TIPNNV Resource Guide

• Coping After a Tragedy
• Dealing with Loss
• Common Reactions Following a Traumatic Event
• Dealing with Your Emotions - Resolving Grief
• Helping Children Grieve
• Helping Children Deal with Suicide
• Suggestions for Families Dealing with Suicide
• Emotional First Aid
• The Basics
• What to Say
• What Not to Say
• How You Can Help Later
• Coroner’s/Medical Examiner's Office
• Coroner/Medical Examiner Information
• Handling Estates/Paperwork
• Practical Considerations for Funeral or Memorial Services
• Practical Considerations for AFTER Funeral or Memorial Services
• Collecting Paperwork
• Insurance Policies
• Social Security
• Veteran’s Benefits
• Employee Benefits
• The Will
• Probate
• Estate and Inheritance Tax
• Income Tax
• Changing Ownership or Title
• Credit Cards
• General Finances
• Professional Assistance
• Fire
• What to Do
• What Not To Do
• Note About Fire Remediation/Restoration
• Media
• Dealing With The Media - Your Rights
• Recusos en Español
• Un Mensaje Especial
• Sobreviviendo La Pérdida De Un Ser Querido
• Primeros Auxilios Emocionales
• Reaccione Tipicas Despues De Un Suceso Tragico
• Maneras Efectivas De Cómo Salir Adelante Después De Un Suceso Traumático
• Ayudar A Los Niños A Llorar
• Support Services Directory
• List of Business and Available Services

Coping After a Tragedy

Dealing with Loss

Loss from a tragedy or traumatic event can take many forms. It might involve the loss of a loved one, a home, or a pet. It could involve a life-changing injury or illness. It might involve the loss of a sense of safety and security when a crime has been committed. Although our information generally reflects the death of a loved one, your emotional responses and the recommendations regarding your health and well-being can apply to all categories of traumatic loss.

• The first response to your loss may be shock. You may feel numb and like the situation is unreal. You may have moments of disbelief that your loved one is really gone. Others may want you to quickly “accept reality and get on with your life.” Do not be hurried. There is no timetable. Accepting the reality of your loss may be a slow and gradual process.

• Be involved in burial and funeral planning. Take the time to explore the many options available to you. Plan a service that is meaningful and special to you and your family. There are no hard and fast rules. Take charge and make whatever you decide a plan which reflects you and your family’s unique wishes.

• Delay major decisions until you have recovered from the initial turmoil following a death.

• How to deal with children (more information)

  • Tell the truth about what happened
  • Answer questions in a straightforward manner
  • Let the child participate in the family sorrow and in grieving rituals
  • Protect the child from imagined guilt (“I was bad – it was my fault”)
  • Provide lots of love and reassurance

• Accept your feelings. You may find yourself experiencing a “roller coaster” of feelings for weeks and months after the loss. Do not try to escape these feelings. They are normal. You must go through them.

  • Anger: you may blame yourself, a family member, the deceased, or God for the loss (“Why me?”)
  • Guilt: “If only I had done . . .”
  • Depression: You may feel unable to perform even basic daily tasks. You may feel “Why bother?”

• Keep a journal. It may help to write down how you are feeling. Re-reading it can help you see the healing that is taking place.

• Seek help from others.

  • Friends and family: Talking to those outside of the immediate family may help you express your feelings without blaming those closest to you.
  • Professional help: Seek professional help if despair and worthlessness persist; if your family relationships are deteriorating; or if you continue to blame yourself for what happened.
  • Support groups: There are support groups where you can receive support from others who have lost a loved one.
  • Nurture yourself: Do something good for yourself on a daily basis.
  • Hope and healing: It may take time and work, but you can survive a terrible loss. You may never completely get over the loss of a loved one, but you can live your life in the future with joy and perhaps with a new understanding and purpose.

Common Reactions Following a Traumatic Event

Emergency service providers as well as citizens can experience the following symptoms following a crisis event. In a crisis situation, one may experience emotional detachment in order to cope and function. The following reactions may occur hours, days, weeks, or months after an event.

Physical:

• Stomach problems / indigestion
• Headache
• Chest pains
• Difficulty breathing
• Elevated blood pressure
• Hyper alertness / easily startled

Emotional:

• Irritability / anger
• Preoccupation with the event and one’s role in it
• Depression
• Guilt
• Anxiety
• Emotional numbness

Behavioral:

• Impulsiveness
• Excessive risk taking
• Silence
• Withdrawal

Cognitive:

• Sleep disturbances / nightmares
• Poor Concentration
• Difficulty in decision making
• Change in personal or work habits
• Memory problems
• Difficulty with details

Dealing with Your Emotions - Resolving Grief

• Accept all of the feelings you are having as normal reactions to an extraordinary event. You are not “crazy.” You are reacting normally to a “crazy” event. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to recover emotionally from a traumatic event.
• Accept the fact that you have been a victim and accept the feelings that result. Remember: others may not validate your feelings. In fact, they may minimize your experience: “You were only a witness,” or “You were really lucky,” or “It’s been two weeks, why are you still bothered?”
• Don’t revert to alcohol, drugs, or overeating to cope. They will only make matters worse.
• Maintain normalcy. Go about your daily routines and take care of business.
• Attempt to understand what happened by getting the facts.
• Talk about the event and write about it.
• Combat any guilt you might have by:
  • Accepting it as normal.
  • Talking to others about your role and their role during the event. You are probably not alone in your reaction to this event.
  • Realizing you were a victim yourself and not a trained rescuer.
  • Recognizing what you “did right.”
  • Recognizing the extenuating circumstances related to the event: the suddenness, the danger, etc.
  • Help others in your family or group.
  • Reach out to support those who are particularly traumatized.
  • Respect each other’s way of coping. Don’t victimize them by judging their individual coping style. Let the “grievers” grieve and allow the “doers” to do.
  • Bereavement groups provide an opportunity to share grief with others who have experienced a similar loss.
  • If the healing process becomes too overwhelming, seek professional help.

