What to Do When Someone Dies: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First 72 Hours

I responded to hundreds of deaths as a firefighter and paramedic. The moment a family realizes what has happened, everything stops. And then someone has to start making calls they do not want to make.

This guide covers what needs to happen in the first 72 hours -- in a workable order.

In the First Hour

If the death was unexpected, call 911. If the death was expected -- a hospice patient at home -- call the hospice nurse first. They will guide you through the process and notify the appropriate parties. Do not call 911 for an expected death under hospice care unless the hospice directs you to.

In the First Few Hours

Notify close family and close friends. Then contact a funeral home. You do not need to have everything figured out first -- a funeral home can take custody of the body and give you time to make decisions. Browse funeral homes by city at funeralhomedirectories.com. Most have a 24-hour line for exactly this reason.

If the deceased was a veteran, tell the funeral home immediately. This affects options and benefits available to the family.

In the First 24 Hours

Locate important documents: will, trust documents, life insurance policies, military discharge papers if applicable, Social Security card, and birth certificate. Do not rush major decisions. The funeral home can keep the body in their care while you take a day to think through options.

In the First 48 to 72 Hours

Work with the funeral home to finalize the service. Choose burial or cremation, select a casket or urn, decide on a service format, and confirm a date and location.

Order death certificates. Most estates, insurance claims, and financial accounts require an original certified copy. Order at least 10 to 12. Cost is typically $10 to $20 per certificate.

Notify the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. If the deceased was receiving benefits, payments must stop. A surviving spouse may be eligible for an increased benefit.

What Can Wait

Settling the estate, closing accounts, and notifying creditors can wait until after the service. Give yourself and your family permission to grieve first.

If you are reading this in the middle of it right now -- call the funeral home. Make that one call. Everything else can follow.