# Understanding the Cleanup Process After a Traumatic Event in Seattle ## What to Expect During Cleanup In the first hours after a traumatic event, time seems to stretch and snap. You call 911. Police and medics arrive. The scene becomes a swirl of activity—lights, tape, uniforms, questions. Then, suddenly, it’s quiet again, and you’re left staring at a room that doesn’t feel like yours anymore. One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners and business managers is,