Helping Children Grieve

• Tell children the truth about what happened, in language they can understand for their age. Answer their questions in a straightforward manner. They often sense when you are not telling them important information. Let children participate in the family sorrow and in grieving rituals. It is an important learning process. Protect the child from imagined guilt, such as, “I was bad – it was my fault.” Provide much love and reassurance, especially that you and others will still protect and love them.
• Reassure the child that he/she will be taken care of, loved, and cherished as before. The greatest fear of the bereaved child is that of being abandoned and deserted.
• Touch, hold and hug the child. Non-verbal communication is the most powerful and direct way of telling the child that you care.
• Explain to the child that the parent did not intend to die nor did the parent want to die. The child needs to be assured that his or her parent did not intentionally desert the child.
• Explain it was not the child’s fault that the parent died. Young children often believe they possess magic power, and through the power of such thought the child actually brought about his parent’s death. The child may need help to relieve this burden of guilt.
• Encourage the child to ask questions about anything that is on his or her mind. Do this on many occasions.
• Answer the child’s questions simply, directly, and honestly. Children are quick to sense deceptions and may come to distrust adults.
• Allow the child the option of participating in the funeral. Describe the proceedings in detail beforehand. The funeral has an important cultural, religious, and therapeutic function for the family and the child is a member of that family.
• Be tolerant. It is normal for a child confronting a major crisis to regress to levels below his present level of maturity.
• Encourage the child to express his or her feelings and thoughts.

Helping Children Deal with Suicide

• It is important to be honest with your children. Give the correct information in a loving, compassionate way.
• The explanation should be clear and direct. Be careful not to over explain.
• Listen carefully. Answer their questions truthfully and be consistent in telling the truth.
• Talk about the deceased family member.
• Discuss better ways than suicide to handle problems.
• Tell all your children – even the younger ones.
• Encourage children to share their grief with those at home and with trusted persons outside the family.
• Teach your children to be selective about who they tell the story of suicide.
• You can help your children grieve by letting them see your tears, by crying with them, and by letting them know that it’s okay to be upset.
• Have a positive attitude toward your children.
• Be aware of your children’s possible feelings of guilt. Assure them that it wasn’t their fault.
• Children need to know that suicide is an individual matter. Even if family members do it, they can still choose not to commit suicide.
• Children may experience all of the many emotions and phases of grief.

Copyright © All Rights Reserved * HOPE FOR BEREAVED, INC.* Syracuse, NY

Suggestions for Families Dealing with Suicide

It is important to sit down together to experience your honest feelings. Communication is the key to survival in the aftermath of suicide. At the same time, there should be respect for each person’s individual way of handling grief. Some family members will grieve privately, others openly, and others a combination of these two styles. Here are some suggestions to help with family grief:

• Pay attention to your family members when you are with them.
• Be sensitive to how other family members feel.
• Listen to what is meant as well as what is being said.
• Accept the other person and what they say.
• Do not give each other the silent treatment. This has many negative effects.
• Sit back and listen. Let other family members have an opportunity to talk.
• Be sure to hug and touch each other at every opportunity.
• If depression, grief, or problems in your family are getting out of control, seek the advice of a counselor.
• Recognize that anniversaries, birthdays, and special holidays will be difficult for the family and each member of the family.
• Remember you can’t help anyone if you are falling apart. Do what you can do and get help for what you can’t do.
• Studies show that a bereaved person’s self-esteem can be extremely low. Survivors should help each other to think and feel good about themselves.
• If there is a suicide note, discuss as a family what to do with it: Possible options are keeping, copying or destroying the note.

Emotional First Aid

The Basics

Reach Out Physically

• Position yourself at the victim’s side and at their level.
• Gentle touch – unless the victim pulls away.
• Use a soft voice.
• Use the victim’s name.

Reach Out Emotionally

• Ask the victim how they are feeling
• Acknowledge the victim’s experience
• Don’t minimize the victim’s experience (i.e. “You’ll be OK”)

Don’t Overlook the Quiet Victims

Many victims after a tragic event are stunned and may appear unaffected. Remember that many people can be affected by a tragic event – witnesses, rescuers, children…

• Don’t overlook these “invisible victims”
• When you suspect someone is affected by a tragic event, reach out with caring and curiosity – “How are you?”

Protect the victim from making impulsive decisions

Most major decisions can wait until the victim is thinking clearly.

• Protect the victim from being victimized by others who may not have the best interest of the victim in mind.
• Provide for the victim’s physical needs – food, medicine, safe place

Reassure

Many victims have an urgent need for information after a tragic event – “What happened?”; “Why?” Assist the victim in getting the information he needs. The victim may need an Information Advocate.

• Victims often blame themselves for the crisis event. Help a guilty victim gain perspective by asking them to tell you the “whole story.”
• Try to gently point out to the victim what they did right before, during, or after the tragic event.

Organize

Victims are often paralyzed after a tragic event and often lose their capacity to deal with all of the new demands created by the tragedy. Assist the victim in developing a simple plan.

• Suggest – “Let’s focus on what needs to be done now.”

Reinforce

The actions which the victim is taking or wants to take to emotionally survive the tragic event. The victim will struggle to find something or someone to hold onto in the first few hours. You may need to “clear the way” so that the victim is able to do what they want to do.

Summary

In the first few hours after a tragic event, people who have “a job to do” or who have opinions about what the victim should or shouldn’t do often surround the victim. The primary goal of the person providing Emotional First Aid is to enable the victim to act according to their wishes, values, and beliefs and not according to what others think should be done.

• Do not over care or do too much for the victim. Remember that the primary psychological challenge for the victim is to be encouraged to make decisions and take action in his own behalf.
• Finally, a broken heart cannot “be fixed.” Do not try! A caring presence is what you can offer someone who is emotionally devastated. Just being there is very powerful and will be experienced by the victim as very helpful.

What to Say

• “What happened?”
• “I’m so sorry.”
• “This must be very difficult for you.”
• “It’s OK to feel…”
• “Can you share with me how you’re feeling?”

What Not to Say

Often people are uncomfortable with the victim’s emotional pain, and then try to use clichés to make things better. In fact, these statements can often make people feel even worse. These are some examples of some things not to say:

• “I know how you feel.”
• “Calm down.”
• “Don’t cry.”
• “It could be worse.”
• “It’s God’s will.”

