More than just a tragic event, an unattended death is a complex challenge for those left behind, since it requires you to take on practical responsibilities such as estate sanitation, while you’re still dealing with the overwhelming emotional weight of losing a loved one.

There are, of course, plenty of health and safety concerns that come with such a death, which only compound with time, as the body is left unattended each passing hour.

So, if you’re ever faced with such a situation, here are four crucial steps you should take right away while navigating this rather delicate, yet difficult process.

1.   Secure The Area & Assess The Surroundings

First things first, you should be able to think clearly and assess the situation carefully. Know what you are up against, the risks involved, and the various steps and measures you can take to better protect yourself against them.

Unattended deaths can lead to bio hazardous conditions due to decomposition, which may pose serious health risks.

• Safety First: Wear protective gear such as gloves, masks, and eyewear if you must enter the premises.
• Professional Evaluation: Consider hiring a certified biohazard inspector to evaluate the extent of contamination.
• Secure The Property: Ensure that unauthorized individuals do not enter the area to prevent exposure and preserve the integrity of the scene.

This initial assessment sets the foundation for an efficient cleanup process by identifying the specific needs and potential risks involved.

2.   Work With Biohazard Cleanup Services

Attempting to clean up after an unattended death without professional help is not only emotionally taxing but also poses serious health risks. Biohazard cleanup companies specialize in handling situations involving bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, decomposition, and of course, the dead body smell.

Professionals are equipped with the necessary protective gear and specialized equipment to safely remove biohazardous materials. They follow strict protocols to ensure that all contaminants are thoroughly eradicated, preventing the spread of diseases.

3.   Deep Cleaning & Odor Neutralization

Even after biohazard removal, odors and hidden contaminants can linger. A comprehensive deep cleaning is necessary to restore the property fully and make it safe for habitation once again.

However, this isn’t deep cleaning in the traditional sense and not something a local cleaning agency can handle. It requires a bit of professional expertise.

• Advanced Techniques: Professionals employ techniques like ozone treatment and thermal fogging to eliminate persistent odors.
• Surface Restoration: Cleaning of walls, floors, and ventilation systems removes any residual contaminants.
• Air Quality Improvement: Purifying the air helps in creating a safe environment for future occupants.

Deep cleaning goes beyond surface-level tidying, it’s about renewing the space to its original state as much as possible.

4.   Property Restoration & Final Inspection

The final step involves restoring the property to a habitable and marketable condition. Once everything is done, you need to have it inspected thoroughly to ensure that the professionals have done their jobs well and that there are no contaminants for biohazards that they might have missed.

• Repairs & Renovations: Address any structural damages, and replace flooring or drywall if necessary.
• Aesthetic Touches: Fresh paint and new fixtures can rejuvenate the space.
• Professional Inspection: A final walkthrough with a property inspector ensures that the estate meets all health and safety standards.

Restoration not only makes the property livable but also helps in preserving its market value, which can be crucial if the estate is to be sold or rented.

Conclusion

Nobody wants to be involved in the emotionally taxing process of sanitizing an estate following the death of a loved one, but it needs to be done.

Consider the tips mentioned above, but make sure to also engage and work with a professional if you find it too overwhelming, but never make the mistake of taking things lightly, or not taking the requisite precautions to protect yourself.