The idea of a crime scene in your own home can feel overwhelming and surreal. Yet, if you find yourself in such an unsettling situation, knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make a significant difference. Handling a crime scene in your home is not just about keeping your emotions in check; it’s about prioritizing safety, preserving evidence, and ensuring the professionals have what they need to do their job.
Here, we’ll walk you through the essential dos and don’ts to help you approach this sensitive situation responsibly while emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help.
Your safety comes first. If the situation is still unfolding or if you're unsure whether the threat has been neutralized, leave the premises immediately. Call 911 and stay at a safe distance until law enforcement arrives.
Leaving the scene protects not just your safety but also helps ensure you don’t unintentionally disturb any evidence. This precaution is necessary, as even well-meaning actions—like walking around the area—could compromise the investigation.
Once you’re in a safe place, contact the police right away. Explain the situation as clearly as possible and provide any information you have. Their immediate involvement is critical in protecting evidence, understanding what happened, and ensuring justice is served.
Once law enforcement and emergency responders have been contacted, do everything you can to preserve the integrity of the area. That means keeping family members, friends, or neighbors away from the crime scene. More foot traffic increases the likelihood of contamination, which could make it harder to gather evidence or reconstruct the sequence of events.
A good rule of thumb is to treat the space as if it’s under an invisible chain of custody from the moment you realize something has happened.
Without physically touching or altering anything, take note of key observations. For example:
This type of information can be critical during investigations and could help jog your memory later when asked for details.
Once law enforcement and investigators have finished their work, you’re left with the aftermath—which can be emotionally and physically taxing. Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards pose serious health risks if not handled properly. Professional crime scene cleaners, like Bio-One of Marion County, specialize in safely and thoroughly restoring such spaces. With the right tools and training, they can ensure the area is free of contamination and ready for you to reclaim as your home.
External resources like OSHA guidelines on biohazard cleanup can highlight the risks involved and why this isn’t a DIY job.
Your instinct might be to clean up or rearrange items, but fight the urge. Every object in the crime scene could hold valuable forensic evidence, from fingerprints to fibers and even trace amounts of DNA. Even seemingly small adjustments—like picking up a fallen item or closing a door—can disrupt the evidence chain.
It’s natural to want to restore normalcy as quickly as possible, but handling a crime scene cleanup is best left to professionals. Not only can blood and bodily fluids transmit diseases like Hepatitis B or HIV, but improper cleaning techniques can also spread contaminants without fully removing them.
Instead of putting yourself at risk, allow crime scene cleaning experts to step in. They have specialized training, industrial-grade cleaning agents, and protective equipment to ensure the job is done safely.
While it may be tempting to talk about what happened with neighbors or post on social media, discretion is key. Sharing too much information could compromise an investigation or create unnecessary confusion. Stick to discussing details only with trusted law enforcement officials or legal representatives.
Even after the initial police work, investigations can remain ongoing. Evidence might need further analysis, or authorities might return with follow-up questions. While waiting for clearance from law enforcement, continue to limit access to the area and avoid making any changes.
A crime scene in your home is a traumatic experience. Check in with yourself, your family, and anyone else affected by the event. It’s okay to seek therapy or counseling to process the emotions involved. Local support services or national helplines can connect you with trained counselors who understand trauma.
Handling a crime scene is overwhelming, both emotionally and physically. Whether it’s figuring out the next steps with police or cleaning up afterward, the process can leave you feeling drained.
That’s where professionals can make a difference. Companies like Bio-One of Marion County specialize in compassionate, discreet, and effective cleanup services. Hiring experts to handle a crime scene in your home allows you to focus on rebuilding and recovering without risking your health or tampering with evidence.
Their highly trained teams can handle:
This support ensures peace of mind, knowing the space has been restored safely and thoroughly.