How You Can Help Later

There is much that you can do to help – simple things. The following suggests the kinds of attitudes, words, and acts, which are truly helpful.

The importance of such help can hardly be overstated. Bereavement can be a life-threatening condition, and your support may make a vital difference in the mourner’s eventual recovery.

Perhaps you do not feel qualified to help. You may feel uncomfortable and awkward. Such feelings are normal – don’t let them keep you away. If you really care for your sorrowing friend or relative, if you can enter a little into their grief, you are qualified to help. In fact, the simple communication of the feeling of caring is probably the most important and helpful thing anyone can do.

The following suggestions will guide you in communicating that care:

• Get in touch. Telephone. Speak either to the mourner or to someone close and ask when you can visit and how you might help. Even if much time has passed, it’s never too late to express your concern.
• Say little on an early visit. In the initial period (before burial), your brief embrace, your press of the hand, your few words of affection and feeling may be all that is needed.
• Avoid clichés and easy answers, “He is out of pain” and “Aren’t you lucky that…” are not likely to help. A simple “I’m sorry” is better.
• Be yourself. Show your natural concern and sorrow in your own way and in your own words.
• Keep in touch. Be available. Be there. If you are a close friend or relative, your presence might be needed from the beginning. Later, when close family may be less available, anyone’s visit and phone call can be very helpful.
• Attend to practical matters. Find out if you are needed to answer the phone, usher in callers, prepare meals, clean the house, care for the children, etc. This kind of help lifts burdens and creates a bond. It might be needed well beyond the initial period, especially for the widowed.
• Encourage others to visit or help. Usually one visit will overcome a friend’s discomfort and allow them to contribute further support. You might even be able to schedule some visitors so that everyone does not come at once in the beginning and fails to come at all later on.
• Accept silence. If the mourner doesn’t feel like talking, don’t force conversation. Silence is better than aimless chatter. The mourner should be allowed to lead.
• Be a good listener. When suffering spills over into words, you can do the one thing the bereaved needs above all else at that time – you can listen. Is she emotional? Accept that. Does he cry? Accept that too. Is she angry at God? God will manage without your defending him. Accept whatever feelings are expressed. Do not rebuke. Do not change the subject. Be as understanding as you can be.
• Do not attempt to tell the bereaved how he or she feels. You can ask (without probing), but you cannot know, except as you are told. Everyone, bereaved or not, resents an attempt to describe their feelings. To say, for example, “You must feel relieved now that he is out of pain,” is presumptuous. Even to say, “I know just how you feel,” is questionable. Learn from the mourner, do not instruct.
• Do not probe for details about the death. If the survivor offers information, listen with understanding.
• Comfort children in the family. Do not assume that a seemingly calm child is not sorrowing. If you can, be a friend to whom feelings can be confided and with whom tears can be shed. In most cases, incidentally, children should be left in the home and not shielded from the grieving of others.
• Avoid talking to others about trivia in the presence of the recently bereaved. Prolonged discussion of sports, weather, or stock market, for example, is resented, even if done purposely to distract the mourner.
• Allow the “working through” of grief. Do not whisk away clothing or hide pictures. Do not criticize seemingly morbid behavior. Young people may repeatedly visit the site of the fatal accident. A widow may sleep with her husband’s pajamas as a pillow. A young child may wear his dead sibling’s clothing.
• Write a letter. A sympathy card is a poor substitute for your own expression. If you take time to write of your love for and memories of the one who died, your letter might be read many times and cherished, possibly into the next generation.
• Encourage the postponement of major decisions. Whatever can wait should wait until after the period of intense grief.
• In time, gently draw the mourner into quiet outside activity. They may lose the initiative to go out on their own.
• When the mourner returns to social activity, treat him or her as a normal person. Avoid pity – it destroys self-respect. Simple understanding is enough. Acknowledge the loss, the change in the mourner’s life, but don’t dwell on it.
• Be aware of needed progress through grief. If the mourner seems unable to resolve anger or guilt, for example, you might suggest a consultation with a member of the clergy or other trained counselor.
• A final thought: Helping must be more than following a few rules. Especially if the bereavement is devastating and you are close to the bereaved, you may have to give more time, more care, more of yourself than you imagined. And you will have to perceive the special needs of your friend and creatively attempt to meet those needs. Such commitment and effort may even save a life. At the least, you will know the satisfaction of being truly and deeply helpful.

Amy Hillyard Jensen Copyright © Medic Publishing Co. P.O. Box 943, Issaquah, WA 98027-0035

Coroner’s/Medical Examiner's Office

Coroner/Medical Examiner Information

The mission of the Washoe County Medical Examiner/Coroner Office is to investigate unexpected and unexplained deaths and to determine the manner of death, date, time, cause, and classification.

The Coroner’s investigation is not limited to the examination of the deceased, but may include interviews with family members and other witnesses, the collection of physical evidence and the safeguarding of personal property found at the death scene.

See more information at their website.

Is an Autopsy Necessary

Autopsies are performed only on those cases where it is required by law or where it is necessary to determine the cause of death.

What is an autopsy?

An autopsy is an examination of the deceased performed by a medical doctor. This examination is a professional surgical procedure that is carried out within the standards of competent medical practice.

Will we know the cause of death soon after the autopsy?

Not always. A cause of death most often takes in excess of 12-weeks to determine, particularly if toxicology tests are performed.

What do I do now?

Contact the funeral home and/or the funeral home consumer alliance group of your choice. They are prepared to provide you information so that you can make your own selections and decisions. They will coordinate with the Coroner to arrange the release of your loved one’s remains from the Coroner’s facility.

When can I have the funeral?

The Coroner’s examination should not delay your funeral plans. The Coroner will complete their investigation as soon as possible.

What is required for the Coroner to release the remains/body & personal property?

The mortuary must provide the Coroner with a release form signed by the legal next of kin.

If the case is pending investigation, will it delay the funeral of my loved one?

No. Death certificates are not necessary for funerals. However, some financial, estate, probate or business matters may be dependent upon the final death certificate.

How can I obtain a certified copy of the death certificate?

