Crime Scene Cleanup in South Florida with Rescue Clean 911
Surprised, stressed, confused, and often scared. When faced with the effects of any type of crime, it is not uncommon for anyone – even seasoned law enforcement professionals and front line medical workers – to find themselves faced with a variety of different emotions.
But eventually, it will be time to move forward, and part of moving forward requires extensive, careful cleanup. Rescue Clean 911 is a Florida disaster restoration company providing crime scene cleanup and repair throughout the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and surrounding areas.
With 24 hour emergency service, extensive training, and a thorough understanding of the gravity of the situation on families and property owners, Rescue Clean 911 is the best choice for crime scene restoration throughout the region. Give us a call today at 561-621-2662 to get immediate help, or fill out our online form if you simply have questions about any of our disaster cleanup services.
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Contact Us Today
Who We Are At Rescue Clean 911
Rescue Clean 911 is a customer focused, science based crime scene and biohazard remediation company located in South Florida and serving communities throughout Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Martin County. Our team, made up of seasoned professionals, has a direct understanding of the mental, physical, and financial toll that crime scenes can cause. That is why we are so focused on making sure that we are able to not only remove any signs of the crime, but also restore the property like new.
Our founder was himself a paramedic, firefighter, and nurse. He saw on a daily basis what people face after a crime has occurred, and knows that peace of mind is arguably as important – if not more so – than the act of cleaning up itself. That’s why we perform services that are:
- Thorough
- Transparent
- Fast
You want your life to get back to (as close to) normal as possible, and a company that you can trust to help you move forward. At Rescue Clean 911, we’re here to make sure that you have the support you need after any type of crime has been committed – one that will do whatever we can to get you on a path towards moving forward. We work with:
- Residential Crime Scene Cleanup – Families faced with any type of crime, whether it’s property crime or if someone has been hurt, the last thing you need is an ongoing reminder of the trauma that took place. We’re able to come right away and start the restoration process to take that next step off of your plate.
- Commercial Crime Scene Cleanup – When a crime or accident happens on a commercial property, cleanup and restoration is critical for the operations and reputation of the business. We offer competitive rates, professional service, and the ability to address any size challenge.
- Municipal Crime Scene Cleanup – There are situations when a trauma has occurred and there is no one available to call for help. We can work with local city, town, and county agencies to provide the clean up and support needed, all with competitive quotes.
Licensed, insured, and bonded, our emergency and 24 hour crime scene cleanup service is always available throughout Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Lantana, and beyond, and we encourage you to give us a call as soon as you need us for a quote or to have us get started.
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Our Crime Scene Cleanup and Restoration Services
Rescue Clean 911 is a full service disaster repair and restoration company. We are able to address any type of damage or disaster, no matter what it may be. Our services are tailored to the needs of the property and the damage, no matter its type or the extent.
With crime scenes, every case is different. Some are strictly property based. With others, there are issues related to violence, death, or other biomaterials. These issues may happen at a small or large scale, and the services that we provide vary depending on what occurred and the extend of the damage.
Some of the services we provide include, but are not limited to:
- Biohazard Removal – After a trauma, the last thing that anyone wants to experience is illness or damage resulting from the remains. Our biohazard removal services can help remove any blood, tissue, or pathogens that may remain so that it is safe to use the property once again.
- Stain Removal – Trauma on a property can create many different types of stains, all of which end up serving as a reminder of what occurred. Our stain removal service helps to get rid of tough stains so that it’s easier to move forward.
- Odor Removal – Similarly, many different types of crime can cause odors and smells that may get worse over time. Our odor removal service gets rid of any unwanted scents, deodorizes the property, and prevents further odors from occurring.
- Glass and Damaged Property Cleanup – After any type of event, there is often damage to the property as well, in the form of broken glass, holes in walls, and more. We are able to assist with these types of cleanup as well, working with contractors to restore the property to like-new condition.
- Fire and Water Damage Removal – As a disaster repair company, we are experienced with other forms of damage as well, such as water damage and fire damage. If there was any flooding, flames, mold, fire extinguisher use, sprinkler/firefighter damage, or other issues as a result of the event, we can assist there as well.
Some of the damage to the property may also be the result of the police intervention or the ongoing investigation, including taking fingerprints, pepper spray, and more. We are able to eliminate those remnants as well. If the property has any chemicals or drugs, such as a methamphetamine lab, we are familiar with how to clean the lab safely and remove any remaining contaminants.
