When tragedy strikes at home, particularly with something as traumatic as a suicide or a violent crime, restoring your home’s safety, comfort, and cleanliness is essential for both physical and emotional healing.
Luckily, here are eight steps to guide you through this sensitive process, helping you create a renewed, safe environment. Read on.
1 Don’t Rush Yourself
In the immediate aftermath of a tragedy, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Take the time to acknowledge your emotions and allow yourself to process the situation before diving into the cleanup. This is a necessary step for clarity and preparation.
Having a plan in place makes the next steps less daunting and gives you more control over the situation. Start by assessing the affected areas, identifying items that need professional intervention, and listing resources you may need for the cleanup. Lean on friends, family, or a counselor if talking through your thoughts is helpful.
2 Consult With Professional Cleanup Services
Cleaning up after such events involves more than just removing visible mess; bodily fluids and other hazardous materials can seep into surfaces, carrying pathogens and creating health hazards. Professional cleanup teams are trained in biohazard handling and know how to remove contaminants thoroughly. They use specialized cleaning agents, industrial-grade equipment, and safe suicide scene cleaning services, ensuring that your home is sanitized and safe for reentry.
3 Restrict Access
Before any cleaning begins, it’s crucial to secure the affected areas and limit access to protect your safety and that of others in the home. This step helps reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and prevents contaminants from spreading to other parts of your house. If children, pets, or housemates are present, make it clear that certain areas are off-limits. Use tape, signs, or even temporary barriers, if necessary, to create a visible boundary around the space.
4 Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
If you decide to be involved in any part of the cleanup process, wearing PPE is essential. PPE minimizes your risk of coming into contact with contaminants, offering a layer of safety during this hazardous task.
Basic PPE includes gloves, masks, goggles, and full-body coveralls if available. Disposable shoe covers are also recommended, as they prevent cross-contamination from one area to another. Consider double-gloving to provide extra protection if you’re dealing with sharp objects or materials that require handling. For tasks involving airborne particles or strong odors, an N95 or higher-grade respirator mask is recommended.
5 Practice Proper Waste Disposal
In many situations, fabrics and porous materials like carpets, curtains, mattresses, and upholstered furniture may need to be removed due to contamination. These items can absorb fluids and odors, making them difficult to clean thoroughly and safely. Biohazard disposal regulations vary by location, but most areas require contaminated materials to be disposed of through special biohazard waste channels, not regular trash collection.
6 Employ Proper Cleanup Methods
For any remaining surfaces that can be sanitized, it’s crucial to use strong disinfectants that kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens effectively. Officially approved disinfectants, particularly those effective against bloodborne pathogens, are necessary to ensure that surfaces are sanitized. Follow the disinfectant’s instructions on contact time and dilution, as improper use can reduce its effectiveness.
Scrub all hard surfaces thoroughly, including walls, floors, countertops, and any non-porous furniture. Pay close attention to corners, grooves, and hidden areas where contaminants may collect. Use disposable cloths or paper towels and change them frequently to avoid spreading contaminants. Afterward, ventilate the area to disperse chemical fumes from the disinfectant, leaving the room fresh and breathable.
7 Restore Air Quality
Improving the air quality is essential for both physical health and emotional comfort. Consider using air purifiers, which capture airborne pathogens, dust, and particles, as well as ozone machines that neutralize odors. Ozone generators are particularly effective in eliminating strong, embedded smells, but remember to only use them in unoccupied spaces, as ozone is harmful to inhale during operation.
Run air purifiers continuously for a few days, especially if the affected area was closed off for some time. Open windows and doors to promote natural ventilation and help the purification process.
8 Restore Comfort With Personal Touches And Support
Once the physical cleanup is completed, the emotional aspect of restoring your home begins. Replace items that had to be discarded with new or comforting decor, such as fresh flowers, calming artwork, or new furniture. Adding personal touches can help you regain a sense of control and belonging in your space. Consider rearranging furniture, repainting the walls, or even bringing in some new decor to create a renewed, inviting atmosphere.
Final Words
Reclaiming your home after a tragedy isn’t easy, but taking these steps can guide you through a safe and thorough cleanup process. Prioritize safety, seek professional support when needed, and remember that healing takes time.
As you restore your home environment, you’re not only creating a clean, safe space but also a place that once again feels like home.