A step-by-step guide
After a death at home: what happens next
Most people have never had to do this before. Here is the usual order of things in Outagamie, Winnebago and Calumet counties, so you know what to expect.
The usual order
Call 911
If the death was sudden, unexpected or you are not sure, call 911. If the person was in hospice care, call the hospice first; they know what to do.
Police and the county arrive
For sudden, unexpected, unattended or violent deaths, the coroner (Outagamie County) or medical examiner (Winnebago and Calumet counties) is involved. Answer what you can. Their questions are routine.
The person is taken into care
The coroner or medical examiner decides when the person can be moved and where to. You will be asked which funeral home you want. It is fine to ask for time to choose.
The home is released
When officials have finished, the home is yours again. Ask the officer whether they need anything else and for the report number.
Close off the room
Shut the door. Keep children and pets out. Do not clean blood or fluids yourself, and do not throw things away yet: an insurer may want to see them.
Call your insurer
Before cleanup starts, if you own or rent the home. Ask what the policy covers and which photos and invoices it wants.
Arrange the cleanup
Call this number when you are ready. An independent company will explain the work and you decide.
Good to know
Autopsy
In Winnebago County, the medical examiner says there is no charge to the family for an autopsy in a case it takes, and that it should not affect funeral plans in most cases.
Cremation
In Outagamie County every cremation needs the Coroner’s Office authorization. The funeral home arranges this.
Natural deaths under a doctor's care
Many are certified by the person's own doctor and the coroner is not involved. The funeral home will explain.
Help with grief
The Outagamie County Coroner's Office says it makes referrals to help families. Ask when they call you.
Other guides
- Who pays for biohazard cleanupInsurance, Wisconsin crime victim compensation, landlords and estates.
- Who cleans up after the police leaveA plain answer to a question many families are left with.
- For landlords and property managersA death or injury in a rental unit: the order of things.
- How a referral worksWhat happens when you call, and what to ask the company.
- Questions and answersShort answers to what people ask most.
Appleton and the Fox Cities
Talk it through before you decide
You do not need to know the right words. Describe the room and what happened, and ask what the company would do first.
When the home has been released
Call and say what happened, in your own words. An independent cleanup company will explain what the work involves. You decide whether to go ahead.
Call (920) 555-0110Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. See the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.