When a traumatic event occurs in your home, the immediate aftermath can feel overwhelming. This guide provides practical steps to help you navigate the hours and days following a tragedy, ensuring both your safety and your ability to begin healing.
Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)
1. Ensure Everyone's Safety
If there's any ongoing danger, leave the premises immediately and call 911. Your safety and the safety of your family comes first.
2. Contact Authorities if Needed
If the event involves a crime, unattended death, or suspicious circumstances, contact law enforcement. They will guide you through the investigative process.
3. Don't Enter the Affected Area
Until professionals have cleared the scene, avoid entering areas with biological contamination. Blood and bodily fluids can contain dangerous pathogens.
4. Contact a Professional Cleanup Company
Professional crime scene cleaners can respond 24/7. Early contact allows them to begin planning while authorities complete their work.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the incident to your homeowner's or renter's insurance as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification.
The Days Following
Allow Professionals to Handle the Cleanup
You should not attempt to clean a trauma scene yourself. Professional cleaners have:
- Proper protective equipment
- Training in biohazard safety
- Commercial-grade sanitization products
- Experience with insurance documentation
Arrange Temporary Housing if Needed
If your home is uninhabitable during cleanup, your insurance may cover hotel expenses. Your cleanup company can help document this need.
Accept Support
This is not the time to be strong alone. Accept help from:
- Family and friends
- Religious or spiritual communities
- Victim assistance programs
- Mental health professionals
Taking Care of Yourself
Traumatic events affect everyone differently. It's normal to experience:
- Shock and disbelief
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Emotional numbness or intense emotions
- Difficulty concentrating
These reactions are normal. However, if they persist or worsen, please seek professional mental health support.
Resources for Support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
- GriefShare: griefshare.org
- Colorado Victim Assistance: dcj.colorado.gov
At CrimeTech Services, we're here to help with more than just cleanup. We'll guide you through the process with compassion and connect you with resources for support. Call us 24/7 at (719) 201-2726.
Need Professional Cleanup Services?
CrimeTech Services is available 24/7 with compassionate, professional service.
Call (719) 201-2726