Call the Washoe Co. Health Dept. at (775) 328-2455 or visit their office at 1001 E 9th St # B, Reno, NV 89512. For other areas within Nevada call 211 for death certificate information. There is a fee assessed by the County for birth/death certificates. Call the number provided above to get the most current pricing. You may qualify to obtain a death certificate if you are a direct family member by blood or marriage, the deceased person’s guardian, or his or her legal representative. You must provide photo identification.

Handling Estates/Paperwork

Practical Considerations for Funeral or Memorial Services

• Decide on time and place for funeral or memorial service.
• Make a list of immediate family, close friends, and employer or business colleagues. Notify each by phone.
• If flowers are to be omitted, decide on appropriate memorial to which gifts may be given (a church, library, school, or charity).
• Write obituary. Normally, the mortuary does this, but you may wish to consult with them. Include age, place of birth, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service, outstanding work, list of survivors in immediate family. Give the time and place of services.
• Arrange for family members or close friends to take turns answering the door or phone, keeping careful records of calls.
• Arrange hospitality for visiting relatives and friends.
• Arrange appropriate childcare.
• Coordinate special needs of the household, e.g. cleaning, grocery shopping, etc., which might be done by friends.
• Select pallbearers and notify them (avoid persons with heart or back difficulties, or make them honorary pallbearers).

Practical Considerations for AFTER Funeral or Memorial Services

• Notify the lawyer and executor of the will. Get several copies of the death certificate.
• Plan for the distribution of flowers after the funeral (hospital or rest home).
• Prepare a list of distant persons to be notified by letter a/or printed notice and decide which to send each.
• Prepare a list of persons to receive acknowledgements of flowers, calls, etc. Send appropriate acknowledgements (can be written notes, printed acknowledgements, or some of each).
• Check promptly on all debts and installment payments. Some may carry insurance clauses that will cancel them. If there is to be a delay in meeting payments, consult with creditors and ask them for more time before payments are due.
• If the deceased was living alone, notify utilities and landlord and tell the post office where to send mail. Take precautions against thieves.

Collecting Paperwork

The first step is to collect the necessary papers in order to file for various benefits and to finalize the estate:

• Copies of the death certificate: You will need to give copies of the death certificate to many of the offices or agencies you contact. You can purchase certified copies of the death certificate through your funeral director or directly from the county Health Department. There will be a charge of $25 per certificate. You may save money by using a photocopy when possible, but many companies will require a certified copy. For most circumstances, you will want 10-12 copies initially, but you may need more later.
• Copies of insurance policies: These documents may be stored in a safe deposit box or with the personal belongings of the deceased.
• Social Security numbers of the deceased, the spouse, and any dependent children. The Social Security number for the deceased can be found on the death certificate.
• Copy of a certificate of honorable (or other than dishonorable) discharge if the deceased was a veteran. Write or submit an online form with the Department of Defense’s National Personnel Record Center, 1 Archives Drive St. Louis, MO 63138, if you cannot find a copy of the discharge. You can find more information here about the SF -180 form.
• Copies of a marriage certificate if the spouse of the deceased will be applying for benefits. Copies are available at the Office of the County Clerk where the marriage license was issued.
• Copies of birth certificates for dependent children: Copies are available at either the State or County Public Health offices where the child was born.
• A copy of the will: The lawyer of the deceased may have the will, or it may be in a safe deposit box or with the personal belongs of the deceased.
• A complete list of all property, including real estate, stocks, bonds, savings accounts, and personal property of the deceased. Land titles, stock certificates and other financial papers may be stored in a safe deposit box or other secure place.

Insurance Policies

The deceased may have had several types of insurance policies.

These could include:

• Life insurance
• Mortgage insurance
• Loan insurance
• Accident insurance (if applicable)
• Auto insurance (if applicable)
• Credit card insurance
• Various types of insurance provided by the employer of the deceased.

The proceeds from an insurance policy can generally be paid directly to the named beneficiary. These claims are usually processed quickly and can be an important source of money for the survivors. You should file claims for insurance policies as soon as possible, especially if finances are a concern.

You may need to make a decision regarding the type of payment plan you desire. Your options might include taking the money in a lump-sum payment, or having the insurance company make fixed payments over a period of time. The decision depends on your financial situation. You may want smaller fixed payments in order to have a steady income and to pay less tax on the money. Or you may want the full amount immediately to pay bills or to invest. You should consider consulting a lawyer or financial advisor about this decision.

Social Security

The deceased is considered to be covered by Social Security if he/she paid into Social Security for at least 40 quarters. Check with your local Social Security office to determine if the deceased was eligible. If the deceased was eligible, there are two types of possible benefits.

• A death benefit of $255 toward burial expenses. You can complete the necessary form at your local Social Security office, or you can ask the funeral director to complete the application and apply the payment directly to the funeral bill. This payment is made only to eligible spouses or to a child entitled to survivor’s benefits.
• Survivor’s benefits for a spouse or children:
  • If the spouse is age 60 or older, he/she will be eligible for benefits. The amount of the benefit received prior to age 65 will be less than the benefit due at age 65 or over.
  • Disabled widows age 50 or older will be eligible for benefits.
  • The spouse of the deceased who is under 60 but who cares for dependent children under 16 or cares for disabled children may be eligible for benefits.
  • The children of the deceased who are under the age of 18 or are disabled may also be entitled to benefits.
  • When applying for Social Security benefits, you should have available birth and death certificates of the deceased, marriage certificate of the spouse, birth certificates of any dependent children, Social Security numbers, and copies of the deceased’s most recent federal income tax return.

Federal Social Security Administration   Find more information at their website or give them a call (800) 772-1213.

Reno Social Security Administration Officer   Contact your local office for information about how Social Security applies to you by calling (888) 808-5481.

Veteran’s Benefits

If the deceased was a veteran who received a discharge other than dishonorable, the survivors may be eligible to receive a lump-sum payment of $300+ towards burial expenses and an allowance of $150 for the purchase of a plot in a private cemetery. Veterans are also eligible for a headstone or grave marker provided without charge. The funeral director often can help you apply for these benefits, or contact the local Nevada Department of Veteran Services (NDVS) – (775) 321-4880.

The surviving spouse and dependent children of veterans receiving disability benefits may also be entitled to monthly payments. Check with the local Veterans Administration office.

