Losing somebody close to us is among the most difficult things most of us will experience. And despite going through such a difficult time, you might also be expected to make arrangements which can be especially difficult when under so much stress. One such arrangement is announcing the death of a loved one so that others are also aware.
It can be difficult to know how to announce a death, and where, especially when you’re already under stress. To help, we’ve created this brief guide on how to announce the death of a loved one in NSW.
What To Do First?
Many people will die in a hospital, and the legalities will typically be processed automatically by the hospital staff. However, many will die at home, sometimes unexpectedly, leaving you unsure of what you should do next.
When you’re in NSW, the first thing you should do upon finding somebody has died is to call the emergency services. They will then ask for your details and likely come to you to confirm the death. The police will typically report the death for you and they will also often contact the local hospital or morgue so the deceased’s body can be taken away to safe storage.
Another option is to contact a funeral director who would know the entire process very well. They may be able to help directly or at least give you advice on the best next steps to take. Once you have notified the appropriate authorities, they will then take over where they can, helping to relieve you of stress and freeing up time to focus on other important matters.
How to Announce to Others?
If a loved one dies, they will also likely be leaving behind old school friends, work colleagues, and a whole range of other people who will mourn the loss. These people should be notified as soon as arrangements are made, although close friends and relatives should ideally be informed immediately.
One of the best ways to announce somebody’s death is to announce it on a social media platform. For example, it’s easy for Facebook users to add and find old school or work friends, or other people who may have known the deceased. Local newspapers are also a good place to inform others of somebody’s death, while word of mouth is also an effective approach. Many people have even used text messages to pass on the bad news to many people at once.
In addition to informing friends and family, it may also be necessary to inform official organizations like banks, insurance departments and employers. It can be difficult to remember such details when under the pressure of arranging a funeral for somebody you loved so it can be a good idea to ask for some help.
As mentioned, ‘official’ announcements such as those in newspapers are often not made until funeral arrangements have been made. In such cases, your announcement can include details that will be helpful to potential attendees. Such details typically include the location, time and date, and any restrictions such as dress codes or anything else that might be useful to others.
What Do I Write?
Funerals are, of course, sensitive moments so it is always best to be as respectful as possible. Bear in mind that reading your announcement is the first time some people will hear of the news and it can be quite a shock. Remember to consider everybody who was friends and family with the departed, ensuring your message speaks to all those who knew the deceased.
In most cases, it is best to get to the point directly, but with compassion. Make sure to spell the deceased’s name clearly, including any nicknames and other details like their job and connections with local clubs. Regardless, make sure that you keep to the point and keep it straightforward, avoiding bombarding the reader with too much to take in.
Is It Legally Required to Announce a Death?
While it is legally required to report a death to the appropriate authorities, you have no legal obligation to let others know publicly in NSW. However, it is usually best to do so out of respect for others and for other, more practical reasons. For example, an insurance company might continue expecting payments from the deceased, unaware they have passed away.
Regardless, announcing a death publicly is easier now than ever before, thanks largely to the internet. You will also find various organizations looking to help during this difficult time, taking pressure off you and ensuring everything is done correctly.
Summary
Above is a brief guide to announcing the death of a loved one in NSW with all the information most could need. New technology helps making such announcement easier than ever, leaving you able to do everything from the comfort of your home. However, it I understandable that some won’t feel up to making such arrangement at this difficult time, but help is at hand to ensure everything goes smoothly.
If you have any questions about the legalities involved with reporting a death and what you need to do, get in touch with the team at Family Funerals. Our friendly and professional team has extensive experience with funerals and can handle your workload for you. Get in touch and have peace of mind in knowing funeral plans are in the hands of the professionals.
