We're sorry for your loss
If you're reading this because someone you love has died by suicide, we're deeply sorry. You don't need to know what to do next, or how to describe it. When you call, a coordinator will ask a few simple questions and take care of the rest. You won't need to see the affected area again unless you choose to.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.
What this cleanup involves
After a suicide or self-inflicted injury, blood and other biological material may have reached flooring, walls, furnishings and, sometimes, the structure beneath. If some time passed before the person was found, decomposition may also have affected the area. The work is the same careful biohazard remediation used for any trauma scene. What's different is the care it calls for.
- Assessment. The full extent of contamination is identified, including anything below the surface.
- Removal. Affected porous materials such as carpet and pad, mattresses, upholstery and drywall are removed in controlled sections. Nothing personal is discarded without your permission.
- Cleaning and disinfection of all remaining surfaces, using appropriate protective equipment and EPA-registered products.
- Structural treatment of subfloor or framing where material has penetrated.
- Odor control when needed.
- Waste handling according to regulated-waste rules.
- Documentation for insurance or estate purposes.
Personal belongings
Families often want certain things kept: a wallet, a phone, letters, photographs, jewelry, a piece of clothing. Tell us what matters, and we'll look for those items, clean them where it's safe, and return them privately. If something can't be safely cleaned, we'll tell you and let you decide rather than throwing it away.
Confidentiality
What happened in your home is private. Crews we coordinate don't discuss jobs with neighbors or others, and crews arrive as quietly as practical. If you're a landlord or property manager, we'll communicate only with the people you designate.
Payment
Many homeowner policies cover some or all of this cleanup, depending on the policy terms. We can document the work for your insurer and, where appropriate, coordinate with them directly with your permission.
Support for you
Losing someone to suicide is profoundly hard. Support groups for survivors of suicide loss exist in many communities. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention maintains resources for loss survivors, and 988 is available to anyone who is struggling.