Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Pasco
Crime scene and trauma cleanup
After a homicide, an assault or a serious injury, the police investigation comes first. When officers release the scene, an independent cleanup company can take over so that you do not have to face the room alone.
Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Before cleanup can begin
Nothing should be cleaned, moved or thrown away while police are still working. Officers may need to come back, and you do not want to remove something they would have wanted to see.
Ask the officer in charge when the home will be released. If you are not sure who to ask, the shared non-emergency dispatch number for Kennewick, Richland, West Richland and Pasco is (509) 628-0333.
What the work covers
Trauma cleanup goes beyond the visible stains. A company will usually check:
- Floor coverings, pad and the subfloor under them
- Walls, baseboards, door frames and light switches
- Furniture and mattresses, which often cannot be saved
- Fingerprint powder and other residue left by the investigation
- Air handling, if odor or particles spread through the vents
Anything removed is bagged, sealed and disposed of as medical waste, not put in the household bin.
Paying for it
Washington's Crime Victims Compensation Program lists crime scene cleanup among the costs it does not pay. It may still help a victim's family with funeral expenses, counseling and medical bills, so it is worth applying for those.
Many homeowner policies respond to sudden damage inside the home. Call your insurer and ask before work starts. The who pays page goes through the options.
Ask the company before you agree
- Will someone inspect before giving a price?
- What will you remove, and what can be cleaned and kept?
- Will you photograph the work for my insurer or landlord?
- How do you handle personal belongings you find?
- Are you registered as a contractor with Washington L&I?
You may also need
Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Pasco
One call, then the decision is yours
You can call now to ask questions, even if the home has not been released yet. An independent company will tell you what happens next.
When you are ready to talk
Say what happened, where, and whether police or the coroner are still involved. The company explains what it would do and how it prices the work. Nothing is agreed until you say yes.
Call (509) 555-0109Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.