What To Do When A Death Occurs
1. Notify the Proper Authorities
When a death occurs in a facility such as a hospital, hospice unit or nursing home, the facility staff
will notify you and the necessary authorities. If the death occurs at home under hospice care the
hospice nurse or representative may give family members instructions to follow. If the death should
occur at home or in the workplace not under hospice care 911 should be called. If the deceased
has been under a doctors care, the non emergency police dispatch number can be used.
2. Calls to Make
The first calls made should be made to family and friends to notify them that the death has occurred.
One of the next calls to be made should be to the funeral home. The funeral home can provide you
with information and guidance. Make sure everyone that wants to be there has come before asking
the funeral home to come make the removal. A call may also be placed to your family's minister or
spiritual advisor.
3. Making the Call to the Funeral Home
The first call to the funeral home the call taker will need to get information to be able to transport
your loved one to the funeral home. They will need to know the name of the deceased, location
of the deceased. (if at home street address and directions), whether any pre-arrangements have
been made, and whether you give permission to embalm. Please notify the funeral home if this will
be an immediate cremation. Embalming is not required for immediate cremation.
4. Making Arrangements at the Funeral Home
It is necessary to make an appointment with the funeral director to make arrangements. The funeral
director will guide you through the arrangement conference, explaining how to make a memorable
celebration of life. The conference will include getting the information needed for the death
certificate, schedule the date and times of the visitation and service, selecting a casket, vault or urn,
preparing information for the newspaper notice and signing the necessary forms. The funeral
director will also go over ways to personalize the funeral as well as items available to purchase.
5. Checklist of Items to bring to the Funeral Home
Full legal name, date and place of birth, social security number, parents name (including mother's
maiden name), cemetery deed, military discharge papers (DD214), a recent picture or snapshot,
Masonic apron, Rosary, etc., clergy name and phone number and a list of people for the
newspaper notice
6. Clothing
WOMEN- Dress, gown, pants suit, skirt and blouse, pants and blouse, normal underclothing
stockings or socks, shoes optional. (Preferable long sleeves and high neck)
MEN - Suit or slacks, shirt, tie, normal underclothing, socks, shoes optional. (Preferable long
sleeves and high neck.)