Questions and answers

Usually not. Blood and bodily fluids can carry infection and soak further than they look, and Georgia requires companies that do trauma scene cleanup to register with the state. Small spills on hard surfaces are different; when in doubt, ask.

That depends on the company and on whether the police and the coroner have released the space. Ask on the call.

No. A relative, friend, neighbor or property manager can let the company in. Many families arrange it from out of town.

Sometimes. It depends on the policy and on what happened. Call your insurer before work starts and ask what it needs.

Yes, the Crime Victims Compensation Program can repay crime scene sanitization billed by a trained company. The crime must be reported within 72 hours. CJCC program page.

The Athens-Clarke County Coroner’s office, 706-613-3999. In Oconee or Barrow County, that county’s coroner.

It depends on the size of the area, how much must be removed rather than cleaned, the waste and any repairs. Ask for a written estimate.

Often, yes. Tell the company what matters to you before it starts: photos, papers, jewelry, a phone.

Georgia requires trauma scene cleanup companies to register with the Secretary of State. Ask the company for its registration and insurance.