The death of a family member or friend is the most difficult event in a person's life.
If funeral plans have been made it is easier to deal with but there is still a mystery as to what to do when someone dies.
Here is an outline of the steps to take.
It is meant to provide an idea of what needs to be done immediately after a death has occurred.

• The first thing to do is to call 911 and tell them someone has died.
  
• When the authorities show up they will ask about the circumstances of the death.
  
• Arrangements will be made to transfer the body to a funeral home or if there are any questions, to a medical examiner.
  
• A doctor will need to determine the cause of death and sign a death certificate.
  
• Make sure that friends and family are notified as soon as possible.
  Be aware there may be friends of that deceased that you may not know.
  Some will want to take part in the planning.
  Decide what you will say before you make the call.
  Everyone reacts differently when informed about a death.
  
• You will need a copy of the death certificate in order to close bank accounts and make other arrangements.
  Go to the bank or other financial institution and have the accounts frozen until there is time to deal with them properly.
  
• After the deceased has been transferred to the funeral home you will be asked what arrangements you would like to make for them.
  This is where a preplanning document like a family registry or a will might give you an idea of what the deceased would have wanted.
  If no funeral plans document exist you will need to consult with close family or friends regarding burial or cremation arrangements.
  
• Make a list or plan of the final arrangements on paper and stick to it.
  This is so that you don't slip into the "grief factor" (making decisions based on emotions and feelings rather than common sense.
  )
• Finally, the actual details of the arrangements must be taken care of.
  Get as much help as possible in this step.
  There can be as much as 87 different things that must be done when a death occurs.
  All these things are usually completed in 1 to 2 days.
  If there is a family registry document or a will refer to it for any special requests.
  

The above list is meant to take the mystery out of what should be done immediately after a death has occurred.
It is a guideline and is not a definitive list.
It is best to make your funeral plans before a death occurs.
Make your wishes known to your loved ones and write them down so that they can be carried out.
It will make things easier on your family when the time comes to make your final arrangements.