The phone rings at 2 a.m. Someone asks what you need. In that hour, many families draw a blank on what comes first. Knowing what to do when someone dies is hard to hold in mind when shock takes over. The grief is real, and the practical steps that cannot wait are real too.
This guide walks through the most important steps to take in the first 24 hours after a death, so you can move forward with a little more clarity.
Step 1: Get an Official Pronouncement of Death
If the death occurs at home, call 911 or the person's hospice provider. A medical professional must officially pronounce the death before the body can be moved. If the person was under hospice care, the hospice nurse can handle this and guide you on next steps. If the death was unexpected, the police will likely be involved as part of standard procedure.
Step 2: Notify Immediate Family
Before any announcements are made publicly, close family members should hear the news directly and personally. A phone call, even a brief one, shows respect and gives loved ones a moment to process privately before the wider circle is informed.
Step 3: Contact a Funeral Home
Once the death has been officially pronounced, the body will need to be transferred to a funeral home or cremation provider. If the deceased left instructions or had a pre-arranged funeral plan, locate those documents now. If no plan exists, you will need to choose a provider. It is acceptable to make a few calls before deciding.
Step 4: Locate Important Documents
As soon as possible, try to locate the will, life insurance policies, and any estate planning documents. These will be needed in the days ahead. If documents are stored digitally, check for a password manager or a file labeled for emergencies. Some families keep a folder specifically for this purpose.
Step 5: Secure the Home and Valuables
If the deceased lived alone, make sure the home is locked and secured. Mail should be collected, and perishables should be addressed. This step is easy to overlook in the early hours but matters for protecting the estate.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Not every decision needs to be made in the first 24 hours. Obituaries, memorial services, and estate matters can be addressed over the days that follow. For now, focus on the steps above and lean on the people around you.
BestFarewell's funeral planning checklist and Family Management System help families prepare for these moments in advance, so the first 24 hours feel a little less uncertain.