What to do in the first 24 hours after a death

May 22, 2026

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What to do in the first 24 hours after a death


Nobody prepares you for the moment it actually happens. Whether it was expected or not, the first 24 hours after losing someone can feel completely overwhelming. Here is a clear, honest guide to what actually needs to happen — and what can wait.


The first thing to know: you have more time than you think.


Unless a death occurs in an unusual circumstance, there is no emergency. You do not need to make every decision immediately. Take a breath. The most important thing in the first few minutes is to make sure you and the people around you are okay.


Step 1: Call the right people first.


If your loved one passed at home under hospice care, call the hospice nurse first — not 911. They will guide you through the next steps and contact the necessary authorities. If the death was unexpected or the cause is unknown, call 911. If your loved one passed in a hospital or facility, the staff will guide you.


Step 2: Notify immediate family.


Before anything else gets done, make sure the people who need to know, know. This does not have to be everyone — just the immediate circle. Social media can wait. Phone calls to close family come first.


Step 3: Contact a funeral home.


You do not have to decide everything right away, but you do need to contact a funeral home to arrange for your loved one to be transferred into their care. At Covenant Funeral & Crematory, we are available 24 hours a day. You can call us at any hour and we will walk you through exactly what happens next — no pressure, no rush.


Step 4: Secure the home.


If your loved one lived alone, make sure the home is secure. Locate important documents if you can — insurance policies, a will, Social Security card, military discharge papers if applicable. You do not need to find everything right now, but knowing where to look later helps.


Step 5: Let people help you.


This is the one most people skip. When someone offers to bring food, sit with you, make calls, or just be present — let them. You do not have to manage this alone.


What can wait:


Notifying employers, banks, or creditors. Posting on social media. Planning the service in detail. Going through belongings. Making any major decisions. All of that can wait until you have had time to breathe.


If you have questions about what to do next, call Covenant Funeral & Crematory at 423-485-0911. We are here any time, day or night.

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