Grief is a difficult journey to embark on.  Most people would probably agree with this.  That’s especially true in the aftermath of a violent crime like a homicide.

It’s hard enough to try to cope with losing a loved one.  However, when they are lost to us through a traumatic event such as homicide, it’s even more challenging.

When you’re trying to grieve, the last thing you want to do is think about needing to clean.  Unfortunately, it is important to take care of a crime scene quickly in the wake of a police investigation.

Once an investigation is completed, the police aren’t the ones who handle the cleanup.  Instead, it’s left to the family, friends, or landlord of the victim.  Trying to do it on our own usually just isn’t feasible, though.

Beyond the emotional weight of such a task, it can be dangerous to expose ourselves to potentially biohazardous materials.  Whether or not that’s a concern on your radar, it’s important to understand it.

Keep reading to learn more about homicide cleanup companies.  We’ll be covering what they do, how to find them, and why they’re such an important part of this process.

What is Homicide Cleanup?

Most likely, you’ve heard of this to some extent.  For many of us, we’ve heard of it referred to as crime scene cleanup.  What about a definition of it beyond that, though?

Simply put, it’s the process of cleaning and sanitizing a location where a homicide or violent crime has occurred.  This process is often necessary to remove biological materials such as blood, bodily fluids, and other potential contaminants.

Why is it important?  Well, it helps to ensure that the space is safe for future use and restoring it to a clean and habitable condition.  What might be involved in the process when you work with a San Antonio TX Homicide Cleaning service, though?  

Assessment

The first step when you reach out to one of these services will be an assessment.  The specifics of this may depend based on what service you’re using and what the circumstances are.

With that said, what will it usually involve?  Examples include evaluating the scene to determine the extent of the contamination and the necessary cleaning protocols.  Once this is completed, they can move to the next step.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When technicians arrive at the scene, they will need to have PPE with them.  Cleaners wear specialized gear.  This might include gloves, masks, and suits.  Those are just some examples, though.

The intent is to protect the technicians from hazardous materials.  This is also one of the major reasons why we should not attempt these sorts of cleanups on our own.

Of course, there is an emotional component to that as well.  It can be very challenging to face a traumatic situation in such a graphic way.  However, without PPE, it can also be quite dangerous.  Biohazards are a real concern.

Containment

Something we don’t often think about is that contaminated materials need to be contained.  This is another responsibility of these technicians.  Overall, this is to prevent the spread of pathogens or other harmful substances.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Obviously, this is another main component of the services that homicide cleanup companies offer.  You can learn more about how biohazard cleaning is handled here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(20)30168-3/fulltext.  

Using industrial-grade cleaning agents and techniques, trained technicians are able to fulfill their tasks.  Those could include cleaning surfaces, furniture, and any other affected areas.

Restoration

Compared to some of the other parts of this we’ve discussed, restoration tends to be forgotten.  Still, it’s an important thing to consider.  It could involve repairs, painting, or replacing flooring.

Finding a Homicide Cleanup Company

Homicide cleanup is a sensitive and often emotionally charged process.  After all, it occurs in the aftermath of traumatic events.  Professional cleanup teams are trained to handle the emotional aspects of the job alongside the physical.

When it comes to finding the right service for your circumstances, that’s something you’ll want to keep in mind.  They should ensure thorough and discreet service.

Looking at different options in the San Antonio area can be one way to make sure that happens.  Check out the credentials of the various companies.  See what they have to offer.

Don’t forget that you can look at online reviews as well.  These often provide insight into what we can expect when we work with these companies.

In the aftermath of a traumatic event like a homicide, the loved ones of the victim shouldn’t have to stress about the cleanup process.  That’s why these services exist in the first place.

Hopefully, this guide gives you a starting point in your research.  There are plenty of options across Texas, whether you’re here in San Antonio or elsewhere in the state.