What To Do After a Traumatic Event: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

Picture this:
A loved one in your family has just passed. Everyone is grieving, and somehow you’ve been tasked with figuring out what comes next. There’s a funeral to plan, personal belongings to sort through, and possibly legal matters like probate to handle. Amidst all of this, you’re also faced with another question: What happens to the scene where your loved one passed away?

The police and coroner have finished their part — but the cleanup is left to you. You may not even know who to call or where to start. That’s where we come in.
This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to move forward, step by step.

Step 1: Contact a Licensed Biohazard Cleanup Company

This is one of the most important first steps. It’s crucial that you reach out to a biohazard cleanup company, not a general cleaning service. Biohazard cleaning requires specialized equipment, training, and licensing to ensure all contaminants are safely removed and the area is fully disinfected.

When researching a company, make sure they:

• Are licensed, bonded, and insured (required by the state)

• Have OSHA bloodborne pathogen training (not required, but highly recommended)

• Hold a medical waste transportation license (also not required by the state, but a sign of professionalism)

• Offer compassionate, confidential service

The right company will not only restore the affected area but also prioritize your family’s emotional well-being throughout the process.

Step 2: Share Photos Instead of Details

When you contact the company, you don’t need to go into detail about what happened. It’s often easier and less triggering to share photos of the area instead. This allows the team to assess the situation and provide a rough estimate without you having to relive or describe traumatic details.

Step 3: Onsite Assessment and Estimate

Next, a technician will visit the property to assess the scene in person. After reviewing the affected areas, they’ll provide a quote for cleanup. This will outline what services are required, such as:

• Removal of biohazardous materials

• Disinfection and deodorization

• Structural removal (like flooring or drywall if contamination has spread)

Step 4: Ask About Insurance

In many cases, biohazard cleanup can be covered under insurance. Don’t hesitate to ask the company for help navigating this process.

Depending on the situation, claims may go through:

• The homeowner’s insurance policy of the deceased

• An auto insurance policy, if a vehicle was involved

The cleanup company can typically handle communication directly with your insurance provider to save you stress and time.

Step 5: Discuss Pricing and Options

Biohazard cleanup costs can vary depending on the severity of the situation. If you receive an estimate that feels high or outside of your budget, let the company know.

If insurance is being used, you’ll likely only be responsible for the deductible, which is often a small fraction of the total cost. A compassionate company will work with you to find solutions — whether through insurance, payment flexibility, or adjusted services.

Step 6: Authorizations and Paperwork

Once you’re ready to proceed, you’ll need to sign a few simple forms:

• Work Authorization: Gives the company permission to begin cleanup and remove any affected materials.

• Payment Authorization: Allows your insurance provider to pay the company directly, removing one more task from your plate.

Step 7: Deposits and Deductibles

At this point, most companies will collect either a deposit or your insurance deductible. This ensures they can begin work right away and move efficiently through the cleanup process.

Step 8: Cleanup and Final Review

When the cleanup is complete, the company will offer a walkthrough of the site to ensure everything meets your expectations. If it’s too overwhelming to return to the space, you can request before-and-after photos for your records instead.

Step 9: Insurance and Final Payment

If you paid personally, the company will send an invoice for the remaining balance.
If the cleanup went through insurance, the company will handle submitting all documentation, including an Xactimate estimate and photos, directly to your insurance provider. They’ll update you as needed — so you can focus on your family instead of paperwork.

Step 10: Take A Moment to Breathe

The hardest part is behind you.
This is a deeply emotional time, and it’s important to give yourself space to grieve and process.
You may find comfort in seeking out local grief counseling or support groups—you don’t have to go through this alone.

Joe’s AZ Bio Cleanup and Restoration: Here for You Every Step of the Way

With over 20 years of experience in trauma and biohazard cleanup, Joe’s AZ Bio is proud to remain a locally owned, family-operated company.
We believe compassion should come first, and we approach every scene with respect and care.

When you call, you’re almost always speaking directly with Joe himself, not a call center.
Our pricing is fair, our response times are fast, and our team is here to help you through this process—one step at a time.

Serving Phoenix, Tucson, and surrounding Arizona communities

Why Arizona Trusts Joe’s AZ Bio Cleanup and Restoration

OSHA Guidelines on Biohazard Cleanup

https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens
(Explains workplace safety standards for handling bloodborne pathogens.)

CDC Guidelines on Infectious Disease Cleanup

https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/index.html
(Covers proper disinfection and disease prevention strategies.)

EPA List of Approved Disinfectants

https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/selected-epa-registered-disinfectants
(Lists EPA-approved products for biohazard decontamination.)

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)

https://www.azdeq.gov/
(Provides state-specific regulations on hazardous waste disposal in Arizona.)

National Association of Crime Scene Cleanup (NACSC)

https://www.nacsc.com/
(Offers insight into industry best practices for trauma scene cleaning.)