The First 48 Hours After A Death in the Family

After a loved one passes, the grief can often be overwhelming. But there will also be several critical steps to take following their passing. This article will go over the following 48 hours and what you and your family will have to do.
Legal Requirements
Firstly, the death of your loved one will need to be confirmed. Families should contact a physician or other medical authority to obtain the legally required documentation to confirm the death. This can include calling the non-emergency line. In New York City, this can be achieved by calling 311. If there is already an ambulance on the way or on the scene, you do not have to make an additional call. This step is essential for ensuring that documentation of the death is filed properly with the government.
Transportation of the Body
If you already have a funeral home chosen, you can contact the funeral home to transport the body. Otherwise, EMS services can direct you to transport services for a local morgue if you do not have a funeral home chosen yet. 
Notifying Family
Next, it is generally encouraged to contact immediate family members to notify them of the death. You can do this before the funeral services are decided on. They may be able to help you determine the next steps or assist with planning and preparations.
Choosing a Funeral Home
Your loved one may have already had funeral plans laid out or pre-planned. It is possible that they may have had a funeral home of choice. Follow previously discussed or paid for plans to the best of your ability, where possible. If there were no known preferences or plans, there are several factors that can help you determine the right funeral home for your loved one. Funeral homes should be able to accommodate the crowd size you are expecting. They should be centrally located, with easy access to highways, major roads, and public transit. Sizable parking lots can also be an important factor. Consider asking friends and family for recommendations, or look to local funeral homes you’ve visited in the past. 
At the Funeral Home
The funeral home of your choice will help you with a lot of your next steps. They will discuss important details of your loved one’s life, so that they can create the obituary. Your funeral director can also guide your family toward potential benefits that your loved one may qualify for, such as Veteran services if they served. For funeral homes with multiple viewing rooms, your director can walk you through and help you determine the right space for your loved one’s service. If you plan on having your loved one’s church provide religious services during the memorial, the funeral home can help you get in contact with them. 
Burial or Cremation?
Your funeral director will also help you choose between cremation and burial. Your loved one may have had a preference between the two. They may have also already paid for a burial plot. Your funeral director can help you make decisions for caskets, urns, floral arrangements, and more. 
Scheduling the Service
Once the funeral service is scheduled, contact your loved ones to let them know. Many families will make social media posts to get the word out. Most funeral homes will share obituaries along with funeral service information on their social media pages as well. Reposting or sharing these posts can help keep all of the information consistent and centralized. 
Matthew Funeral Home does not provide medical, legal, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, financial, or medical advice.
For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.