Property-owner guide

What to Do After an Unattended Death Is Discovered

A practical sequence: contact emergency authorities when appropriate, wait for release of the scene, limit exposure, and arrange cleanup.

Start with scene safety and access

If there is an active emergency or an unresolved crime scene, contact the appropriate authorities and do not disturb the area. Once the scene is released, limit unnecessary contact with potentially contaminated materials, especially sharps, blood, bodily fluids, and decomposition-affected porous materials.

Why the material matters

Hard, nonporous surfaces and absorbent materials can present very different cleanup decisions. Carpet, padding, upholstery, mattresses, unfinished wood, drywall, and other porous materials can allow contamination to penetrate below the visible surface. The appropriate response depends on the incident and material condition.

When professional cleanup makes sense

Professional help is worth considering when contamination is extensive, has entered porous materials, involves decomposition, includes sharps, affects a vehicle or commercial property, or cannot be handled without unnecessary exposure. For Florida biomedical-waste questions, applicable handling and transport rules also matter.

Next step

Read about Unattended Death Cleanup or call with a description of the property and incident.