What to Do First After an Unattended Death at Home
Last updated 2024-03-08
Let Authorities Release the Scene
When an unattended death happens at home, the property needs to go through the appropriate legal process before any cleanup can begin. In Brown County, that generally means the coroner or medical examiner completes their work and the scene is formally released. This step protects everyone involved and makes sure nothing about the circumstances is overlooked, even when waiting feels difficult. Family members are rarely allowed back into the affected area until this process has fully run its course, and that timeline is set by the county, not by us. We understand the waiting itself can feel like its own hardship.
Do Not Attempt to Clean It Yourself
Once the scene is released, the instinct to clean it up quickly and move past what happened is understandable. But decomposition and the biohazards it leaves behind require specialized handling that goes well beyond typical cleaning products and methods. Attempting it yourself can expose you to real health risks and often leaves contamination behind that is not visible on the surface. Materials like flooring and subfloor can absorb more than a person would expect, which is part of why this work calls for trained equipment. What looks finished to the eye is often not finished at all.
Make the Call When You Are Ready
There is no set timeline for when to call a cleanup crew after a loss like this. Some families call right away, while others need a little time first. Whenever you are ready, our crew can respond and walk you through exactly what the process will involve for your specific situation, from the first assessment through the final disinfection. There is no pressure on our end, and no judgment about how long that decision takes. Every family moves through this at its own pace.
Handled With Care in De Pere
We approach every unattended death cleanup in De Pere with quiet respect, whether the home sits downtown near the river or on a quieter street across town. Our goal is to handle the difficult work completely and discreetly, so your family can focus on everything else this loss brings. When you are ready, call us and we will explain the process clearly, answering every question along the way so nothing feels uncertain once the work begins. We are here whenever that time comes for you.