Northern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Facility – Fernley Find more information at their website or give them a call (775) 575-4441.

 

Employee Benefits

If the deceased was employed at the time of death, you should contact the employer regarding any benefits for the survivors. The employer may have provided life, health, or accident insurance that will yield payments. The deceased may be due a final paycheck for vacation or sick leave. If the death was work-related, there may be worker’s compensation benefits.

Also check with the employer to see if the deceased belonged to a union or professional organization. These groups may offer death benefits for their members.

You should contact all past employers, including federal, state, or local government, to determine if the survivors of the deceased are entitled to any payments from a pension plan.

If the deceased was already retired and received a pension, you should check with the employer to determine if survivors will continue to receive a pension payment and whether the payment will be reduced.

The Will

Hopefully a valid will, signed by the deceased, is available. Try to locate a copy of it. Check with the lawyer, family, and friends of the deceased who might know where the will is kept. It may be stored in a safe deposit box, which is sealed at the time of death in some states. (See the section on safe deposit boxes).

If the deceased did not have a will, this is referred to as dying “intestate”. In this case, the estate, including property and assets belonging to the deceased, will be disbursed according to state law. This will not include property where the title is in the name of the deceased and another person. This property will automatically pass on to the co-owner.

In Nevada if the deceased did not have a will, the property of the deceased will be distributed according to this formula:

All of the community property is disbursed to the spouse. As to any other property, if there is only one child, one-half to the spouse and one-half to the child. If there is more than one child, one-third to the spouse and two-thirds to the children. Other distribution laws will be followed if there is no spouse or no children.

Contact the Public Administrator for your county for more information on this topic

Washoe County   Call (775) 861-4000.	Douglas County Call (775) 287-4321.
Storey County Call (775) 847-0964.	Carson City Call (775) 887-2260.

Probate

Probate is the legal process of distributing the estate of the deceased to the rightful heirs. This process usually entails:

• The appointment of an individual by the court to act as a “personal representative” or “executor” of the estate. This person is often named in the will. If there is no will, the court will appoint a personal representative, usually the spouse or a relative.
• Proving that the will, if it exists, is valid.
• Informing interested parties, especially heirs and beneficiaries, that the will is being probated.
• Disposing of the estate by the personal representative in accordance with the will or the laws of the state.

In Washoe County, the Second Judicial District Court, (775) 328-3100, has jurisdiction over the probate process. The spouse or personal representative named in the will must file a petition with the court within 30 days after death. There is a filing fee for this process.

Depending on the size and complexity of the probatable assets, you may require legal assistance.

Probatable assets do not include property where the deceased and someone else are listed as owners. Proceeds from a life insurance policy or Individual Retirement Account (IRA), which can be paid directly to a beneficiary, are also not subject to probate.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Federal Estate Tax

Because of changes in recent years, very few estates now have to pay the federal estate tax. Contact your local Internal Revenue Service office for Form 706 or visit their website.

State Estate/Inheritance Tax

There is no estate or inheritance tax in the State of Nevada as of the writing this guide.

Income Tax

The federal and income taxes of the deceased are due for the year of death (Nevada has no state personal income tax). The taxes are due on the normal filing date of the following year, unless an extension is requested.

The spouse of the deceased may file jointly for the year of death. A spouse with dependent children may file jointly for two additional years. The IRS offers a booklet, publication #559, “Information for Survivors, Executors and Administrators”, which may be helpful. You can obtain this booklet online: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p559.pdf or by contacting your local IRS office (775) 824-2218. The phone number is listed under IRS Forms in the government section of your directory.

Changing Ownership or Title

You may need to transfer ownership or change title on property, or revise documents after a death. Some items to check include:

• Insurance Policies: For policies held by the spouse of the deceased, beneficiaries may need to be changed. Especially for life insurance, you may decide that you no longer need to have the same amount if you do not have dependents. Auto insurance and home insurance may also need revision. In the case of a spouse, the deceased may have covered your medical insurance through work. You may need to purchase your own medical insurance. Check with the employer to see if you can continue with their group health insurance plan, which may be less expensive. Contact the company issuing the policy to make any changes, or for more information.
• Auto: The title of the car owned by the deceased may need to be changed. Contact your State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Find more information at their website or give them a call (775) 684-4368.

• Will: Your will may have passed property on to the deceased, and should be updated. You may want to contact your attorney for assistance.
• Bank accounts, stocks, bonds: If you had a joint bank account with the deceased, it will automatically pass to you. You should check with the bank representative to change the title and signature card of the account. To change stocks or bond titles, check with your stockbroker. If the bank account was held only in the name of the deceased, those assets will have to go through probate. An exception to this would be trust accounts.
• Safe Deposit Box: If the box was rented only in the name of the deceased, it will require a court order to open the box. Only the will or any other materials pertaining to the death can be removed until the will has been probated.
  • If the safe deposit box was rented in joint names, you may need a letter from the Washoe County 2nd Judicial District Court, (775) 328-3110, to get into the box. Contact the Court for details.

Credit Cards

Credit cards, which were held exclusively in the name of the deceased, should be canceled. Any payments due on these credit cards should be paid by the estate.

In the case of a spouse, you may have credit cards in both names, or you may have used cards which listed only the name of the deceased. In this situation, you will want to try to make payments in order to keep your own good credit rating. You should begin to notify the credit card companies that your spouse is deceased, and that the card should list your name only. Some people, particularly widows, may have trouble getting a new card if they do not have their own credit rating. When applying for a card, be sure to inform the lender about credit cards you shared with your spouse, even if your name was not listed.

General Finances

Debts owned by the deceased will be the responsibility of the estate and should be forwarded to the personal representative or executor who is settling the estate. However, debts which are jointly owned, particularly mortgage payments and utility or phone bills, should be paid by the survivor in order to keep a good credit rating.

An extra word of caution to widows and widowers: it is generally suggested that you do not immediately make permanent significant financial decisions, such as selling your home, moving, or changing jobs. You will need some time to consider your situation before you can make these decisions responsibly. If at all possible, don’t rush into a decision you might later regret.

