Family resources for hard days
Straight answers to the questions families, landlords and property owners ask us most, written so they help even if you never call.
Guides by Ellsworth Bristow, Family Resources Editor
What to do after an unattended death in PhiladelphiaA plain, step-by-step guide for the first day after finding that someone died alone at home, from the 911 call to the moment cleanup can safely start.
Who cleans up after a crime in Philadelphia?The people who respond to a crime don't stay to clean it. Here is who carries that responsibility, what to ask before hiring anyone, and how long the work runs.
Does insurance cover biohazard cleanup in Pennsylvania?A plain look at how homeowner's, renter's and landlord policies treat biohazard cleanup, what adjusters ask for, and when Pennsylvania's crime victims program may help.
Fentanyl residue in a home: real risks and safe cleanupTouching a doorknob is not the danger many people fear. Loose powder, swallowing and small children are. A clear look at fentanyl residue in homes, rentals and recent purchases.
Found a needle on your property? Here is what to doA syringe in the yard, the alley or the doorway of your shop is unsettling. A few careful steps keep you safe, and knowing when to call for help keeps the next one from surprising you.
Landlord checklist after a tenant dies in PhiladelphiaWhen a tenant passes away in one of your units, the next few days involve police, family, the estate and the apartment itself. This checklist keeps the order clear and the process respectful.
Why bleach is not enough to clean up bloodMost of us grew up believing a bottle of bleach could handle anything. With blood, the trouble isn't the chemical. It's what the chemical can't reach and what it meets on the way.
Talking to a family member about hoardingHoarding is rarely about the stuff. A practical, kind guide to opening the conversation, protecting safety, and deciding when outside help makes sense.
Basement sewage backup in Philadelphia: what to do firstA floor drain gurgles, then dark water spreads across the basement. Here is how to stay safe in the first hour, what has to go, and how to get the house back.
Pigeon droppings on Philadelphia rowhomes: a safe guideCornices, porch roofs, window AC units and the stretch under the El collect pigeon waste fast. Here is how to judge the risk, clean a small patch safely, and keep birds from coming back.
When can you go back into the house after a death?The home is yours again once police and the Medical Examiner leave, but the affected rooms may not be ready. Here is how to judge when it's safe to return.
What to expect when a biohazard crew arrivesKnowing what a cleanup visit looks like takes some of the dread out of it. Here is the day in order, from the moment the vehicle pulls up to the last signature.
Hantavirus and mouse droppings: what the risk really isHantavirus is rare and serious, and it mostly comes from deer mice. Here is what that means for a Philadelphia home, and how to clean droppings without stirring them into the air.
Hoarding and Philadelphia code violations: what to knowA violation notice can feel like a crisis on top of a crisis. This guide explains how the process generally works and how families keep the deadline and the person both in view.
Help for landlords and insurance claims
For Landlords & Property ManagersWhen a unit in your building becomes a biohazard scene, you need it cleaned, the neighbors protected and the paperwork in order. We answer 24/7 and work the way owners and managers need us to.
Insurance & VCAP Claims HelpPaperwork is the last thing anyone wants after a death, a crime or a sewage flood. We do the cleanup, then hand you and your adjuster clear records so the claim has what it needs.
Need help now rather than reading?
Call (267) 699-2329. A technician answers at any hour and can talk you through the next step.
Call (267) 699-2329Answered 24 hours, every day
