Finding out that someone in your home has died by suicide is devastating. In the first hours after, you’ll be swept by shock, grief, and a thousand urgent questions. While nothing replaces compassionate support, having a clear list of practical next steps can reduce confusion and help protect you, your family, and the scene until professionals arrive. Below is a measured, trauma-informed guide to what to do right away — with notes about where and how a specialized company like 360 Hazardous can help.
1. Call emergency services first
If you discover the person and they may still need medical attention, call 911 immediately. If the death is recent and isn’t an active medical emergency, still call local emergency dispatch so first responders and law enforcement can be directed to the scene. They will secure the area, determine time and cause of death, and begin required documentation. Preserve the scene as much as possible until authorities arrive.
2. Allow investigators to do their work
Police and the coroner/medical examiner must examine and document the scene. Do not touch or move anything that could be relevant to an investigation (clothing, notes, items near the body, electronic devices). Resist the urge to clean or rearrange — evidence preservation is required in many jurisdictions and premature cleanup can complicate investigations and insurance claims.
3. Ensure immediate safety for people and pets
After authorities release the scene, think about immediate safety and comfort:
- Move children and pets out of the home or to a secure room away from the scene.
- If odors, bodily fluids, or visible contamination are present, avoid the area — these are potential biohazards.
- If utilities (gas, water) were affected or are a safety concern, consider turning them off and contact utility providers if needed.
4. Reach out for emotional support
You do not need to handle this alone. Call a close friend or family member to be with you (or to join soon). If you or someone with you is in emotional crisis, call local emergency services or a crisis line. In the United States the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Grief counselors, clergy, and local crisis centers can also provide immediate emotional stabilization and guidance on next steps.
5. Notify necessary parties
There are practical notifications to make, often in a specific order:
- Family members and close friends (as you feel able).
- The deceased’s physician (they can help with medical records and paperwork).
- Employer or school (if applicable).
- Landlord or property manager, if you rent.
- Insurance companies (life, homeowner’s/renter’s) — but wait until police/coroner release the scene and you have official documentation. Document the person you speak with and the date/time of each call.
360 Hazardous can provide clear guidance on what to tell insurers and property managers, and can coordinate with them when cleanup is required.
6. Document carefully
Take notes of what you observe and any steps you take — dates, times, names of responding officers, coroner, and any other officials. Photographs of the scene should only be taken if law enforcement instructs you to do so or when the scene is released; otherwise let investigators handle this. A clear record will help later with legal, insurance, property, and estate matters.
7. Don’t attempt cleanup yourself
Blood and other bodily fluids can carry infectious agents. Attempting to clean a suicide scene without proper training and equipment is unsafe and potentially illegal in some places. This is not simply household cleaning — it’s biohazard remediation that requires specialized PPE, disinfection procedures, and waste disposal protocols.
360 Hazardous specializes in trauma and biohazard remediation. Trained technicians use industry-standard containment, decontamination, and disposal methods so scenes are restored safely and respectfully. Hiring a certified company protects you, the property, and any future occupants.
8. Secure the property and belongings
If you are the property owner, secure the home to prevent unauthorized access. If the deceased lived in the home, lock it and, if needed, arrange for someone (trusted friend or property manager) to check on utilities, mail, and pets. When a professional remediation company like 360 Hazardous arrives, they can assess belongings and advise what can be salvaged, what must be discarded, and how to store items securely during remediation.
9. Prepare paperwork you may need
After authorities finish, you’ll likely be given paperwork (death certificate, coroner’s report, police report). Keep originals in a safe place and make copies. For insurance claims and property remediation, you’ll need:
- Official death certificate(s)
- Coroner/medical examiner report
- Police incident report
- Any photos or documentation law enforcement provides
360 Hazardous can assist you in compiling documentation for property owners, insurers, and property managers to streamline claims and remediation approvals.
10. Understand legal and insurance implications
Coverage for cleanup and restoration varies by policy. Some homeowner or renter policies cover biohazard remediation; others do not. Don’t sign anything or dispose of items until you understand financial responsibilities. A reputable remediation company will provide an itemized estimate and can often communicate directly with insurers and property managers to clarify coverage and invoicing.
11. Consider temporary housing and logistics
Depending on the extent of contamination and the time required for safe remediation, you or other occupants may need temporary housing. 360 Hazardous will provide a realistic timeline for remediation and restoration and can coordinate with property managers, landlords, or real estate agents about access, repairs, and re-occupancy.
12. Take care of emotional and legal follow-up
In the weeks after:
- Arrange grief counseling or support group referrals for family and close friends.
- Consult an attorney or estate planner if questions about wills, probate, or landlord/tenant responsibilities arise.
- Ask 360 Hazardous about certificate-of-cleaning documentation if you plan to sell, rent, or return to the property — many situations require written proof that a professional remediation was completed.
