Suicide cleanup

What the work involves

• Confirming law enforcement or the medical examiner has released the scene.
• Removing and disposing of contaminated materials, and cleaning and disinfecting the area.
• Checking for spread that is not visible, such as under flooring or behind baseboards.
• Setting aside personal items, notes, papers and keepsakes for the family to decide about.
• Working without signage or conversation with neighbors, tenants or passersby.

What to expect

Families tell us the hardest part is not knowing what they will walk back into. We can do the work before anyone returns to the room, and we will describe what was done in plain language when you are ready to hear it.

What to do now

• You do not have to go back into the room.
• Do not try to clean it yourself.
• If you need someone to talk to, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• If the property is insured, your insurer may ask for our written scope and photos.

Where we do this work

Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas. Each state page covers the rules that affect cleanup there.

• Tennessee
• Kentucky
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Mississippi
• Arkansas

This page is general information, not legal, medical or insurance advice. Rules change; check current requirements with the agency named.