When someone was not found for some time
Unattended death cleanup in Athens
When a person dies alone and is not found for days, the home needs more than cleaning. Odor and fluids reach floors, furniture and sometimes the structure. An independent company can deal with it.
Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Before anything is moved
A death that no doctor attended is reported to the county coroner. In Athens-Clarke County that is the coroner’s office on Buddy Christian Way, 706-613-3999. The coroner decides when the person can be taken to a funeral home, and the family chooses which one.
The cleanup comes after that. There is no rush once the coroner has finished: close the door, turn the air conditioning down if it is warm, and call when you have a moment.
What usually has to go
- Bedding, mattresses and upholstered furniture that fluids reached.
- Carpet and pad, and sometimes subfloor in the affected area.
- Anything porous that holds odor, such as some clothing and books.
Ordinary air fresheners or ozone alone rarely solve the odor if the source is still there. Ask the company how it finds and removes the source, and how it will confirm the odor is gone.
If you live elsewhere
Many families arranging this live out of town. The company can usually work with a key left with a neighbor or a property manager, and send photos as it goes. Ask how it handles personal papers and valuables it finds.
The step-by-step guide after a death at home covers the coroner, the funeral home and the paperwork.
Other situations
- Crime scene cleanupAfter a homicide, an assault or a break-in, once the police have released the scene.Read more
- Suicide cleanupQuiet, careful cleanup so the family does not have to face the room.Read more
- Blood and bodily fluid cleanupInjuries, accidents and medical events at home or at work.Read more
- Hoarding cleanupA packed home with animal or human waste, spoiled food or other biohazards.Read more
- Infection and disinfectionCleaning and disinfecting a space after illness, using registered products.Read more
- Vehicle cleanupBlood or bodily fluids in a car, truck or van.Read more
When you are ready
One call, no pressure
You can call before you have decided anything. Ask what the work involves, how long it may take and what the company needs from you.
Talk it through first
Say what happened and where, and whether the police or the coroner have finished. The company will explain what it would do and what affects the cost. Nothing is agreed until you say yes.
Call (706) 555-0104Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.