When someone was not found for a while
Unattended death cleanup in Yakima
It is a hard way to lose someone, and the room is often harder to deal with than people expect. This page explains what happens next, without detail you don't need.
Phones staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The coroner comes first
Washington law gives the county coroner charge of a person who died suddenly without a doctor's care in the 36 hours before, or who is found dead (RCW 68.50.010). In Yakima County that is the Yakima County Coroner. Police usually call them; you don't have to.
The Yakima County Coroner is at 128 N 2nd Street in Yakima, phone (509) 574-1610. Questions about when the person can go to a funeral home belong there.
Until the coroner has finished, leave the room and the person as they are.
Why this is different from ordinary cleaning
After some days, fluids soak through bedding and carpet into the pad, the subfloor and sometimes the room below. Odor settles into soft materials and drywall. Airing the room out does not reach it.
A cleanup company will usually remove the affected flooring and furniture, clean and disinfect what stays, and treat the air. Ask how they will check that the odor is gone before they call it done.
Keep windows and the door closed until the company arrives, and keep pets out.
Things families often ask about
- Personal papers, photos and jewelry: tell the company early what you want found and kept.
- The rest of the house: ask whether the company checks the rooms next door and any heating ducts.
- A rented home: tell the landlord or property manager soon. They own the floors and walls.
- Insurance: call the homeowner's or renter's insurer before work begins and ask what the policy says.
How soon can the cleanup start?
Once the coroner and police have released the home. Many companies can come within the day. Ask when you call.
Can we go in to collect a few things first?
Wait until the company has looked at the room. They can bring out what you need, which spares you the room and the air in it.
Yakima and the valley around it
Nobody in the family has to clean this
An independent cleanup company can take it from here once the police and the coroner are done. Asking questions on the phone commits you to nothing.
When you are ready to talk
Say what happened, where it is and who owns the property. The company explains what it would do. You decide whether to go ahead.
Call (509) 555-0106Phones staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.