Reporting a Death

Many people are unfamiliar with the necessary steps that must be taken when a death occurs. It is the intent of our funeral home to educate the public on this matter. Initially, when the death occurs, it is most important that you notify us regardless of the time of day. ( 410-284-2600 ).  One of our licensed directors is available to assist you with your needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At which time, we will then make the necessary arrangements to have your loved one transferred from the place of death to our funeral facility.

Cremation

Cremation has become a prominent choice of final disposition for many families over the last several years. Should cremation be the choice for your loved one, it is important that we make you aware of the laws in the State of Maryland in regards to this method of disposition. Maryland law states that prior to cremation someone must identify  the decedent in the presence of  one of our Staff Funeral directors.  The law also states that the Next of Kin must authorize the cremation in writing, and we must wait 12 hours after the time of death before the cremation may commence.

Sudden Death

Should an individual die unexpectedly, while at home or in any other location, it is imperative that you dial 911 immediately. The local police and/or emergency medical technicians will respond to assess the situation. If the individual was under a doctor’s care, the doctor will be contacted immediately. Once the doctor has been notified, the family will then be instructed to contact the funeral home to make the necessary transfer of the remains and funeral arrangements.

Should an individual pass away unexpectedly, and they were not under the care of a doctor, the same steps would be taken. In this scenario, rather than a doctor being notified, the Medical Examiner’s Office would be contacted by the police personnel responding.   The Medical Investigators would arrive at the location to access the situation. At which time, they would determine whether the remains should be transported to the Medical Examiners Office for further evaluation. If this is the case, the Medical Examiner's personnel would transfer the deceased to the Medical Examiners Office.  The funeral home should be called at this time to alert them of the death.

In Home Hospice

In home hospice has become more and more commonplace over the last several years. In home hospice is when an individual elects to remain in their own home to die. A hospice nurse will come to the home frequently  to care for this person. When the death occurs, it is imperative that the hospice nurse be notified first. The nurse will come to the home to pronounce the death. It is at this time that the funeral home should be contacted.