When a Death Occurs
In the first hours after a loss, it can be hard to know what to do next — and that is okay. Whether a death occurs at home, in a hospital, or away from home, House-Rawlings Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day to guide you through each step, one at a time.
The First Call
If your loved one passes at a hospital, nursing home, or under hospice care, the staff there will typically notify the proper authorities and can contact us on your behalf. If a death occurs at home without hospice, call 911 first. Then call House-Rawlings Funeral Home at any hour — we will take it from there.
What Happens Next
Once your loved one is in our care, we will schedule a time to meet with your family — at the funeral home or wherever you are most comfortable. Procedures can vary depending on where and how a death occurs, and we will explain exactly what applies to your situation so nothing catches you off guard.
Lean on the People Around You
Grief can make even simple decisions feel overwhelming. If possible, ask a trusted friend or family member to sit with you during phone calls and arrangements — a clearer-thinking companion can take notes, ask questions, and help you remember the details later.