Every crime scene is different, and our damage repair services are adapted to meet those different needs. We make sure the property is safe for you, your family, or your tenants, allowing you to move forward and start recovering from the effects of the trauma.
Suicide and Unattended Death Restoration
There does not necessarily have to be a crime that was committed for there to still be issues with death and decay that require the services of a disaster cleanup company. If you are faced with a traumatic cleanup of any kind, including:
- Suicide
- Unattended Death
We are able to assist with removing any biohazards, decay, odors, and other issues that may have occurred. Our team is thorough. We integrate all recommendations by the OHSA, and are always available to answer questions throughout the process. When the damage isn’t covered by any insurance plan, we have repayment plans and competitive costs to help make sure you can still move forward.
In conjunction with specialized training in the detection and removal of biohazard materials, our technicians will restore your house or place of business to a safe environment.
Rescue Clean 911 technicians have received extensive training in crime scene cleanup, trauma scene cleanup, blood cleanup, and in the use of various chemicals, all of which are OSHA approved and completely safe to you and your family.
Rescue Clean 911 works with several different insurance companies, therefore we are often able to bill your insurance company directly.
If insurance coverage is not available, we do offer several different payment plans, which generally suit most budgets.
Please, before you attempt to clean a crime scene or a scene affected by a suicide or decomposition, speak with one of our trained & certified technicians.
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Biohazards from Violent Crime – Why a Professional Clean Matters
The unfortunate aftermath of many traumatic events is the release of biohazards as a result of violent crime. While some remains and evidence will likely be removed by authorities, crime scenes that result in a serious injury or death are likely to contain biohazard material that causes an immediate and long term safety risk.
These need to be cleaned up properly with regulations on cleanup and proper disposal and with the right chemicals and detail, as they cannot be wiped away. At all types of crime scenes, materials used by law enforcement and investigators can also leave other debris behind that threatens the health of those on the property.
The types of materials and their risks after a crime scene include:
- Blood and Bodily Fluids – A violent crime involving a weapon will often leave blood and other bodily fluids on surfaces of the property. These fluids can potentially contain viruses like hepatitis and HIV, as well as bacteria and other bloodborne pathogens. Wiping up blood or using household cleaners on it will not remove the pathogens even if it does remove the visible blood.
- Tissue – Like blood, tissue and remains can contain bacteria and spread disease. This debris is a significant biohazard that can transmit illnesses well after the crime is committed. Tissue and bone matter can be spread in microscopic particles, which means that even after they are cleaned there may still be some tissue that remains.
- Forensic Residue – Investigators may use chemicals and tools to collect evidence from crime scenes that are part of an ongoing investigation. Fingerprint powders containing silver nitrate and iodine, blood revealing chemicals like luminol and fluorescein, and a range of other deposits may be left after forensic scientists have collected the needed evidence. These chemicals can be harmful if touched or inhaled.
- Tear Gas and Pepper Spray – Tear gas is a chemical agent used by law enforcement to neutralize suspects. When it has been deployed near your property, the residue can linger long after, causing irritation to skin, eyes, lungs, and other parts of the respiratory system. Ongoing exposure to pepper spray residue will increase the negative effects over time.
- Drug Lab Chemicals – If the crime scene was the location of drug manufacturing, especially methamphetamine, reactive chemicals can be left on surfaces and in the air around the property. Methamphetamine residue can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, leading to long term health effects.
Depending on the type of debris, it may be concentrated at the site of the crime or potentially spread all over a property. Airborne chemical compounds, particulates from powders, pepper spray, and more can travel or be tracked between rooms before the crime scene is secured. HVAC systems can pick up microscopic bacteria and circulate it through the property.
Knowing where to look and how to disinfect and sanitize these areas is critical for the long term health of those on the property. Discovering which biohazard and chemical contaminants are present, where they are located, and how to effectively remove them requires an array of equipment and knowledge.
With our crime scene experience, we know what forms of damage to seek out and how to safely remove them. We make sure that no areas are missed, allowing you to feel confident that your property is a safe place again.
What to Expect After a Violent Crime on Your Property
The first step when any crime has occurred is to secure your safety and call the authorities. An ambulance and paramedics can assist with injuries and law enforcement will do whatever is necessary after the crime whether that includes filing the proper reports or opening an investigation.
The proper authorities must be involved prior to any remediation of the crime scene, including cleanup you do yourself. But when the time comes, any cleanup or damage is your responsibility as the property owner even if you were not involved in the crime. A person or remains will be handled by paramedics, a coroner, or other authorities, but remaining debris will be left to clean up.
