Important Safety Considerations After a Property Contamination Incident

After an incident that leaves a property contaminated, the first instinct is often to start cleaning. Resist it. The safest steps are usually the simplest.

Priority one: people

If anyone is injured, in danger or showing symptoms, get medical help. Call 911 in an emergency. If you suspect chemical exposure or poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Priority two: limit exposure

• Keep people and pets out of the affected area.
• Close doors to the space and, if you can do so safely, mark it so others do not enter.
• Keep children away, and tell household members or staff not to enter.
• If there is standing water or any risk of electrical hazard, stay out and shut off power only if you can do so safely.

What not to do

• Do not clean the area yourself without proper protective equipment and training.
• Do not use household vacuums, which can spread particles.
• Do not mix cleaning chemicals.
• Do not put contaminated items in household trash or laundry.
• Do not run fans that may spread odor or particles into other rooms unless a professional advises it.

Preserve what matters

If law enforcement, insurers or landlords are involved, avoid discarding items that may be needed. Take photographs of the affected area from the doorway if you can. Keep notes of names, dates and conversations.

Ventilation

Opening a window can help in some situations, but it is not appropriate when it could spread contamination, such as in a shared building, or when outdoor air quality is poor. If you are unsure, ask a provider or your local health department.

Personal hygiene

If you have had contact with potentially contaminated material, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water and contact a healthcare provider for advice. We cannot provide medical advice.

Notify the right parties

• Law enforcement, if applicable, and wait for release of the scene.
• Your insurer, landlord or property manager.
• The employer or safety officer if it happened at work.

Contacting a qualified provider

Choose a provider who can explain how they will contain and clean the area and how they will handle waste. Tell them about the property, the access conditions and any pets or occupants. Our biohazard cleanup page explains how to request assistance.

Keep reading

Regulations

What Property Owners Should Know About Biohazard Waste Disposal

Why contaminated materials cannot go in the trash, and what responsible disposal looks like.

Odor

Understanding Odor Removal Following Property Contamination

Why odors linger and what professional treatment actually targets.

Property managers

Biohazard Cleanup Questions Property Managers Should Ask

A practical checklist for landlords, HOAs and property managers handling a biohazard incident.