Why is it important to protect contents before cleaning a structure?

Protecting contents before cleaning a structure is crucial primarily to prevent cross-contamination. In trauma and crime scene cleanup, contaminants can be biological, chemical, or other hazardous materials that pose risks to health and safety. If the contents within a space are not adequately protected, any cleanup efforts can inadvertently transfer harmful substances from one surface to another, complicating the cleanup process and increasing the potential for exposure to those contaminants.

This focus on preventing cross-contamination ensures that the cleanup is thorough and safe. By safeguarding the contents, professionals can avoid recontaminating areas that have already been cleaned, which is essential for effective restoration and ensures that the environment is rendered safe for occupants.

The other considerations like making items easier to clean, maintaining aesthetic value, or complying with building codes, while they may have relevance in certain contexts, do not address the immediate and critical health and safety concerns that arise during a cleanup operation. Protecting contents is fundamentally about ensuring the safety and efficacy of the cleanup process.