This is where it is important to involve professionals to avoid cross contamination, chemical exposure, and the psychological trauma of cleaning up blood and other materials. You should follow these steps to ensure the process goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible while also limiting the financial costs:
- Stay Out of the Crime Scene – In addition to possibly being part of an ongoing investigation, entering the crime scene exposes you to pathogens, diseases, and other harmful substances on surfaces or in the air. You also risk tracking this bacteria to other parts of the property, making the scope of the problem and the required cleanup more intense.
- Investigation – After any type of crime, such as a robbery, murder, mass shooting, or assault, many scenes become part of an investigation while authorities collect the information and evidence they need. The timeline of this process will vary from scene to scene and crime to crime, sometimes wrapping up in a few hours and other times taking days.
- Call Your Insurance – Crime scene cleanup is often covered under insurance policies as biohazard cleanup. Your insurance company can go over what is covered and initiate the claims process. This enables the cleanup to proceed without delays as soon as we are ready to begin.
- Contact Professional Crime Scene Cleanup – Cleaning up a crime scene on your own is psychologically difficult and unsafe. As an experienced crime scene cleanup company, we manage the process from start to finish, using the latest safety equipment and cleaning solutions while freeing you to focus on healing from trauma.
While our 24 hour services mean we can come to a crime scene immediately, we cannot enter the property until the scene is “released” by law enforcement. This is to avoid any interference with a crime scene that may hinder an investigation or be illegal.
Once we are free to enter the scene, we come in quickly to begin the cleanup process. The faster we can begin work, the more efficient clean up will be as there will be less chance for bacteria to spread, stains and odors to set in, and other forms of damage. It also means that you can get back to your life more quickly.
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Professional Standards for Crime Scene Cleanup
Rescue Clean 911 is certified through the IICRC, or Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This is the industry standard for cleaning and restoration after a disaster, including crime scene cleanup and trauma.
To maintain this certification, we follow the voluntary standards put forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the IICRC. The ANSI/IICRC S540 standards outline the industry best practices for effectively managing crime scene cleanup, such as:
- Health and Safety for Technicians – To avoid exposure to biological or chemical hazard, we outfit our team with the proper personal protective equipment, or PPE. This includes gloves, googles, respirators, hazmat suits, or other necessary equipment depending on the type of contaminants at the scene. Additional safety precautions include regular training in biohazard materials handling, up to date vaccinations against transmissible diseases, and more.
- Documentation – Proper documentation during any cleanup is important for insurance, transparency, and to guarantee that all standards are met. While evidence is removed prior to cleanup, documentation can assist law enforcement in rare cases where additional evidence is discovered.
- Handling of Contaminants – The standards cover each of the different types of contaminants found at crime and trauma scenes, as well as the correct handling methods for each. This includes the right way to package, seal, transport, and dispose of contaminated materials.
- Locating Blood and Fluids – We use up to date methods to locate blood that has dried or been wiped away, leaving invisible microbes behind. These standards outline which methods are most effective in which situations.
- Cleaning Processes – In addition to classifying all possible contaminants, we use these guidelines to help us choose the correct cleaning products and methods for different areas of a property and different forms of debris.
- Measuring the Effectiveness of Cleaning – The IICRC standards outline how to determine the level of contaminants on surfaces and in the air and acceptable levels a scene must meet to be considered clean and safe. We never consider our work finished until the scene meets or exceeds these standards.
Another part of the ANSI/IICRC standards is the consideration of the psychological impact on property owners and our own team. Crime scenes are a traumatic event. You, your family, or your employees may be dealing with the loss of a loved one, PTSD after a frightening event, or even just the stress of cleanup after an event occurred on your property that you were not otherwise involved in.
We use these standards as guidelines as we acknowledge the psychological and emotional upset after a crime. This includes working quickly and effectively to remove all reminders of the event and treating the scene with respect.
In addition to the ANSI/IICRC standard for trauma cleanup, we also adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations surrounding crime scenes and biohazard remediation. At the federal level, this includes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) requirements for handling blood, tissue, and bodily fluids. In the state of Florida, we are licensed to and knowledgeable in the regulations for securing, transporting, and disposing of biological waste.
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Our Crime Scene Cleanup Process
We approach every crime scene cleanup job individually because every crime scene is different. Each property and each of our clients’ experiences is also different.
Violent crimes and homicides typically result in extensive biological hazardous materials. Nonviolent crime scenes, such as drug labs or other chemical usage, result in their own debris. Unattended deaths, accidents, and suicide cleanup often have similar needs but with unique psychological and cleaning consideration.
