Aftermath – Leaders in Crime Scene Cleanup

Crime scene cleanup requires the right staff and equipment in order to be completed to the highest standards of clean. This is especially true with crimes occurring within the home, which can have devastating and lasting effects long after the incident has occurred.

Fortunately, the professionals at Aftermath provide a dedicated and skilled staff well-versed in the proper means and methods for undoing the damage caused by a crime. The following information sheds light on just how this process is undertaken, from the equipment needed to handle the task to the actual cleanup itself. For further clarification, see the crime scene cleanup infographic here.

Crime Scene Cleaners Require the Right Equipment

Proper equipment is essential to a crime scene cleaner, whether dealing with bodily fluids such as blood or caustic chemical agents like tear gas. Because these substances can be extremely harmful, cleaners must take precautions to prevent contamination. This means donning full personal protective equipment whenever working on a cleanup. A full PPE kit includes:

• Full Face Respirator (with replacement cartridges)
• Particulate Mask
• Gloves (both latex and outer leather)
• Biohazard-Approved Coverall
• Chemically-Resistant Boot Covers

Heavy-duty cleaning agents are also required to treat the scene. These can include a variety of chemical solutions, as well as the proper disposal and protective supplies (waste containers, scrub pads, caution tape, etc.).

Multi-tiered Process Used to Clean Your Home

When it comes to the actual cleaning, crime scene professionals undertake a multi-tiered approach. The first step involves evaluating the environment, which helps cleaners develop a plan of attack. Trained Aftermath supervisors take into account the scene itself, including any visible signs of the incident, as well as any damage to the structure and potential risks to the cleaning crew. They also assess accessibility to the crime scene, environmental factors such as temperature, and any other challenges workers may face in the process of completing the cleanup.

Next, cleaners work to control the situation. This entails designating three separate zones to avoid cross-contamination (clean, buffer, and control zones). In the clean zone, workers store clean gear and equipment, including unused PPE. The buffer zone is the area where technicians handle properly boxed hazardous material and remove used PPE before leaving the work environment. Finally, the control zone includes any area where actual cleanup work will take place.

After a crime scene is determined to be free of all visible debris, disinfection can take place. This important step in the cleanup process ensures that the home will be suitable for inhabitants once cleaning is complete. Because decomposition can result in a myriad of unpleasant smells, deodorization is also essential in many cases. Even the smallest amount of blood or bio can leave lingering odors. Lastly, technicians conduct ATP testing to verify the effectiveness of the treatment, helping to ensure that the home is clean for habitation.

Restore Your Home and Your Life

Backed by a customer satisfaction guarantee, Aftermath is dedicated to providing top quality crime scene cleanup in cities throughout the US. Such service is crucial to restoring the former state of the home, and can be a large part of the overall healing process after a crime has occurred. To learn more about making crime scene cleanup a part of your family’s recovery process, contact Aftermath at 877-872-4339.

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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