Discovering a deceased person, especially a loved one, can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. In such situations, following an organized approach can help you manage immediate needs while respecting the deceased and safeguarding your own well-being. Below is a checklist of essential steps to take when you find someone has passed away, from notifying the appropriate authorities to arranging professional cleanup if needed.
1. Remain Calm and Avoid Touching the Scene
The discovery of a deceased person can be a shocking experience, and it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. The first step is to remain as calm as possible and avoid moving or touching anything in the area. Doing so preserves the scene, which may be necessary for medical and law enforcement personnel if further investigation is required.
2. Call Emergency Services
Immediately contact 911 to inform law enforcement and medical professionals of the situation. Emergency responders are trained to assess the scene, confirm death, and handle any initial procedures. If there is a possibility of foul play or unknown circumstances, police may secure the area for investigation, ensuring that any necessary evidence is preserved.
3. Cooperate with Medical and Law Enforcement Officials
Once authorities arrive, they may have questions regarding your discovery of the body. Be cooperative and answer any questions accurately, as this information can help determine the next steps. Law enforcement and medical examiners will confirm the death, handle official procedures, and arrange for the body’s removal.
4. Notify Close Family Members or Friends
After emergency services are notified, inform immediate family members or close friends about the situation. Involving loved ones can provide emotional support and help with making decisions regarding next steps.
5. Contact a Professional Biohazard Cleanup Service
Once authorities have processed the scene and the body is removed, certain cases—particularly those involving an unattended death—may require specialized cleaning to ensure health and safety. Decomposition releases biohazardous materials that can be harmful if not properly managed, and professional cleanup services like ServiceMaster BioClean are equipped to handle these situations thoroughly. Certified technicians use specialized tools, disinfectants, and safety procedures to remove all contaminants, restoring the area to a safe and habitable condition.
After-Death Checklist
Beyond the immediate steps, the following actions are essential to managing both short-term and long-term responsibilities after a death occurs.
Immediate Tasks (Within the First 24 Hours)
- Request a Pronouncement of Death: Medical personnel or a qualified official must confirm and record the death. This is necessary for legal and administrative procedures.
- Verify Organ Donor Status: If the deceased was an organ donor, notify medical personnel as soon as possible.
- Locate and Notify Family: In cases where next of kin are not present, reach out to family members to share the news and coordinate responsibilities.
- Locate Important Documents: If available, gather documents such as a will, insurance policies, or advanced directives to facilitate next steps.
Within the First Few Days
- Arrange for Temporary Care of Dependents and Pets: If the deceased had children or pets, arrange for their temporary care until a long-term plan is established.
- Contact Employer and Relevant Contacts: Notify the deceased’s employer and, if applicable, landlord, to inform them of the situation.
- Begin Funeral Arrangements: Consider the wishes of the deceased and consult with a funeral home to make necessary arrangements.
Longer-Term Actions
- Order Death Certificates: Multiple copies of the death certificate are necessary for legal and financial matters.
- Initiate Estate and Financial Management: Close bank accounts, cancel subscriptions, and work with a probate attorney if needed to settle the estate.
- Address Insurance Policies and Benefits: Contact insurance providers and relevant agencies, such as Social Security, to update or cancel benefits.
Why Professional Biohazard Cleanup is Essential
Attempting to clean up an area after an unattended death is hazardous due to the biological contaminants that may be present. Decomposition releases bacteria, pathogens, and fluids that can pose health risks and require specialized sanitization techniques. Professional cleanup services, like ServiceMaster BioClean, follow OSHA-approved methods and use hospital-grade disinfectants to ensure a safe environment. Relying on trained technicians also prevents exposure to harmful pathogens, eliminates potential odors, and addresses any unseen contamination in the affected area. Professional cleanup not only restores health safety but also alleviates the emotional burden on family members by providing compassionate and discreet assistance during a difficult time.