We also approach crime scene cleanup with compassion and understanding. We know that you may be coping with a loss, stress, or psychological trauma. Uncomfortable attention from neighbors, other tenants or residents in a building, or even the media only adds to that stress, so we take care to be discreet.
Our experience spans multiple and diverse crime scenes. We have worked with a variety of specific challenges and know how to plan for the safest, fastest, and most effective means of removing crime scene residue and restoring your property.
We use a detailed process that includes:
Assessment of the Scene
Once authorities are done with the scene, we perform a thorough inspection. The focus is on where the crime occurred, but we also check adjacent spaces in case contaminants have been transferred. During the inspection, we:
- Determine where damage and biohazards are located, and how extensive they are.
- Identify the biohazards and risks present so we know what safety precautions are necessary.
- Create a plan for debris removal and decontamination, including setting an expected timeline.
A visual inspection is the foundation of our assessment, but we also use technology and chemical indicators to help identify risks that might not be evident. We can find blood stains and airborne contaminants with different tests and monitoring methods.
We are transparent from the beginning and dedicated to giving honest assessments of the damage, the risks, and our expectations for cleanup. Rescue Clean 911 is also able at this point to discuss any specific concerns you have. From this point forward, we can manage every part of cleanup and restoration so that you can avoid any additional association with the traumatic event.
Isolation to Prevent Contamination
After we have identified every contaminated location, we separate those spaces from the rest of the property. Our work will happen entirely in rooms that are part of the crime scene so that we are not spreading bacteria or other hazards to other areas. To cordon off areas, we may use physical barriers like screening or tarps, or ventilation control if we find airborne particles.
Any movement of our time into our out of work scene will also involve the correct preparation and decontamination measures, based on the current contamination levels, to avoid inadvertently carrying unsecured debris from the area. Decontamination rooms can be set up by our team on site when required to provide a secure space for transferring out of protective gear.
Removal of Damaged Property Contents
Any items that are contaminated with biological elements like blood are subject to strict handling and disposal standards. They must all be collected and, depending on size, either sealed in special bags or tagged to denote their contaminated status.
Objects that we often remove include furniture, beds, bedding, curtains, rugs, and personal belongings. It may also be necessary to remove more long term fixtures like carpet, hardwood, padding, subfloor, and drywall. When it is the case, we focus on removing the damaged portion only when possible as this is both more affordable and makes restoration go more quickly.
All biohazard material or contaminated materials are then transported and incinerated by licensed companies licensed to handle this form of waste. This guarantees that no pathogens can spread at any point in the cleaning process, either around your property or at other properties.
Cleaning and Sanitization
Not all surfaces that come into contact with blood, tissue, or other biohazards need or are able to be removed. When that happens, we can sanitize and disinfect with:
- Antimicrobials – Ranging from more common disinfectants like bleach to industrial-grade alternatives, we use a variety of cleaning agents to kill viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
- Enzyme Cleaners – These will reliquefy blood or tissue like brain matter that has dried, making it possible to remove it from a surface more completely.
We also have a range of equipment to apply these cleaning solutions to ensure we can get to hard to reach places. We use our experience and training to pinpoint which cleaning methods will handle the types of contaminants on site.
Our cleaning solutions are either nontoxic or used within strict guidelines so there is no risk to people on your property. We can always go over which cleaning methods are being used so that both clients and our team are aware of any concerns.
Deodorization
As organic tissue decays, it releases strong odors that can permeate the air and cling to objects in the surrounding area. Humidity in south Florida speeds up this process, so even a recent crime scene that contained a body or tissue can have an intense odor. Removing materials with blood or bodily fluids on them can occasionally be enough to remove odors, and ventilation can help.
When the smells are more ingrained in fabric, walls, and flooring, we use more advanced methods to deodorize, including:
- HEPA Filters – Air scrubbers with HEPA filters can pull air through the machine, catching any airborne particles in the process. This removes bacteria and spores from the air as well as particles that produce odors.
- Foggers – These can disperse odor neutralizing products in a fine mist throughout the property. Often these kill the bacteria that cause odors, both disinfecting and removing harsh smells after a crime scene.
- Hydroxyl Generators – Using UV light, this equipment removes bacteria and contaminants in the air that can cause odors.
The smell after a crime scene can be an intense and uncomfortable reminder of the event, but also one of the most difficult to get rid of without help. Our range of available methods, when used alongside an extensive cleaning plan, is enough to eliminate odors and is a key part of restoring your home or commercial property.
