Help & guides
Guides for Madison families after a death or crime
Plain answers about the first 24 hours, the medical examiner, who pays, victim compensation, student deaths, tenants, hoarding and grief support.
No money up frontPrice approved firstInsurance billed for youLocal techs, 24/7
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Talk to a local tech now
Tell us what happened and where. The local tech closest to you is on the way while we talk. No pressure, and nothing to pay up front.
- The tech closest to you heads out right away
- Written scope and price you approve first
- No money up front. We bill your insurance
Quick answerThese guides answer what Madison-area families ask us most: who to call after a death at home, what happens after the Dane County Medical Examiner leaves, how insurance and Wisconsin victim compensation work, what parents should know after a student death, and where to find support.
Guides
Start here
Local help
Who else to call in Dane County
The offices and helplines around a death, a crime or a hard week, with numbers you can tap. Checked November 2026. We have no paid relationship with any of them.
Crisis, right now
Police & medical examiner
Money & insurance
Family, tenants & loss
The first 24 hours after a death at home in Dane County
Who does what, in order
Families tell us the hardest part is not knowing what comes next. This is the usual order, and where we fit in.
Police and EMS come. Don't clean or move anything.
An investigator from Dane County Medical Examiner looks into the death.
You choose one. They care for your loved one.
You're told the home is released. Now cleanup can start.
Your zone's tech comes out and walks through with you.
You approve it. We call your insurer. Nothing up front.
Guide
Who to call, what the Dane County Medical Examiner does, and when cleanup can start.
Guide
What families find when they go back in, what to leave alone, and what happens next.
Guide
Homeowners, renters, landlord and business insurance, and what to say to the adjuster.
Guide
What drives the price of death and crime scene cleanup, and how families pay little or nothing.
Guide
Up to $1,000 for crime scene cleanup through the Wisconsin DOJ. Who qualifies and how to apply.
Guide
For families far from Madison after a death in a campus-area apartment.
Guide
Wisconsin’s deceased-tenant rule, the tenant’s belongings, nearby units and who pays.
Guide
How to start the conversation, what a cleanout looks like, and local help.
Guide
Crisis lines and support groups for families after a sudden or violent death.
Guide
What’s safe to handle, what isn’t, and why bleach isn’t enough.
Helpful links
Trusted outside resources
Official agencies and organizations we point families to. We have no paid relationship with any of them.
Investigates sudden and unattended deaths in Dane County. Office in McFarland.
(608) 280-2600, any hour
Call or text 988, any time
State program for eligible crime victims · our guide
(608) 240-7400 · help for older adults, people with disabilities and their families
State office that helps with insurance questions and complaints.
We’re here right now
You don't have to handle this alone
Call now. The tech closest to you starts driving while we talk, and nothing happens until you approve the plan. Day or night, no money up front.
¿Prefiere hablar en español? Ofrecemos asistencia bilingüe cuando la necesite. Llame al 608-974-1788.
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Steady, meaningful work in Madison and across south central Wisconsin. We hire people from the towns we serve and train you to IICRC standards.