What to do after a suicide happens in your home

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

While we hope you never experience a disaster in your home, we do know we are ready to help you restore it in the event of one.

Whenever a loss occurs in your home, it is always difficult to deal with. When it is an unexpected death, even more so. You will be overwhelmed, and there is no real way to prepare yourself for this unexpected event.  I hope that you find this list, and that it helps you navigate this uncertain period in your life. 

What to do first

• Call 911 or the police.
  When a suicide occurs, police need to be informed. They will have to treat the place of the suicide as a crime scene. Sadly, suicide or suspected suicide is considered a suspicious death, and must be investigated. You will cause a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering, and trouble with the police to those around you, if you do not report the death as such. 

• For the city of Winston Salem, NC
• Police & Fire (336) 773-7700
• For the city of Pilot Mountain , NC
• Police (336) 368-4725
• Fire (336) 368-4646
• For the city of Mount Airy, NC
• Police (336) 786-3535
• Fire (336) 786-3570

• Call SERVPRO of Winston Salem North .
  After the police have left the scene, the body will still be there, along with any chemicals, dust, or remnants of the investigation the officials may have left. Your home is now not only dirty, but dangerous.
  Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Our first focus is always safety, since crime or accident scenes may involve bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers.
  We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.After the police have finished processing a crime or accident scene, the cleaning and restoration process can begin. Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of Winston Salem North will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.
• Arrange for a place to stay.
  SERVPRO of Winston Salem North will work as quickly as possible to clean and restore your home “Like it never even happened.” Depending on the job, this could be very quick or take a few days. The trash and biohazard contaminants will need to be removed, and to prevent the spread of cross contamination, you will be happier and healthier away from the location. 
• If you need help finding a safe location to stay,  The Piedmont Triad Chapter of the American Red Cross is a great place to seek help. 
  1501 Yanceyville Street
  Greensboro, NC 27415
  Phone: 336-333-2111