Grief and stress after the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. When the death is unexpected or the designation of next of kin is a surprise, it can be difficult to know where to start. The caring and experienced professionals at BioteamAZ are here to help you get through this.
Immediate Steps When a Death Occurs
If you discover that your family member passed away at home unexpectedly, immediately call 911. Legal pronouncement of death is required to get a death certificate, which will be needed for arranging a funeral and settling legal affairs. See our post on Obtaining a Death Certificate or visit the Arizona Department of Heath Services website to learn more.
If your family member passed away in a hospital or hospice care, then this will be handled by the medical staff. After they have been declared deceased by hospital staff or medical examiners, they can be transported to a funeral home.
Getting Help with Biohazard Cleanup
The first responders on scene or detective assigned to the case will let you know if a biohazard cleanup is required. The details surrounding these events can be disturbing: if you are next of kin, but find it difficult to discuss the matter, please ask a trusted person to help make the necessary phone calls to arrange for a cleanup service from a professional biohazard remediation company.
The company you choose should be certified by the IICRC, ABRA, or ISSA for trauma and crime scene cleanup or biohazardous waste removal; the company should also hold proper insurance coverage and comply with state regulations regarding the transport and disposal of biohazardous medical waste. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has a list of licensed transporters; it is both illegal and a public health hazard to improperly dispose of biohazardous waste, we strongly suggest that you do not do the cleanup yourself.
While the remediation costs may give you sticker shock, most homeowner’s insurance policies cover the cost of biohazard remediation when there is a death at the insured property. The advantage to using insurance is that the only cost to you is the deductible, and the claim payout amount will include the cost of rebuild of the affected area.
Document Retrieval
The biohazard cleanup company will help you locate any necessary paperwork, as well as retrieve and disinfect any items that are immediately helpful such as a phone, keys, or wallet. There are many other documents you will need to collect for settling affairs: the birth certificate, will or trust information, life insurance policies, tax returns, bank statements, and business account papers. Our technicians are trained to recognize these documents, and if we encounter them during the assessment or cleanup, they will set them aside to be handed over to the next of kin as soon as possible.
Timeframe of Biohazard Cleanup
Most biohazard cleanups can be completed in 1-2 days, but may take longer depending on the several factors including weather, location of passing, whether there is power or running water, and more. We strongly advise that you do not linger in any area that is impacted by biohazard, and it is important that you avoid entering the structure while the technicians are working. You can rest assured that we are doing everything within our ability to handle the cleanup as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Funeral and Burial Assistance
Ideal situations include estate planning and pre-paid funeral arrangements, but that is not always the case. If there were no plans made, you will need to select a funeral home and decide what kind of service would fit the deceased. The funeral home will be able to guide you through the steps and choices available, so you can make a decision that works for you and your family. We suggest involving other family members or close friends to share the burden of making arrangements. If your family member was a veteran, go to the VA’s website to see what assistance is available. Many times, employers (especially first responders), faith communities, and clubs or fraternal organizations will provide some kind of support to surviving family members.
A Helping Hand in Difficult Times
BioteamAZ is here to help you after the loss of a loved one. While we cannot undo the tragic event that occurred, you can rest assured that the cleanup is being handled in a safe and professional manner. If you need our assistance in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, or surrounding areas, we are here for you. If you have more questions, contact us for a free consultation and assessment.
