First Steps After Death: What to Do Immediately

Immediate Actions

1. Contact the appropriate authorities
   • If death occurs at home, call 911
   • If at a hospital or care facility, notify the staff
2. Obtain legal pronouncement of death
3. Contact immediate family members

Within the First 24 Hours

• Contact a funeral home
• Request multiple copies of the death certificate
• Locate important documents
• Begin funeral planning process

Important Documents to Gather

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Military discharge papers (if applicable)
• Insurance policies

Phoenix-Specific Considerations

In Phoenix, the summer heat can be a significant factor in timing decisions. Many funeral homes offer 24/7 removal services to ensure proper care of the deceased. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office handles cases of unexpected deaths and can be reached at [phone number].

Next Steps

After handling the immediate necessities, you'll need to:

• Choose between burial and cremation
• Select a funeral home
• Begin planning the service
• Consider religious or cultural requirements