A crime scene in your home is an experience no one should have to face, but knowing how to handle it can help you regain control in an otherwise chaotic moment. By prioritizing safety, avoiding common mistakes, and calling in professionals when necessary, you can ensure that the situation is dealt with responsibly.
If you or a loved one needs help after a traumatic event, don’t wait to reach out. With a quick visit to Bio-One of Marion County, you can learn more about how they can support you through this difficult time. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. Help is just a call away.
Bio-One specializes in blood and bodily fluids, decomposition/undiscovered death, crime scene, suicide cleanup, tear gas, feces/urine, sewage backups, and odor removal. Helping people get their lives back in order is our #1 priority.
Bio-One of Marion County is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service. We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.
When a traumatic event occurs, such as an accident, unattended death, or criminal activity, professional cleanup is often necessary to restore safety and order. This is where the crime scene cleanup process comes in. It’s a meticulous and essential task that requires expertise, care, and an unwavering commitment to safety. At Bio-One of Marion County, we specialize in this field, handling every step with professionalism and compassion.
The first step in the crime scene cleanup process is a thorough assessment of the affected area. This involves understanding the nature of the incident, determining the extent of contamination, and identifying safety risks. Trained technicians will assess the materials involved, such as furniture, flooring, and personal belongings, to decide what can be cleaned and what must be removed.
At Bio-One of Marion County, we take this step seriously, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Our team is trained not only to evaluate the scene but also to respect the privacy and emotions of those affected.
Safety is a top priority during the crime scene cleanup process. Before any cleaning begins, technicians secure the area to prevent unauthorized access and protect themselves and others from potential biohazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and suits is used to ensure the team's safety.
One of the most critical stages of the crime scene cleanup process is the removal of all biohazardous materials. This includes bodily fluids, blood, and tissues, which can pose serious health risks if not handled properly. Using specialized tools and cleaning agents, technicians meticulously remove contaminants while adhering to strict protocols and local regulations.
Our team at Bio-One of Marion County is equipped with cutting-edge technology and cleaning methods to safely and efficiently eliminate all traces of hazardous materials. We treat each job with the highest standards of safety and care.
After hazardous materials are removed, the area undergoes a deep cleaning and sanitization process to ensure it is free from bacteria, pathogens, and odors. Industrial-grade disinfectants and advanced techniques, such as fogging or steam cleaning, are used during this step. The goal is to return the space to a safe, livable condition.
Once cleaning and sanitization are complete, technicians work to restore the area to its original state as much as possible. This may include minor repairs, repainting, or replacing damaged flooring. While the crime scene cleanup process can’t always erase emotional scars, it can provide a sense of closure by restoring the physical environment.
At Bio-One of Marion County, we take pride in delivering high-quality restorations that help families and property owners move forward.
The crime scene cleanup process concludes with the safe disposal of biohazardous materials. These items cannot be discarded in regular trash; instead, they are securely transported to licensed facilities for disposal. This step ensures that all waste is handled in compliance with environmental and health regulations.
Crime scene cleanup is not just about cleaning; it’s about compassion. The Bio-One of Marion County team understands how sensitive these situations can be. We are here to provide not only expert services but also the support and discretion you deserve during such difficult times.
Our team is trained, certified, and available 24/7 to assist with any cleanup needs, offering peace of mind when it’s needed most. From assessment to restoration, we handle every aspect of the crime scene cleanup process with care and precision.
If you or someone you know needs professional crime scene cleanup services, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bio-One of Marion County. Our skilled team is here to help you through every step of the process, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and respect along the way. Contact us today for expert assistance and compassionate care when it matters most.
Bio-One specializes in blood and bodily fluids, decomposition/undiscovered death, crime scene, suicide cleanup, tear gas, feces/urine, sewage backups, and odor removal. Helping people get their lives back in order is our #1 priority.
Bio-One of Marion County is here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year! Call (317) 499-0614, and you'll speak directly to one of us when you call; there is never an answering service. We'll treat you like a person with the compassion and respect that you deserve.
Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.
