What NOT to Do Before Biohazard Cleanup Professionals Arrive
Last updated 2020-08-19
Stay Out of the Affected Area
After a traumatic event, the instinct to start cleaning right away is understandable, but the affected area should stay off limits until professionals arrive. Blood and other bodily fluids can carry bloodborne pathogens that are not visible to the eye, and walking through or touching the area can spread contamination to other parts of the home. Keep children and pets away from the space entirely, and close the door if you are able to, until our crew can assess the situation safely. Even a small amount of contact can spread risk further than most people expect, so patience here matters.
Do Not Use Household Cleaners
Standard household cleaners are not designed to handle biohazards and can actually make the situation worse. Wiping down a surface with an ordinary cleaner can spread contamination rather than remove it, and it can also destroy evidence if the scene has not yet been released by authorities. Bleach and other common products are not a substitute for hospital grade disinfection and proper protective equipment, both of which our crew brings to every job. Leave the surfaces exactly as they are until a trained crew has assessed the full scope of the situation.
Let Authorities Release the Scene First
If law enforcement or the coroner is involved, the property needs to remain untouched until they formally release it for cleanup. This protects any investigation that may be underway and keeps you from unintentionally interfering with evidence. Once the scene has been released, that is the right time to call a biohazard cleanup crew, not before. We are ready to respond as soon as you get that clearance, any hour of the day or night, throughout the week.
When You Are Ready, Call Us
We understand how hard it is to wait when you want the situation handled immediately, especially in a small community like Oak Harbor where everyone seems to know everyone. But waiting for the proper release, and avoiding contact with the affected area in the meantime, keeps you and your family safe and protects the process. Once you are ready, our crew can respond quickly and handle everything from that point forward, from the first walkthrough to the final disinfection of the space.