Monitoring of Cleanup Outcomes
We monitor air quality and bacteria levels throughout the process as a safety measure and to track progress. The use of technology here provides measurable results so that we can accurately gauge our progress.
Cleaning is complete only when a thorough visual inspection, ATP tests, air monitoring, and other technology shows that there is no remaining blood, pathogens, or chemicals on site. At this point, all evidence of the property having been a crime scene is gone and it is once more safe to inhabit or work there.
Restoration
If we had to remove any drywall, carpeting, or contaminated surfaces, we can now restore affected areas. This can include replacing drywall or flooring, repainting, and other finishing around your property.
Depending on the severity and range of the crime scene, repairs may be as simple as new paint or may require a significant amount of rebuilding. We have the capability to complete any scale restoration and leave your property looking like new.
Although your specific process may be different depending on the type of crime and extent of the damage, we are able to provide you with the support you need to get your property back to working order without any reminders of the event or risk to you in the long term. Once we’re done, we provide a thorough cleanup of all our materials, go through any notes we have, and let you get back to your life.
Rescue Clean 911 – A Crime Scene Cleanup Company that Cares
These events are tragic for all parties. It is natural to feel upset, tense, or otherwise struggling as you figure out how to move forward. We at Rescue Clean 911 fully understand these struggles, as we’ve seen them first hand. When Nick Massimino founded Rescue Clean 911, it was because of his experience as a paramedic and firefighter that he wanted to create a disaster restoration and cleanup company that is focused on helping you not only with the cleanup, but with your own mental health afterwards.
We also know that there is no such thing as a trauma that is “too small” or “too large.” Your experience is your experience, and as a company, we’re not here to tell you how to feel. Rather, we’re here to make sure that you can start the healing process both figuratively and literally, and restore your property so that at least that part of your life is taken care of by a company that you can trust.
We have emergency crime scene cleanup services available 24 hours a day, allowing us to start right away as soon as we’re given approval, or come at a scheduled time convenient to you provided it is safe for us to do so. Because we offer commercial crime scene cleanup as well, Rescue Clean 911 understands the importance of discretion and will always take care to protect your privacy.
Your Trusted 24 Hour Crime Scene and Biohazard Cleanup Company
Even if it were safe to do so, no one should be forced to or expected to clean up blood, odors, and other contaminants after a crime is committed on their property. And it isn’t safe, as household cleaners are unable to find and eliminate the microscopic particles safely. Without the proper procedures, there is also the risk of spreading them around the property. All of these issues may lead to ongoing health challenges.
Rescue Clean 911 is an emergency damage restoration company that is available for crime scene cleanup, suicide cleanup, and other related services. We’re here to do our part to help you move on in any way possible, always using the safest possible means. Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Martin County, we’re available to head to your area nearly anywhere in South Florida and provide you with the support you need.
Give us a call 24 hours a day at 561-621-2662 to start the process, or fill out our online form if you have a question or need.
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What Our Customers Are Saying
When Is Biohazard Cleanup Necessary?
While we might come into limited contact with germs everyday, biological waste is considered dangerous when significant amounts of debris are present, and can become more so the longer it is allowed to sit on your property.
How Our Biohazard Remediation Services Work
For most of our services, we can begin as soon as you call us. The only exception is crime scene cleanup or scenes where first responders are present, when we must first wait until the authorities “release” the scene or authorities have handled injuries or bodies. We can begin supporting you before that time, however, by letting you know what to expect during your service.
What are the Risks of Contamination with Biomaterials
The specific contaminants present at a biohazard site will vary based on the type of incident. Those most common, and with the most potential for danger, are:
- Blood Borne Diseases – HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C can be transmitted through infected blood. Combined, these diseases result in thousands of deaths each year and any exposure to blood or bodily fluids can increase the risk of becoming infected.
- Bacteria – Sewage, decomposing tissue, hoarding situations, and other biological debris can carry a range of bacteria. Those people are most often familiar with include Streptococcus, E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, although there are dozens more. These bacteria can result in severe sickness if they are accidentally ingested.
- Infectious Disease or Viruses – With coronavirus continuing to be a concern at many homes and businesses in the foreseeable future, sanitizing completely after exposure to COVID-19 or any other contagious pathogens limits the spread of illnesses.
Rescue Clean 911’s team of certified technicians are on-call 24/7, and will respond quickly no matter when disaster strikes. We understand how critical it is that cleanup begins as soon as possible to limit the damage to your property, and will be there as soon as possible, day or night.