Professional Assistance

You may need or desire the services of a professional, particularly a lawyer or a financial advisor. It may be easy initially to use the services of the lawyer who wrote the will for the deceased or to work with the financial advisor of the deceased. Or you may wish to locate another professional with whom you feel more comfortable. One good place to begin finding names of competent professionals is from friends or family members who have had successful dealings with the kind of advisors you are seeking. Professional organizations, such as the Washoe County Bar Association may be able to provide referrals.

State Bar of Nevada Find more information at their website or give them a call (775) 329-4100.	Washoe County Bar Association Find more information at their website or give them a call (775) 786-4494.
Northern Nevada Legal Aid Find more information at their website or give them a call (775) 329-2727.

Fire

What to Do

• CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY to report your loss. They will send an adjuster to discuss your situation.
• Protect your property from further damage, weather, vandalism, and theft.
• Arrange for board-up if necessary to prevent entry of intruders or rain. Lock outside doors.
• Contact your local disaster Relief Services (American Red Cross (775) 856-1000) for immediate help with essential needs & temporary housing. Emergency relief is provided regardless of income.
• Remove your pets (especially birds) to a cleaner and safer environment.

• Remove any valuables remaining in the building if you plan to leave the site of the fire. Try to locate and take the following items:

  • Identification
  • Medication (any medications subjected to smoke, heat, or water should be replaced).
  • Eyeglasses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices, and other personal aids.
  • Insurance policies, check books, credit cards, savings account records, money, and jewelry, etc.

• Contact your local police. They will keep an eye on your property during your absence.

• Notify the following parties of your situation and where you are locating:

  • Insurance agent or adjuster
  • Family & friends
  • Mortgage company
  • Employer
  • Children’s school
  • Post Office
  • Newspaper
  • Local fire department
  • Utilities companies
  • DMV
  • Bank & credit card companies

• If you are a tenant, contact the manager, the owner or the owner’s insurance agent. It is their responsibility to prevent further damage. Make sure your personal belongings are secure, either in the building or have them moved to another location.

• Begin collecting receipts whether you are insured or not.
• Make sure all utilities are turned off – water at the valve, gas at the meter, and electricity at the meter. DO NOT use any utility until it has been inspected by the utility company or by a competent professional.

What Not To Do

• DO NOT sign anything immediately after property damage to the home or business. Take time to read all forms or work orders thoroughly.
• DO NOT give anyone carte blanche for any repairs or work to be done. Get estimates.
• DO NOT leave the site until it is secured.
• If you have a fire safe, DO NOT OPEN IMMEDIATELY, even if there are important documents inside. The safe may explode, or the contents ignite.
• DO NOT throw away any damaged property until inventoried.

Note About Fire Remediation/Restoration

Remember:

It is your decision on which fire remediation/restoration company you want to use. Do not feel you have to use a company simply because they showed up or were referred by someone. Call your insurance company if you have questions.

Media

Dealing With The Media - Your Rights

You have the right to say “No” to an interview.

Never feel that because you have unwillingly been involved in an incident of public interest that you must personally share the details and/or your feelings with the general public. If you decide that you want the public to be aware of how traumatic and unfair your vic-timization was, you do not automatically have to give up your right to privacy. By knowing and requesting respect for your rights, you can be heard and yet not violated.

You have the right to select the spokesperson or advocate of your choice.

Selecting one spokesperson – especially in multiple-victim cases – eliminates confusion and contradictory statements. You also have the right to expect the media to respect your selection of a spokesperson or advocate.

You have the right to select the time and location for media interviews.

Remember, the media is governed by deadlines. However, nobody should be subjected to a reporter arriving unannounced at the home of a victim. When you are traumatized, your home becomes your refuge. If you wish to protect the privacy of your home, select another location such as a church, meeting hall, office setting, etc. It helps if you are familiar and comfortable with the surroundings.

You have the right to request a specific reporter.

As a consumer of daily news, each of us identifies with or respects a reporter whom we may never have met. We often form personal opinions about reporters whom we feel are thorough, sensitive, compassionate and objective. If a newspaper, radio station, or television station contacts you for an interview, don’t hesitate to request the reporter you feel will provide accurate and fair coverage of your story.

You have the right to refuse an interview with a specific reporter even though you have granted interviews to other reporters.

You may feel that certain reporters are callous, insensitive, uncaring, or judgmental. It is your right to avoid these journalists at all costs. By refusing to speak to such reporters, you may help them recognize their shortcomings in reporting victim-related stories. However, recognize that the reporter may write the story regardless of your participation.

You have the right to say “No” to an interview even though you have previously granted interviews.

It’s important to recognize that victims often ride an “emotional roller coaster.” You may be able one day to talk with a reporter, and be physically or emotionally unable to do so the next. Victims should never feel “obliged” to grant interviews under any circumstances.

You have the right to release a written statement through a spokesperson in lieu of an interview.

There may be times when you are emotionally incapable of speaking with the media, but you still wish to express your point of view. Writing and distributing your statement through a spokesperson allows you to express your views without personally granting interviews.

You have the right to exclude children from interviews.

Children already suffering from the trauma of crime are often re-traumatized by exposure to the media. Children often lack the means to verbalize their emotions and may be misinterpreted by both the media and the public. You have a responsibility to protect the interest of children at all cost!

You have the right to refrain from answering any questions.

You have the right to refrain from answering any questions with which you are uncomfortable or that you feel are inappropriate. You should never feel you have to answer a question just because it’s being asked.

You have the right to know in advance what direction the story about your victimization is going to take.

You have the right to know what questions reporters will ask you, along with the right to veto any questions. This places you in a partnership with the reporter who is covering the story.

You have the right to ask for review of your quotations in a storyline prior to publication.

Articles are reviewed and revised by editors who have neither seen nor spoken to you. All too often, victims’ statements and the intended impact of their remarks are misinterpreted or inaccurate. To protect your interests and the message you wish to convey, you have the right to request for a review of direct quotations attributed to you in the storyline.

You have the right to avoid a press conference atmosphere and speak to only one reporter at time.

At a time when you are in a state of shock, a press conference atmosphere with numerous reporters can be confusing and emotionally draining. If a press conference is absolutely unavoidable, you have the right to select one reporter to ask questions for the majority present.

You have the right to demand a retraction when inaccurate information is reported.

