What to do when someone dies

If you're reading this right now, take a breath. Nothing needs to be decided in the next few minutes. Here are the steps, in order.

1. If the death was unexpected, call 911

If someone has died at home unexpectedly, or you aren't sure they have died, call 911. Emergency responders and law enforcement will guide you through the next steps.

2. If they were on hospice, call the hospice nurse

If your loved one was under hospice care, call the hospice provider's number instead of 911. A nurse will come to confirm the death and help you contact a funeral home.

3. Call a funeral home

Funeral homes answer 24 hours a day. They will arrange to bring your loved one into their care, often within a few hours. You don't need to have every decision made before you call. See every funeral home in Southern Utah.

4. Gather basic information

The funeral home will help you complete the death certificate. It helps to have the person's full legal name, date and place of birth, Social Security number, parents' names, and military discharge papers (DD-214) if they served.

5. Compare before you commit

You can call more than one funeral home and ask for prices. Every funeral home must give you price information over the phone. Compare cremation costs.

6. Order certified death certificates

You'll need certified copies to close bank accounts, claim life insurance and transfer property. Your funeral home can order them for you.