When the sirens fade and the police tape is rolled up, what remains at the scene of a crime can often be as disturbing as the event itself. This is where companies like Philly Damage Restoration step in, specializing in the sensitive work of crime scene and biohazard cleanup.
The Need for Specialized Cleanup Services
Crime scenes, particularly those involving violent crimes, can be traumatic and hazardous environments. The types of incidents that typically require professional crime and trauma scene cleanup include homicides, suicides, accidental deaths, and severe accidents. Each of these situations can leave behind biological contaminants such as blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants, which pose significant health risks.
For instance, in the case of a homicide, the area may be contaminated with large amounts of blood and other body fluids. These biological materials can seep into porous materials like wood and carpet, necessitating not only surface cleaning but sometimes removal and replacement of the affected materials. The presence of bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV means that the cleanup process must be thorough and conducted with the utmost care to prevent any risk of infection.
How Philly Damage Restoration Operates
At Philly Damage Restoration, the approach to cleaning a crime scene involves several meticulous steps:
- Initial Assessment and Safety Protocols: Safety is paramount. The team wears personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against biohazards.
- Containment and Sanitization: The area is contained to prevent cross-contamination. Specialized cleaning agents are used to sanitize all surfaces.
- Odor Removal: Biological matter can cause significant odor issues. Advanced techniques like ozone treatment or hydroxyl generators are employed to eliminate odors completely.
- Restoration: The final step involves restoring the property to its pre-incident condition, which may include minor repairs or major reconstructions depending on the severity of the damage.
Real Cases in Philly
Over the past five years, Philadelphia has witnessed numerous violent crimes that have required extensive cleanup and restoration efforts. Here are some examples:
- June 2021 – Mass Shooting During a Barbecue: Ten people were injured, including a toddler, when gunmen opened fire during a neighborhood barbecue in West Philadelphia.
- July 2019 – Police Shooting at Narcotics Bust: Six Philadelphia police officers were shot during a narcotics operation that turned into an hours-long standoff.
- August 2020 – Quadruple Shooting in North Philadelphia: Four individuals, including teenagers, were shot in broad daylight near a high schoolā€‹.
- December 2018 – Homicide in Frankford: A store owner was fatally shot during a robbery at his shop in the Frankford section of the cityā€‹.
- April 2022 – Shooting at a Birthday Party: One person was killed and five others were injured during a shooting at a birthday party in Southwest Philadelphiaā€‹.
Conclusion
The work of crime scene cleanup specialists is crucial but often underappreciated. Companies like Philly Damage Restoration play an essential role in the aftermath of crime by not only ensuring that scenes are physically restored but also helping communities and individuals move forward from traumatic events. For those in Philadelphia experiencing the aftermath of a violent crime and needing expert cleanup services, Philly Damage Restoration offers discreet, compassionate, and thorough help.
