Right after it happens
What do I do if someone dies and I don't know who to call?
Short answer
Start with 211. Tell them someone died and ask who handles next steps in your county. They will route you. If it was sudden or unexpected, call 911. If they were in a hospital or facility, call that facility's main line and…
What this usually means
Start with 211. Tell them someone died and ask who handles next steps in your county. They will route you. If it was sudden or unexpected, call 911. If they were in a hospital or facility, call that facility's main line and ask for the charge nurse or social worker.
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.