Humanity in Action

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

Humanity in Action

  SERVPRO is known for helping those who have been affected by the wrath of nature or by a man - made misfortune or mishap.  Most of these events come with a sense of urgency to return the victims property to a preloss status. Some property can be restored; others must be replaced.  Working with someone’s property is one thing; working at a scene where someone has died is entirely another.

  Many people are unaware that SERVPRO offers services to remediate areas affected by death, murder or suicide.  We call these Bio Cleanups and when they occur we are reminded of not only our own mortality – but of our role in the community to offer support and sensitivity during such times.  Unfortunately, death is a part of life; and although it is difficult to accept – it is something that we all share.  When a family is faced with the death of a loved one; a great deal of sensitivity is needed when offering assistance.  It is truly a time when one must put themselves in the other person or person’s place to try to understand the severity of the situation.

  I am sorry to say that in less than one year; SERVPRO of Sussex County has responded to and assisted with over a dozen fatality scenes.  Some involve an elderly person who died in their bed; while others may involve a young person who has chosen to end their own life.  I believe that suicides may be the most difficult situations that our company will face due to the intense emotional effect on everyone.  That fact paired with the nature by which they ended their lives can be dramatic and hard to imagine.  We do not take any pride in these details but we realize that we are serving a real need by helping those affected to move on. 

  SERVPRO of Sussex County was recently honored by The Joseph Patrick Fabber Foundation for our support toward assisting those affected by the death of a loved one by suicide.  If you or a loved one are struggling with this issue – we encourage you to call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.