When a traumatic accident occurs, it can be emotionally draining for the affected family. Another stressful burden is how you’re going to clean the crime scene. After the police finish their work, you have to remove any hazardous materials and body fluids from the scene. Whether the event happened at a residence, in a vehicle, or at a commercial establishment, it can be challenging to restore the property to its former state. The best crime scene cleanup companies will respond immediately after the crime has happened. Here are some tips when choosing a reputable crime scene cleanup service.
Let’s jump right in!
Verify the company is licensed and certified for crime scene and trauma cleanup
To ensure your property is thoroughly cleaned, you should hire a company that focuses on the crime scene as one of its core services. These professionals have to deal with hazardous substances like blood and other biohazard contaminants that could pose a serious health risk.
Every state or municipality has regulations on how the cleanup should be conducted. Your safety also matters – you want a company that follows safety guidelines on how to handle biohazards.
Is the staff experienced, trained, and well-equipped?
Before you hire a company for crime scene cleanup, you should ask the length of their experience. A highly experienced team will restore the property to its original condition and protect its value. Most companies that have been in business for longer are fully compliant with the law. If you hire a company that neglects the important elements due to lack of experience, you may end up with legal consequences, as well as risking the health of your family.
Do they have specialized equipment? The company you hire should have specialized tools, solutions, and equipment to handle the job. You’ll be surprised that some of the cleaning materials are not available at your local cleaning store. When the company has the latest equipment and certified cleaning sanitization and EPA-rated disinfecting solutions, you can rest assured the job will be done well the first time.
Another element you want to be concerned with is did they get it all? Does the team have the tools to test how well the affected areas have been disinfected? Another indication that illustrates a professional company is the cleanliness and order of their service vehicles. If their service vehicle is disheveled and not very clean you may want to consider alternative providers. Reputable companies will offer a guarantee or written report that the area was successfully cleaned, returning the property to its original state.
The training of the cleaning staff matters. A competent team will work on hard-to-remove stains. Plus, they will ensure no residue is left behind after using products like fingerprint powder, pepper-spray, tear gas, and evidence gathering chemicals. Does the team comply with government standards as far as waste removal is concerned? At the end of the day, you want to be sure that your home or business is in a safe, livable condition.
What chemicals do the cleaning company use
Make sure you check with the service provider about their cleaning agents. Are they using EPA registered products? Are any of these chemicals caustic? Will you have to be concerned about harsh after-effects once the clean up is completed?
Our professional technicians at 360 Hazardous have nearly 35 years of experience, and the necessary training to handle all crime scene matters. Also, they use state-of-the-art equipment and EPA registered cleaning agents to ensure the property is thoroughly cleaned.
Check the reputation of the company
After a traumatic event, you want a company that will do the job right the first time. Perhaps, the best way to get this information is to read customer reviews. Based on what other users are saying, you can tell whether the team has the best interest at heart.
Does the company work quickly? Do they offer an estimate and stick to it? Is the team passionate about what they do? Is the company discreet? You can also read about other people’s experiences at a source like the Better Business Bureau.
The best crime scene cleanup companies will treat you with the kindness, compassion, and respect you deserve. Most people will leave a positive review if the company offers more than professionalism. A good company will provide a list of references so you can call before you schedule an appointment.
All crime scenes are not the same, you want a company that offers cleanup services discreetly. Unfortunately, no piece of paper will guarantee that. This is where customer testimonials come in. You should be on the lookout for what other companies have to say post-trauma cleanup. Privacy is also important, especially if the scene involves sensitive issues. Reviewing alternative sources for non-bias reviews is important. Pleasing every single customer is not realistic, no company is perfect. Specifically looking up a service provider and searching on “complaints”, is a good way to do your due diligence before selecting a service provider.
A professional company will explain the cleanup process in advance, educating and empowering you with options/recommendations so you can make the proper decision for your situation. Of course, the team should respectfully answer all your questions.
Does the company file insurance claims? Do they give documentation for financial assistance?
When the worst happens in your home or business, you may not have the resources to handle the cleanup process. Some municipalities and government agencies offer financial help for cleanup if it affects the public.
On the other hand, some insurance companies can assist with cleanup services. A reputable company will advise you on the options and financial assistance available for people in your unique situation.
Although some insurance companies do offer coverage, this is something that happens by default. If your insurance provider doesn’t offer the service, the cleaning responsibility falls on you. Be mindful that insurance providers will typically have a preferred vendor, but that vendor may not be specialized or experienced in biohazard removal. Many of the preferred vendors are mold, water, and fire restoration companies with no focus on biohazard.
As a consumer and client of the insurance company, you are entitled to choose your own provider. Double-checking on the service provider experience is vital. It is also in your best interest if selecting your own provider, to check with your insurance company to see if they have had any negative experiences with that provider in the past. Unfortunately, there are companies out there who do and have taken advantage of people at a vulnerable time.
If you’re faced with an emergency cleanup service, you should call your insurance agent and ask whether they offer emergency cleanup services. Even if they don’t offer services, the insurance company may have a relationship with a local cleanup company. Find out in advance how the cleaning company manages payments and reimbursements.
Also, the company should help you with all the documentation your need to ensure the process moves smoothly. The cleaners should provide you with something that shows all the biohazard materials have been eliminated.
After the unfortunate accident, most families are grieving, so a company that helps with the paperwork will save considerable time and effort for the family.
Ask for a free estimate
As you do your research, you should narrow down to the best companies. Be sure to pay attention to their reputation, experience, and level of professionalism. That way, you can find the company that meets your requirements, and rule out the one that is not worth hiring.
Finding a reputable cleanup company can be an overwhelming experience if you don’t know to start. However, if you follow the above guidelines, you should be fine.
Do you need help?
If you need crime scene cleanup services quickly, you should hire a professional team to do the job. The competent and compassionate teams at 360 Hazardous are ready to make your home or business safe and livable again. In your time of need, 360 Hazardous is the beginning of the healing process. Our dedicated teams are available 24/7, 365 days a year, give us a call for your crime scene cleanup needs.