All news mediums have methods of correcting inaccurate reporting or errors in stories. Use these means to correct any aspect of media coverage which you feel is inaccurate.

You have the right to ask that offensive photographs or visuals be omitted from airing or publication.

If you feel that graphic photographs or visuals are not the best representation of you or your loved ones, you have the right to ask that they not be used.

You have the right to conduct a interview anounmously.

You have the right to conduct a television interview using a silhouette or a newspaper interview without having your photograph taken. There are many ways for reporters to project your physical image without using your photograph or film footage of you, therefore protecting your identity.

You have the right to completely give your side of the story related to your victimization.

If you feel that a reporter is not asking questions which need to be addressed, you have the right to give a personal statement. And if the alleged or convicted offender grants interviews which are inaccurate, you have the right to publicly express your point of view.

You have the right to refrain from answering reporters’ questions during trial.

If there is any chance of jeopardizing your case by interacting with the media during judicial proceedings, you have the right to remain silent.

You have the right to file a formal complaint against a reporter.

A reporter’s superior would appreciate knowing when his or her employees behavior is unethical, inappropriate or abusive. By reporting such behavior, you will also protect the next unsuspecting victim who might fall prey to such offensive reporters or tactics.

You have the right to grieve in privacy.

Grief is a highly personal experience. If you do not wish to share it publicly, you have the right to ask reporters to remove themselves during times of grief.

You have the right to suggest training about media and victims for print and electronic media in your community.

Resources are available to educate media professionals about victims, how to deal with victims, and how to refrain from traumatizing victims. You will be suggesting a greatly needed public service to benefit not only victims and survivors, but all members of the community who interact with the media.

You have the right, at all times, to be treated with dignity and respect by the media.

Recusos en Español

Un Mensaje Especial

¿Cuál es la función que cumple la oficina del médico forence y porque se ineresan en la muerte de mi ser querido?

La ley estatal (G.C. 27491) requiere que la Oficina del Médico Forence investigue todas las muertes consideradas como no naturales o en casos cuando el médico de cabesera no puede dar la causa de la muerte y también en casos donde el difunto no haya sido visto por un médico por más de veinte días antes de fallecer. Nuestra responsabilidád es de establecer la indentidad del difunto, determinar el lugar, fecha, hora, causa y tipo de muerte. La Oficina del Médico Forence no solo se limita a examinar al difunto, también conduce entrevistas a miembros de familia y otros testigos; colecta evidencias físicas y cuida de las pertenencias personales encontradas en el lugar de un siniestro.

¿Es necesaria una autopsia?

Una autópsia solo se hace en casos requeridos por la ley.

¿Que es una autopsia?

Una autópsia es un examen hecho por un médico. Este examen es un procedimiento quirúrgico hecho con el más alto grado de profecionalismo dentro de las normas médicas.

¿Que hago ahora?

Contacte la funeraria de su elección. Ellos están preparados para asistirle para hacer sus selecciones y desiciones. Ellos se encargarán de retirar los restos de su ser querido de nuestras instalaciones.

¿Cuándo puedo hacer el velorio?

Nuestra examinación no demorará sus planes. El médico forence completará el examen lo más pronto posible, comunmente dentro de las 24 horas.

¿Qué necesita la oficina del médico forence para entregar los resto y efectos personales?

La funeraria debe entregar a nuestra oficina un formulario de entrega firmado por un pariente más cercano al difunto.

¿Despues de la autopsia, nos enteraremos de la causa de muerte?

En la mayoría de los casos, sí.

¿Demorará el funeral de mi ser querido si el caso tiene una investigacion legal pendiente?

No. El certificado de defunción indicará que existe un caso pendiente, pero esto no causará ninguna demora. Pero eso si, algunas materias financieras, inmobiliarias, legalización de testamentos o negocios pueden depender de tal certificado.

¿Puedo comprar un certificado de defunción que indique que exciste una investigacion pendiente?

Sí. En todos casos tenemos disponibles a petición suya y libre de cargos un certificado llamado “VERIFICATION OF DEATH LETTER” o una carta de verificación de muerte. Esto no substituye un certificado de defunción, pero puede solucionar algunos problemas.

¿Como puedo conseguir una copia certificada del certificado de defunción?

Estas se pueden comprar a través del departamento de salud del condado de Washoe, localizado en 1001 E 9th St # B, Reno, NV 89512 teléfono (775) 328-2455. Si usted está famlia Ud. debe ponerse en contacto con la siguiente oficina.

¿Cómo puedo conseguir un a copia del reporte del medíco forence?

Copias del reporte de la autópsia se pueden comprar por 20 centavos por hoja y pueden ser ordenadas por correo o en persona. Si desea ordenar las por correo por favor incluya el nombre del difunto, fecha de defunción, número del caso y un cheque a para de Washoe County Coroner Office.

Sobreviviendo La Pérdida De Un Ser Querido

• La primera respuesta a su pérdida podría ser de desconcierto: Se podría sentir adormesido y como si la situasión no fuera real. Usted podría tener momentos en los que no va a creer que su ser querido se haya ido. Otros querrán “que usted acepte la realidad y continue con su vida”. Pero no se apresure, no existe un determinado tiempo. Aceptar la pérdida de su ser querido, podría ser un proceso lento y gradual.

• Participe en los planes del funeral y entierro: Tome tiempo para explorar las di sintas opciones disponibles para usted. Planee el funeral de significativo y especial para usted y su familia. No hay reglas rígidas para llevar acabo esto. Encárguese de convertir lo que decida en un planeamiento que refleje sus deseos y los de su famila.

• Evite tomar descisiones mayores: Espere hasta que se haya recobrado del impacto inicial de lo acontecido.

• Como preparar a los niños: Dígales la verdad sobre lo que ha pasado. Responda a sus preguntas en una manera directa. Deje que los niños también demuestren su melancolía y que sean parte de los ritos y costumbres que se lleven a cabo. Proteja a sus niños de cualquier culpa imaginaria, por ejemplo: “Yo no me portaba bien – fue mi culpa”. Muéstreles mucha confianza y amor.

