Immediate loss guide
First 72 hours after death
The first three days are about confirming the death, arranging safe transport, protecting the home, gathering documents, and making only the decisions that truly cannot wait.
Hours 0-6
Confirm the death and make the first call
- Call 911 for an unexpected death outside medical care.
- Call hospice first if the person was enrolled in hospice.
- Ask who will complete the official pronouncement of death.
- Notify the closest family member or legal next of kin.
Hours 6-24
Arrange transport and protect the home
- Choose a funeral home, cremation provider, or transport provider.
- Secure the home, vehicles, pets, medications, and valuables.
- Find any prepaid funeral, insurance, military, or estate documents.
- Avoid signing a full package until you have itemized prices.
Day 2
Make core disposition decisions
- Decide whether burial, cremation, or another option is preferred.
- Request the General Price List from providers you are considering.
- Choose whether there will be a viewing, service, graveside ceremony, or private gathering.
- Start drafting an obituary if the family wants one published.
Day 3
Start paperwork and family coordination
- Order certified death certificates once available.
- Notify employer, Social Security, insurance, and key financial contacts.
- Create a shared family task list so one person is not carrying everything.
- Bring in a death doula, clergy member, or planner if decisions are overwhelming.
Need help deciding what matters?
Renidy can help you separate urgent tasks from decisions that can wait, then build a plan around your family, budget, and values.