. - October 10, 2022

"Aftermath Services Manager Christopher and his Assistant Manager Trainee Gabriel took care of my tenants (who was family) apartment swiftly. It was disgusting in there. Will be going back to this company if a situation arises like this in the future. Drive home safe guys and thank you for your hard work."

John I. - October 12, 2022

"I can not thank Cecily and Fernando enough for all the hard work and dedication they exerted to resolve our family crisis. Thank you both very much. You truly care about the families that you serve and it shows. "

Joseph T. - September 19, 2022

"Lacey and her team are amazing. We never experienced anything like this they walked us through process explained everything upfront even cost and went above and beyond. They were professional, compassionate and informative from minute they showed up even on a holiday. Sorry to say this hope I never need their services again but if we did Aftermath will be our 1st call. Thank you so much."

Patti B. - September 12, 2022

"The Pasadena Aftermath team did an outstanding job. Not only are they a remarkable team, they are also exceptional individuals. Over the course of the week that they were here, we got to know and trust them. They handled this unthinkable situation with grace, compassion, and the utmost respect for the victims. Words will never be able to truly capture the appreciation we have for them. When our world felt like it was hit with a tsunami, your team threw us a life preserver and told us that we will be okay again.The world needs more “Kevins”, “Jamies”, and “Hassens”, who will help lift the burden off of strangers who are facing their darkest days."

Ashlyn B. - September 5, 2022

"Sterling and Aurelia did much more than clean the scene. They were patient, kind, and very compassionate. They took good care of the property as if it was there own. Sterling and Aurelia communicated with us every step of the way. Their presence alone did much to contribute to the healing process. On top of all that, they did a fantastic job cleaning the house. To be honest, we hated to see them leave. Our family thank them both to the highest degree!!"

Tim F. - August 22, 2022