A Quick Guide for the First 48 Hours
When someone you love passes away, everything can feel unclear. You might not know what to do first, what matters most, or what can wait. This article is here to give you the first five steps to get started.
Start Here
1. Get a legal pronouncement of death
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If the death happened at home: call 911
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If hospice was involved: call the hospice nurse
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If at a hospital or care facility: staff will handle this
2. Contact a funeral home or cremation provider
They will:
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Transport your loved one
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Help you begin next steps
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Guide you through immediate decisions (without needing everything today)
3. Notify a few key people
Start small:
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Immediate family
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A close trusted friend
4. Locate important documents/items
If accessible, begin gathering:
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ID or driver’s license
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Social Security Number
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Will or trust (if one exists)
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Cell phone
If you can’t find these yet, that’s okay. Move on to the next step for now.
5. Care for the home and immediate needs
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Make sure any dependents and/or pets have a plan for being cared for
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Bring in mail or packages
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Turn off anything that could be unsafe (stove, candles, etc.)
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Remove any food and/or beverages with fast approaching expiration dates
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Empty trashes if full
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Secure home
One last note, ask for help.
This is not something you’re meant to manage alone. Ask a trusted family member or family friend to:
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Help make calls
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Sit with you while you figure things out
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Take over communication with others
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Do a walk-through of the house to determine any immediate needs
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Check on house at a regular cadence (if applicable)
What Comes Next?
If you’re looking for a way to work-through the tasks mentioned above, and all of the items ahead, check out The Halo Lane Checklist. Available as an interactive checklist, or downloadable pdf.
Built for you, from someone who’s been there.
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Savannah Paramo, Founder
