Canton and Stark County, Ohio
Crime scene and trauma cleanup in Canton
After a homicide, an assault or any violent injury, police and the coroner's office investigate. Once they release the scene, the cleanup is left to the owner or the family. One call connects you with an independent company that does this work in Stark County.
Lines answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Step by step
From release of the scene to a clean room
Wait for the release
Don't move or clean anything until police say the scene is released. Ask the officer if you are unsure.
Call
Describe the rooms involved and what surfaces were affected. The company will usually want to see it before giving a price.
Cleanup
The area is sealed off, soaked materials are removed, and remaining surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.
Repairs
Removed flooring or drywall is replaced afterwards, by the cleanup company or a contractor you choose.
Who pays
Ohio's crime victim program can count cleanup costs
Ohio law lists the cost of crime scene cleanup among the economic losses the Victims of Crime Compensation Program can consider. The statute defines it as reasonable and necessary costs of cleaning the scene and repairing, for personal security, property damaged where the crime happened, up to a limit per claim. It also covers replacing clothing taken from a victim for medical care.
The program is a payer of last resort: it does not pay what insurance or another source covers. The Attorney General's office lists who may apply, including the victim, the dependent of a homicide victim, and anyone responsible for some of the victim's expenses. The crime must have been reported to law enforcement, and applications are due within three years.
Sources: Ohio Attorney General, Apply for Victims Compensation, ORC 2743.51, ORC 2743.56
Questions
Common questions
When can cleanup start?
As soon as police release the scene. If the coroner's office was involved, they will also have finished their work by then.
Does the cleanup company need to talk to the police?
Usually not. They need the address, access and your permission. The police report number helps with insurance and the victim program.
Will the crime victim program pay the company directly?
Ask the Attorney General's office how they want the claim submitted. Keep every invoice either way.
Can I stay in the house?
Many people stay in other rooms while one area is sealed off. Ask the company what they recommend for your situation.
Stark County
Canton and nearby towns
The line takes calls from Canton and these towns. Each page lists the ZIP codes covered.
When you are ready
One call, no pressure to decide on the spot
Some people call within the hour. Others wait until the funeral is over. Either is fine. Keep the affected room closed until then and leave the cleanup to people with the right equipment.
Talk it through with someone now
You reach an independent cleanup company that covers your ZIP code. Ask what they would do, how they price it and when they could start. You decide whether to go ahead.
Call (330) 555-0163Lines answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The call-routing service may record calls. How that works: referral disclosure, privacy policy.