How to Secure a Crime Scene After a Traumatic Event

Practical Guidance from National Crime Scene Cleanup

After a traumatic event, it’s natural to want to take action immediately. However, one of the most important things you can do is protect yourself, protect others, and allow emergency responders and investigators to complete their work before any cleanup begins.

At National Crime Scene Cleanup, we’ve helped families, property owners, businesses, and public agencies navigate difficult situations with compassion and professionalism. This guide explains How to Secure a Crime Scene following a traumatic incident and what steps to take before professional Crime Scene Cleanup can begin.

If your property has already been released by the appropriate authorities and you need immediate assistance, our certified technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

24/7 Emergency Response: (844) 255-2461

What Does “Securing a Crime Scene” Mean?

For families and property owners, securing a crime scene means preventing unnecessary access to the affected area until law enforcement has completed its investigation and the property can be safely remediated.

Your priorities should be:

Protecting the health and safety of everyone involved.
Preserving the integrity of the scene while authorities are present.
Preventing accidental exposure to biohazards.
Limiting unnecessary traffic through affected areas.
Preparing for professional Crime Scene Cleanup once the property is released.

You should never attempt to investigate the scene yourself or move items within an active investigation.

Step 1: Follow Instructions from Emergency Responders

If police, emergency medical personnel, firefighters, or the medical examiner are on-site, follow their instructions carefully.

Avoid:

Entering restricted areas.
Moving furniture or personal belongings.
Cleaning any surfaces.
Removing potential evidence.
Allowing visitors into the affected area.

Authorities will let you know when the property has been officially released.

Step 2: Restrict Access to the Area

Once authorities have completed their work—or while waiting for professional cleanup if the property has already been released—help prevent unnecessary access to contaminated spaces.

You can:

Close interior doors to affected rooms.
Lock exterior entrances when appropriate.
Ask visitors to remain outside the affected area.
Limit access to essential individuals only.

Restricting access helps reduce the risk of accidental exposure and prevents contamination from being tracked into other parts of the property.

Step 3: Keep Children and Pets Away

Children and pets should never enter an area where blood, bodily fluids, or other biohazardous materials may be present.

Even if contamination is not immediately visible, biological hazards can remain on surfaces and materials until they have been professionally remediated.

If possible, designate a separate area of the home where family members and pets can remain safely away from the affected space.

Step 4: Do Not Attempt Cleanup

Many people believe they can safely clean the area using household disinfectants.

Unfortunately, ordinary cleaning products are not designed for Biohazard Cleanup involving bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials.

Professional remediation includes:

Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Specialized cleaning and disinfecting agents
Safe handling of contaminated materials
Regulated biohazard waste disposal
Odor remediation
Thorough decontamination of affected areas

Attempting cleanup yourself can expose you to unnecessary health risks and may spread contamination.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Provider

If appropriate, notify your insurance company as soon as practical.

Many homeowners, renters, and commercial policies may help cover professional Biohazard Cleanup, depending on the policy and circumstances.

National Crime Scene Cleanup regularly works with insurance providers and can often assist with documentation needed during the claims process.

Learn more in our Insurance Resource Center.

Step 6: Arrange Professional Cleanup

Once the property has been released by the appropriate authorities, professional remediation can begin.

National Crime Scene Cleanup provides:

Every cleanup is performed with professionalism, discretion, and respect for the people affected.

Common Situations That Require Securing the Property

While every event is different, families and property owners often need to secure a property after:

A homicide investigation
A suicide
An unattended death
A traumatic accident
A biohazard incident

If you’re facing one of these situations, we’ve created dedicated guides that explain what to expect and how to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I lock the property after the police leave?

If the property has been released and doing so is appropriate for your situation, securing the building by locking doors and limiting access can help protect the property until professional cleanup is completed.

Can I remove furniture before cleanup?

It’s generally best to wait until trained technicians have evaluated the affected area. Moving contaminated items prematurely may increase the risk of spreading contamination.

Is it safe to stay in the home?

That depends on the location and extent of contamination.

In some situations, unaffected portions of the property may remain usable. In others, temporary relocation may be the safest option until cleanup has been completed.

A professional assessment can help determine the appropriate course of action.

How quickly can National Crime Scene Cleanup respond?

Our emergency response teams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Response times vary by location, but we prioritize rapid deployment for emergency situations.

Related Emergency Guides

Every situation is unique. These resources provide additional guidance for specific circumstances.

We’re Here When You Need Us

No one expects to face the aftermath of a traumatic event.

At National Crime Scene Cleanup, we’re committed to helping families, businesses, and property owners navigate these difficult situations with compassion, professionalism, and respect.

If your property has been released and you need immediate assistance, our certified technicians are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call National Crime Scene Cleanup at (844) 255-2461 for immediate assistance.