What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Someone Dies

When someone you love dies, the first 24 hours can feel overwhelming. Your grief is fresh, your mind may feel foggy, and yet there are practical matters that need attention. This guide walks you through each step with compassion and clarity, helping you focus on what truly matters while ensuring nothing critical is forgotten.

Steps to Take: Getting a Legal Pronouncement of Death

The first step after a death is obtaining a legal pronouncement. This is the official confirmation that a person has died, and it is required before anything else can happen.

If Death Occurred in a Hospital or Hospice Facility

If your loved one died in a hospital, hospice facility, or under medical care, the staff will handle the pronouncement automatically. A doctor, nurse practitioner, or other authorized medical professional will officially document the time and cause of death.

What you need to do:

• Ask when the pronouncement will be completed
• Request information about the death certificate process
• Ask about any required paperwork you need to sign

If Death Occurred at Home Without Medical Care

If your loved one died at home without medical supervision, you need to contact the appropriate authorities:

Call 911 if:

• The death was unexpected
• There was no hospice care in place
• You are unsure about the cause of death

Call the attending physician if:

• Your loved one was under a doctor's care for a terminal condition
• The doctor saw them within the past few days
• The death was expected

Call the local coroner or medical examiner if:

• The death was sudden or unexpected
• The cause is unclear
• No doctor is available to sign the death certificate

Steps to Take: Notify Close Family and Friends

Reaching out to family members is emotionally difficult but necessary. Consider delegating this task to a trusted family member or friend who can help spread the word.

Who to Notify First

1. Spouse or partner (if not present)
2. Children (adult children first, then decide together about minor children)
3. Parents (if living)
4. Siblings
5. Closest friends

How to Make These Calls

• Keep it simple: "I am calling to tell you that [name] passed away [time/place]."
• Let them react without rushing
• Ask if they can help notify others
• Give them information about next steps if known

Social Media Considerations

Wait until all close family and friends have been personally notified before posting on social media. Learning about a death online can be deeply painful. Consider designating one person to manage social media announcements.

Steps to Take: Arrange for the Body

Once death has been pronounced, arrangements need to be made for your loved one's body. This is typically handled by a funeral home.

If Funeral Arrangements Were Pre-Planned

Check for pre-paid funeral contracts or written wishes. These documents often specify:

• Which funeral home to use
• Whether to choose burial or cremation
• Any specific service preferences

Contact the designated funeral home, and they will coordinate transportation.

If No Arrangements Were Made

You will need to choose a funeral home. You can:

• Ask the hospital or hospice for recommendations
• Search for local funeral homes online
• Call a trusted friend or family member for suggestions

When you call the funeral home, they will:

• Arrange to transport the body
• Guide you through next steps
• Schedule a time to discuss arrangements
• Explain pricing and options

Remember: You are not obligated to purchase anything immediately. The Funeral Rule (enforced by the FTC) gives you the right to receive pricing information over the phone.

Steps to Take: Secure the Home and Belongings

If your loved one lived alone, take steps to secure their residence and belongings.

Immediate Security Steps

• Lock all doors and windows
• Remove perishable food from the refrigerator
• Care for pets or arrange temporary care
• Forward mail to prevent it from piling up
• Check for hazards like running water or appliances left on

Document Valuable Items

Take photos of valuable items, jewelry, and important locations in the home. This creates a record of the estate's condition and can be helpful later during estate settlement.

What Not to Do Yet

• Do not remove or distribute personal belongings
• Do not close accounts or cancel services yet
• Do not make promises about specific items
• Do not throw away any documents

Steps to Take: Gather Important Documents

Start collecting essential documents. You do not need to find everything today, but begin gathering what you can locate.

Most Important Documents

• Will and estate planning documents
• Trust documents (if applicable)
• Life insurance policies
• Social Security card or number
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Military discharge papers (DD-214)
• Financial account information
• Property deeds
• Vehicle titles

Where to Look

• Home safe or lockbox
• Desk drawers and filing cabinets
• Attorney's office (if they had one)
• Safe deposit box (though you may not be able to access it immediately)
• With trusted family members

Steps to Take: Notify Employers and Organizations

Contact your loved one's employer and relevant organizations within the first 24 hours.

Employer Notifications

Contact the HR department to:

• Report the death
• Ask about life insurance through work
• Inquire about 401(k) or pension benefits
• Ask about accrued vacation or sick pay

Government Agencies

Social Security Administration:

• Phone: 1-800-772-1213
• Must be notified within a reasonable timeframe
• Ask about survivor benefits eligibility
• Note: Any benefits received after death must be returned

Veterans Affairs (if applicable):

• Phone: 1-800-827-1000
• Ask about burial benefits
• Inquire about survivor benefits
• Request information about obtaining a flag and headstone

Insurance Companies

Contact life insurance companies to start the claims process. They will need:

• Policy number
• Death certificate (when available)
• Beneficiary information

What We Wish We Had Known

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing Major Decisions

Do not feel pressured to make significant financial decisions immediately. This includes:

• Large funeral purchases you cannot afford
• Selling property or assets
• Making irrevocable choices about the estate
• Paying debts before understanding obligations

Trying to Do Everything Alone

Grief impairs decision-making. Having someone with you helps:

• Remember questions to ask
• Take notes during meetings
• Provide emotional support
• Ensure you eat and rest

Neglecting Your Health

It is easy to forget basic self-care when grieving. Remember:

• Grief is physically exhausting
• Lack of sleep impairs judgment
• Dehydration worsens emotional distress
• You need strength for the days ahead

Social Media Mistakes

• Posting before close family is notified
• Sharing details that family might prefer to keep private
• Not considering how the post might affect others

Sources

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Continue Your Planning Journey

Our Celebration of Life Book helps families preserve memories and organize important information. For additional guidance:

• Who to Call When Someone Dies
• Documents Needed When Someone Dies
• First 24 Hours Checklist