Here is Week 7 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
Thank You to the Thin Gold Line
The second week of April is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications professionals who dedicate their lives to serving the public. Often called the thin gold line, 911 dispatchers are true heroes behind the scenes.
Coast to coast, Bio-One teams found fun and unique ways to recognize the Thin Gold Line.
Bio-One Helps Homeless Man with Vehicle Clean Up
This week, News San Diego reported "Homeless man's story inspires San Diego mom to enlist community's help", featuring Rene Flohr and Nicki Chipp-Flohr, owners of Bio-One. The Bio-One duo spotted a NextDoor post asking for anyone who could help 79 year-old, Les, who had been living out of his vehicle and was recently diagnosed with skin cancer. His vehicle was floor to ceiling full of items, and Bio-One was ready to help clean and disinfect the vehicle so it could be sold or donated.
In a message to Bio-One owners, Nicki said, "I am very proud of what we are doing to help someone. I thought you’d all appreciate it, since we live the Bio-One motto of #helpfirstbusinesssecond." We couldn't agree more!
Read the entire story on News San Diego.
A "Week in the Life" at Bio-One
The Bio-One team in Tuscon, AZ had a busy week with work ranging from COVID-19 disinfections, mold remediations, bird dropping clean up, medical waste disposal, suicide remediation, and more.
If you've ever wondered what it takes to be a crime and trauma scene cleaner, we recommend read through the Tuscon team's Weekly Wrap-Up!
Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.
Here is Week 6 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up.
Cherokee County Biohazard Remediation
Lives in the Atlanta area were forever altered on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 after a shooting spree at three metro Atlanta spas left eight people, including six Asian women, dead within the span of 45 minutes.
Our hearts and sympathies are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.
Two weeks after the tragic events in Atlanta took place, Bio-One answered the call to remediate the spa in Cherokee County. Led by Michele O'Brien and Rebecca Phillips, the Bio-One team provided a quick response and thorough decontamination. Read more in our recent blog post.
Tragedy in Rock Hill, South Carolina
As details from the tragedy in Rock Hill, South Carolina unfold, one Bio-One team paid special tribute to the victims, first responders and other local law enforcement officials. Bio-One owners, John and Jen Symons, live in Rock Hill and experienced the police response first-hand. "It's a tight-knit community. We just can't believe it," said Jen Symons.
Their team is currently in communication with local law enforcement, and activity supporting neighbors through this difficult time.
COVID-19 Disinfection at Dojo
This week, we're spotlighting the Atlantic City team where they are regularly disinfecting Ganguly's Mixed Martial Arts. According to Bio-One owner, Victor Russomanno, "We are contracted with a local martial arts studio to disinfect them weekly. In addition to their in-house protocol, we use an electrostatic sprayer to ensure maximum coverage and protection, to ensure those who are training are staying safe through our efforts."
Across the United States, Bio-One teams actively disinfect local businesses, government buildings, and residents in the fight against coronavirus. Learn more about our COVID-19 disinfection process.
Lives in the Atlanta area were forever altered on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 after a shooting spree at three metro Atlanta spas left eight people, including six Asian women, dead within the span of 45 minutes.
Our hearts and sympathies are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.
We sincerely hope businesses never experience these types of events, because that means it’s the worst day of their lives. However, Bio-One teams are ready 24/7 in the event biohazard remediation services are needed.
Two weeks after the tragic events in Atlanta took place, Bio-One answered the call to remediate the spa in Cherokee County. Led by Michele O'Brien and Rebecca Phillips, the Bio-One team provided a quick response and thorough decontamination.
“When we walked into the spa, it was like time stopped,” said Phillips. “Things were there just like a normal day and then chaos happened. It was a heavy feeling, and we appreciate the opportunity to help.”
Previously, Bio-One has been trusted to remediate several mass shooting tragedies including Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, Pulse Nightclub, the San Bernardino schools and Sandy Hook.
