Immediate concerns checklist
Considerations in the first 24 hours after a death
• Start gathering your support system around you. Call in key members of your family, friends, and neighbors.
• Ask a few trusted people to come over and help you with phone calls and/or meals.
• Make childcare arrangements with a trusted person, if needed, for a short while.
• Assign a trusted person to manage the phone calls, the door and inquiries about the death or situation for you.
• Write down any information or details you need to remember. Please use the notes section of this handbook.
• Keep the Coroner’s office investigator’s name and number available.
• Try to get some rest and think about your health. Avoid alcohol, and drink lots of water to keep hydrated.
• Inform children of the deceased about the death. Be honest with them.
• Contact funeral homes to make arrangements for final disposition.
• If you are the next of kin, locate the will or testament as soon as possible, and keep it safe.
• Arrange for the care and safety of pets.
• Contact an environmental clean-up company if needed.
• Contact the deceased’s employer or school (if applicable).
• Cancel any appointments the deceased may have pending during the month.
• Contact your lawyer if your family has been working with a lawyer regarding items such as trusts, wills, etc.
• Get in touch with your religious support group if applicable.
• Contact your physician if you are having trouble eating or sleeping after the first 24 hours.
• Give yourself and others permission to grieve in their own way.