What should be done to contents before cleaning the structure?

Before beginning the cleanup process of a trauma or crime scene, it is essential to protect the contents or move them offsite. This step is crucial for several reasons. First, the presence of biohazards or contaminants in the environment could compromise the safety of the items present. Cleaning should happen in a safe and controlled manner to prevent further contamination or damage.

Moving items offsite may also allow for better cleaning and restoration efforts, particularly if the contents can be affected by chemicals or processes used during the cleanup. In many cases, items can also be protected through covering or containment to shield them from potential damage during the cleaning process. This approach ensures that important evidence or personal belongings are preserved and allows the cleaning team to operate without obstacles.

The other methods, such as leaving items in place, ignoring them until after cleanup, or attempting to clean them prior, would risk compromising both the quality of the cleanup and the integrity of the items. Therefore, ensuring that contents are protected or moved offsite is the appropriate and safe choice.