Who answers when I call?
Your call is connected with an independent biohazard cleanup company that works in the Sioux Falls area. This site is a referral line. It does not send anyone itself.
When can the cleanup start?
Only after the police and the coroner have released the scene. Ask the company when it can come and how long the work is likely to take. The answer depends on the size of the area and what is involved.
What does it cost?
The cleanup company sets the price, usually after it has seen the area. It depends on how large the affected area is, what has to be removed and replaced, how long the area went untreated, and how much waste has to be packed and disposed of.
Does insurance pay?
Sometimes. Many homeowner and renter policies cover some of this work, depending on the policy and the cause. Read your policy or call your agent before the work starts. Nobody can promise coverage in advance.
Can victim compensation help?
After a homicide, South Dakota's Crime Victims' Compensation Program can pay for cleanup of a home or a vehicle. It pays after insurance and other sources. Who pays for cleanup explains the rules.
Do I have to be home?
Not always. Many families prefer not to be there. Ask the company how it handles keys, access and the things it finds.
Can I clean it up myself?
You can, but blood and body fluids can carry infections, and what has soaked into flooring or furniture usually has to be removed, not wiped. Workers who do this wear protective equipment for a reason (OSHA).
Is crime scene cleanup different from biohazard cleanup?
Not really. Crime scene, trauma, bio hazard and biohazard cleanup describe the same kind of work: removing blood and other body fluids safely and disinfecting what remains.
Does the coroner or the police clean up?
No. They investigate and release the scene. Cleanup is up to the owner, the family or the landlord.
Who is the coroner for Sioux Falls?
The Minnehaha County Coroner/Medical Examiner, 1305 W. 18th St., Sioux Falls, phone (605) 333-1730. The state's Dakota at Home directory lists the same office as serving Lincoln County (Minnehaha County).
Which ZIP codes does this line cover?
In Sioux Falls: 57103, 57104, 57105, 57106, 57107, 57108, 57110. Nearby: Brandon 57005, Harrisburg 57032, Tea 57064, Dell Rapids 57022, Hartford 57033.
Is my call private?
Calls are routed through a referral network and may be recorded. See the privacy policy.