Biohazard Cleanup: 7 Things Families Wish They'd Known
- Samantha Rouette, LCSW
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
Nobody plans to search for biohazard cleanup. When people find us, it's usually the worst week of their lives; and they're discovering, in real time, how this all works. These are the seven things families most often tell us they wish someone had explained sooner.
1. The police and coroner don't clean up
This surprises almost everyone. After an investigation ends or a loved one is taken into a funeral home's care, everyone leaves — and the home is re
turned to the family exactly as it is. Cleanup is the responsibility of the family, homeowner, or property owner. No agency does it for you.
2. It's not a job for family members
Blood and bodily fluids are regulated biohazards under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. They can carry pathogens, and they reach places surface cleaning can't — carpet padding, subflooring, drywall. Professional remediation exists for a health reason. But there's a human reason too: no one should carry the memory of cleaning a scene involving someone they loved. Let that be our job, not yours.
3. Insurance often covers it
Many families assume they'll pay out of pocket. In fact, homeowner's insurance frequently covers biohazard remediation. We work directly with insurance carriers on your behalf — the documentation, the claim paperwork, the calls with the adjuster. And if the situation resulted from a crime, the Illinois and Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation Programs may help with costs. We'll help you understand what applies to you — see our Resources page.
4. Nobody has to know
A branded truck in the driveway tells the whole street a story your family never chose to share. Our vehicles are unmarked, our team arrives quietly, and we treat confidentiality as seriously as the cleanup itself. To your neighbors, it's a service visit — nothing more.
5. Who answers the phone matters
Much of this industry runs on national franchises and lead-generation networks: you call a 1-800 number, a dispatcher routes you, and you never know who's coming. We're the opposite. Great Lakes Biorecovery is family-owned, and when you call, you speak directly with Samantha or Ron — the owners. Sam is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in trauma; Ron is an IICRC-Certified Trauma Cleanup Specialist with over a decade of restoration experience. We call it the LCSW Difference: from the first call, you're talking to someone trained to support people in crisis, not just schedule a crew.
6. Speed matters — but so does not being rushed
The physical situation can worsen with time, which is why we're available 24/7 with a typical response of 2–4 hours. But being fast doesn't mean being pushy. We'll answer your questions, explain the process, and give you an honest scope — no pressure, no obligation, even if you're just trying to understand what happens next.
7. Certification isn't optional
Anyone with a van can claim to do this work. Ask two questions of any company you call: Are you IICRC certified? Are you OSHA compliant? We're IICRC Certified Firm #70248813, OSHA compliant, and fully licensed and insured — and we'll gladly walk you through what those standards mean for your home.
The Situations We Handle
Hoarding cleanup — judgment-free, led by an LCSW who specializes in hoarding disorders
Whole house clear out and professional cleaning
Where We Work
We serve Northern Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin from our Lake County base — including Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Evanston and the North Shore, Crystal Lake and McHenry County, and Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, and Waukesha Counties in Wisconsin. See all our service areas.
If You're Facing This Right Now
Call or text us; even if you only want to understand your options. Samantha or Ron will answer, any hour, and walk you through it with no pressure and complete privacy.
📞 (847) 861-7442 — available 24/7 ✉ Info@greatlakesbiorecovery.com
Dignified. Discreet. Done Right.
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