After an unattended death, law enforcement, medical examiners or other authorities may respond to the scene, but property cleanup is generally a separate responsibility. Once the scene is released, the owner or responsible party typically arranges professional cleanup.
Why ordinary cleaning may not be enough
Decomposition fluids can migrate into seams, flooring, subflooring, furnishings and other porous materials. The visible area may not show the full extent of contamination.
What a professional cleanup company does
A biohazard or trauma-scene cleanup company assesses the affected area, identifies contaminated materials, cleans or removes affected materials as appropriate and addresses the source of persistent odor.
When to call
Call after the scene has been released by the appropriate authority. If you are unsure whether entry is permitted, follow instructions from law enforcement or emergency personnel.