Practical and immediate
What if I'm far away and can't get there immediately?
Short answer
Call the hospital, coroner, or funeral home by phone. They can hold the body with refrigeration while you travel. You do not need to be physically present immediately — make phone contact and get a plan in place.
What this usually means
Call the hospital, coroner, or funeral home by phone. They can hold the body with refrigeration while you travel. You do not need to be physically present immediately — make phone contact and get a plan in place.
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What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.