After a suicide at home
Suicide cleanup in Appleton
We are sorry. If someone you love has died by suicide, you should not be the one to clean the room. When the home has been released, an independent cleanup company can take that on.
Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
What happens first
Police and the county coroner or medical examiner come to every suicide. They may ask questions that feel hard. That is routine in any sudden death.
When they release the home, you can close the door to the room and leave it. Nobody expects you to go in.
If a firearm was involved, the police handle it. The cleanup company does not.
Things you can ask the company
Can you arrive without signage?
Many families ask for an unmarked vehicle. It is a fair question.
Can you keep anything personal aside?
Letters, phones, jewelry and photos can be set aside for you if they can be cleaned safely.
Will you deal with the insurer?
Ask what paperwork they provide. You or the policy holder still talk to the insurer yourselves.
How long will it take?
It depends on the room. Ask for their view once they have seen it.
Questions people ask
Does homeowner insurance pay for suicide cleanup?
Sometimes. It depends on the policy. Call your insurer, say what happened, and ask what it covers before work starts.
Should a family member stay during the cleanup?
There is no need. Many families leave a key and come back when it is done.
Other situations
- Crime scene and trauma cleanupAfter an assault, a shooting or a break-in with injuries, once police release the home.
- Unattended death cleanupWhen someone died alone and was not found for some time.
- Blood and bodily fluid cleanupFalls, injuries and illness that left blood or fluids on floors, walls or furniture.
- Hoarding cleanup with biohazardsPacked homes where animal or human waste, spoiled food or mold make it unsafe.
- Infectious disease disinfectionCleaning and disinfecting after illness, with products used as their labels direct.
- Vehicle biohazard cleanupBlood or bodily fluids in a car, truck or van, after police release it.
Appleton and the Fox Cities
Talk it through before you decide
You do not need to know the right words. Describe the room and what happened, and ask what the company would do first.
When the home has been released
Call and say what happened, in your own words. An independent cleanup company will explain what the work involves. You decide whether to go ahead.
Call (920) 555-0110Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. See the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.