Do you have blood or other body fluids inside your home after a violent crime? One of the biggest misconceptions is that it’s safe to clean up after a crime on your own. Even if you know the injured person, blood always has a risk of spreading disease. Before you try to clean up on your own, here are the most common myths about crime scene cleanup.
5 Common Myths About Crime Scene Cleanup
Crime cleanup requires specialized training and certification and includes removing blood, tissue, and bodily fluids. Professional cleaners will also clean up fingerprint dust and other materials left behind by the crime investigation team. While there are many misconceptions, here are the top five common crime scene cleanup myths.
1. The Police Will Clean Up After They Are Done
Many people incorrectly assume that the police or crime scene investigators will clean up once they are finished. While this is an extremely popular myth, it sadly is not true.
Not only will the police not clean the scene, but they actually tend to make more of a mess. While their focus is documenting the scene and finding who is responsible for the crime, they often leave police tape and fingerprint dust behind.
It’s up to you or the property owner to have trauma scenes cleaned up properly after the police leave. Always call a biohazard cleanup company to safely clean and restore the area.
2. You Can Clean Up a Crime Scene Yourself With Bleach
Unfortunately, another common myth is that it’s safe to clean with bleach after a violent crime. However, cleaning up a gruesome scene is extremely dangerous.
Blood, tissue, and bodily fluids can spread bloodborne pathogens. Without the proper precautions and training, you can contract or spread any number of diseases.
Even if bleach was an effective cleaner, you should never try to clean up after a crime involving a loved one. The emotional trauma of the crime is already enough to bare.
3. Blood and Bodily Fluids Are Not Dangerous
You should never underestimate the risk of blood and bodily fluids after a violent death or murder scene. Always assume that blood at a crime scene is contaminated and dangerous.
Even if you knew the victim, never assume it is safe to come in contact with their blood. They could have undiagnosed conditions or the blood could be contaminated by others at the scene.
Splashing blood or other bodily fluids into your eyes, nose, or mouth is enough to contract many diseases.
4. Clean-Up Is Only Needed After a Death
Another common crime cleanup myth is you only need biohazard cleaning services after a death occurs. However, any scene involving blood, bodily fluids, or tissue requires professional cleanup.
Since they can spread disease, there is a risk of infection after any gruesome or violent crime. Always have your property professionally restored to eliminate any risk of contamination.
5. Cleaning Costs Are Covered by the Police
It’s also a common misunderstanding about who pays for biohazard removal at a crime scene. Unfortunately, many people incorrectly assume that the police or the government will pay for the cleanup services.
However, the property owner is responsible for all cleanup costs and repairs. In some cases, your insurance may cover some or all of the cleanup. Review your policy and contact your agent for more details.
What You Should Do After a Violent or Gruesome Crime
- Call the Police – If you discover a crime scene, call the police immediately and wait outside until they arrive. Be prepared for them to ask you questions about the scene.
- Contact Your Insurance – After the police arrive, call your insurance company and report the incident. Not only will it help if you have a life insurance claim, but it can cover some or all of the biohazard cleanup.
- Wait for the Police To Release the Scene – Unfortunately, you need to wait for the police to release the scene before doing anything else. This will usually take anywhere from a day to a few weeks, depending on the details of the crime.
- Call Professional Crime Scene Cleaners – Always call a professional biohazard cleanup company after a gruesome crime or death. They are trained to handle bloodborne risks and properly restore your property after a violent crime.
- Contact a Grief Counselor – You should also call a grief counselor, especially after the death of a loved one. They can help you cope with the loss.
Do you need safe, reliable blood cleanup after a crime? Our local, certified biohazard cleanup specialists will quickly assess the damage and restore your home. Call 1-888-790-7879 now for compassionate crime scene cleanup services.
