The first 48 hours: what to do when someone dies
A gentle, practical guide to the first calls, documents and decisions, and the things that can wait.
When someone you love dies, the first hours can feel overwhelming. You do not have to do everything at once. Here is what matters first, and what can wait.
1. Make the first call
If your loved one died in hospital, the staff will issue a notification of death. If they died at home, call your doctor, the area chief or the police so the death can be confirmed. Then call us: we answer day and night, and we will come to take your loved one into our care.
2. Gather the documents
You will need the notification of death, the deceased's national ID and the ID of the next of kin. We use these to help you obtain the burial permit.
3. Choose a few people to help
Many families form a small funeral committee. Choose a treasurer, someone to handle communication, and someone to work with us on the arrangements.
What can wait
You do not need to choose the coffin, flowers or programme on the first day. Rest, be with your family, and let us carry the details.
Nothing needs to be decided in a rush. Call us, and we will go one step at a time.
Written by Angel Funeral Home
