Emergency Checklist: First Day After Death
What should I do on the first day after someone dies?
Call 999 if the death was unexpected, or call the GP or NHS 111 if expected. Contact the funeral director for guidance, secure the property, arrange care for children and pets, and locate the will. Death registration has a 5-day deadline but can wait until tomorrow.
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
The first 24 hours after someone dies can feel overwhelming. This emergency checklist prioritizes the most crucial tasks to help you focus on what truly needs immediate attention.
- Confirm death and call appropriate services
- Secure the person and location
- Notify immediate family
- Contact GP or hospital if expected death
- Arrange for medical certificate
- Contact funeral director
- Begin organizing important documents
- Care for dependents or pets
Contents
Immediate priorities (0-2 hours)
These tasks require immediate attention and cannot wait:
Critical Actions
Don't move the person or disturb anything
Have medical details and medications list ready
Speak to bereavement services or duty manager
Only tell those who need to know immediately
Urgent tasks (2-8 hours)
Once immediate needs are addressed, focus on these urgent tasks:
Priority Tasks
Medical & Legal
- • Arrange medical certificate of death
- • Contact coroner if death referred
- • Find will and important documents
- • Contact solicitor if known
Practical Arrangements
- • Contact preferred funeral director
- • Secure the property if empty
- • Arrange care for dependents/pets
- • Cancel medical appointments
By end of first day
Aim to complete these tasks before the first day ends:
End of Day Goals
- Medical certificate arranged or in progress
- Funeral director contacted and initial meeting arranged
- Immediate family notified
- Property secured and safe
- Pets and dependents cared for
- Important documents located (will, insurance, etc.)
What can wait until tomorrow
These tasks are important but don't need to be done on the first day:
Can wait 2-5 days:
- • Registering the death (deadline: 5 days in England/Wales, 8 days in Scotland)
- • Detailed funeral planning
- • Notifying banks and financial institutions
- • Contacting employer about bereavement leave
- • Organizing death certificates
Can wait 1-2 weeks:
- • Notifying utility companies
- • Cancelling subscriptions and memberships
- • Dealing with personal belongings
- • Social media accounts
- • Detailed probate planning
Getting support
You don't have to do everything alone. Support is available through various organisations including Cruse Bereavement Support and NHS bereavement services:
Professional Help
- • Funeral directors (immediate support)
- • Solicitors (legal guidance)
- • Bereavement services (emotional support)
- • Religious leaders (spiritual support)
Personal Support
- • Close family members
- • Trusted friends
- • Neighbours who can help practically
- • Work colleagues/HR department
First Day Priority Checklist
🚨 Immediate (First 2 Hours)
- Call 999 (unexpected death) or GP/111 (expected death)
- Notify spouse, children, parents (immediate family only)
- Secure location and don't disturb anything (if death at home)
⚡ Urgent (Next 6 Hours)
- Arrange for medical certificate of cause of death
- Contact funeral director for initial guidance
- Arrange care for children, elderly parents, or pets
- Locate will, insurance policies, and important documents
📋 End of Day Goals
- Ensure property is secure (locks, utilities, valuables)
- Have basic funeral arrangements discussion with funeral director
- Activate support network (ask family/friends for help with tomorrow's tasks)
Take Care of Yourself
The first day after someone dies is exhausting both emotionally and physically. Remember to eat something, stay hydrated, and get help with tasks when possible. Tomorrow will be easier because you'll have a clearer plan.
Related Guides
First Week After Death: Complete Checklist
Comprehensive day-by-day guide for the first week, prioritizing urgent tasks and managing overwhelming responsibilities.
What to Do When Someone Dies
A practical step-by-step guide to handling death admin in the UK — from the first 5 days to dealing with the estate.
What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
Step-by-step guide for handling a death at home, including who to call, what to expect, and immediate next steps.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital
Complete guide to hospital death procedures, bereavement offices, and collecting belongings and documentation.
Who to Call First When Someone Dies
Know exactly who to contact and in what order, from emergency services to funeral directors and family.