• Acepte sus propias emociones: Podría estar pasando por un período de sub y baja de emociones. Esto podría ser por semanas o meses después de la pérdida de su ser querido. No trate de eludir o escapar estos sentimientos, pues esto es normal. Usted tiene que pasar por esas emociones. Por ejemplo:

  • Ira: Podría culparse a usted mismo, a un miembro de su familia, al difunto, o a Dios por esta pérdida (¿por qué yo?).
  • Culpa: “Si tan solo yo hubiera…”
  • Depresión: Usted podría sentirse incapaz de hacer hasta las labores más básicas. Usted podría decirse a sí mismo – “¿Para qué?”

• Mantenga un diario: Podría ayudarle escribir como se está sintiendo.

• Busque la ayuda de otros:

  • Amigos y familia: Hablar con personas que no son de su propia familia podría ayudarle a expresar sus sentimientos sin culpar a aquellos cercanos a usted.
  • Ayuda profesional: Busque ayuda profesional si la desesperación y tristeza persisten, si las relaciones con su familia y amigos se están deteriorando o si usted continúa sentiendose culpable por el fallecimiento de su ser querido.
  • Grupos de apoyo: Existen grupos de apoyo como “Compassionate Friends” (Amigos Compasivos). Este grupo y muchos come este están conpuestos de personas que brindan apoyo a personas, que también como ellos han perdido a un ser querido.

• Dese gustos: Diariamente, haga algo bueno para usted mismo.

• Esperanza y cura: Tomará tiempo y empeño, pero usted podrá superar su terrible pérdida. Tal vez nunca consiga hacerlo por completo. Pero eventualmente, usted podrá superarse y vivir su vida con alegría y quizá con un nuevo entendimiento y propósito.

Primeros Auxilios Emocionales

Ayudar a los heridos emocionalmente después de una tragedia ocurre.

1. Acérquese personalmente
   • Siéntese al lado de la víctima
   • Toque – a menos que la víctima se sienta desconforme
   • Use un tono de voz suave
   • Use el nombre de la víctima
2. Cómo conseguir contacto emocional
   • Pregúntele a la víctima cómo se siente
   • Reconozca el dolor de la víctima
   • No minimise el dolor de la víctima
3. No menosprésie a las víctimas calladas: Después de un evento trágico muchas víctimas están desconcertadas y podrían aparentar que no han sido afectadas. Recuerde que muchas personas pueden ser afectadas después de un evento trágico – testigos, personal de rescate, niños, etc.
   • No subestime a estas “víctimas invisibles”.
   • Cuando usted sospeche que alguien esté afectado por un evento trágico, haga contacto con prudencia y curiosidad – por ejemplo “¿Cómo se siente?”.
4. Proteja a la víctima de hacer decisiones impulsivas: La mayoría de decisiones pueden esperar hasta que la víctima esté pensando más claramente.
   • Proteja a la víctima de ser victimizada por otros que tal vez no tengan la mejor intención de la víctima.
   • Esté al tanto de las necesidades físicas de la víctima, por ejemplo: alimento, medicinas, y un lugar seguro.
5. Proporcione seguridad: Muchas víctimas tienen la urgente necesidad de obtener información después de un evento traumatico. Por ejemplo: “¿Qué pasó?”… “¿Por qué?” La víctima podría precisar de alguien de absoluta confianza que le ayude a obtener la información que necesite.
   • Las víctimas por lo general se culpan a sí mismas por un suceso traumático. Usted puede ayudar a la víctima a recobrar su sensatez al pedirle que le cuente todos los acontecimientos.
   • Trate sutilmente de decirle a la víctima las cosas que hizo bien, antes, durante o después de un evento trágico.
6. Organización: Por lo general, después de un suceso trágico las victimas se sienten paralizadas y pierden su capacidad de ponerse al tanto de las cosas. Ayude a la víctima a desarrollar un plan nuevo. Sugiera – “Vamos a enfocarnos en lo que se necesita hacer ahora”.
7. Apoyo: Dé apoyo a las decisiones que la víctima quiera tomar o a lo que decida hacer para superar la tragedia. La víctima va a tratar de esforzarse para encontrar algo o alguien en quién apoyarse en las primeras horas. Usted, tal vez va a necesitar “abrir camino” para que se haga lo que la víctima desee hacer.
8. Resumen: Por lo general, en las primeras horas después de un suceso trágico, la víctima es rodeada de gente que tiene opiniones sobre lo que debería o no debería hacer. La meta principal de la persona que está proporcionando “Primeros Auxilios Emocionales” es de permitir que la víctima actúe de acuerdo a sus deseos, valores, y creencias y no de acuerdo a lo que otros piensen.
   • No “proteja de más” o haga demasiado por la víctima. Recuerde que el primer desafío sicológico para la víctima es volver a recuperar su sentido de control. Esto implica que la víctima debe ser alentada a tomar decisiones y que usted las lleve a acabo.
   • Finalmente, un corazón roto no puede “ser enmendado”. Así es que; ni lo trate! Lo que usted puede proporcionarle a alguien que está destruido emocionalmente es una presencia atenta. El “solo estar ahí” es un vínculo de fuerza para la víctima, y lo recibirá con agradecimiento.

Que Decir   “¿Qué pasó? “Lo siento mucho”   “Esto ha de ser múy difícil para ti” “Es normal sentirse…”

Que No Decir   “Yo sé como te sientes”   “¡Cálmate!” “No llores” “Podría ser peor”

Reaccione Tipicas Despues De Un Suceso Tragico

Los que proveen servicios de emergencia al igual que vecinos podrían experimentar los siguientes síntomas después de un suceso trágico. En una situación de crisis, uno puede experimentar indiferencia emocional para así poder aguantar y funcionar como se requiera en ese momento. Las siguientes reacciones podrían ocurrir horas, días, semanas o meses después del suceso.

• Efectos Físico

  • Problemas estomacales/indigestión
  • Dolores de cabeza
  • Dolores de pecho
  • Dificultades al respirar
  • Alta presión sangre
  • Sobresaltarse fácilmente/Hiperactivo
  • Irritable/Enojado/a
  • Preocupación con el suceso y su papel que usted debe desempeñar
  • Depresión
  • Culpabilidad
  • Ansiedad
  • Adormecimiento emocional

• Conducta

  • Impulsivo/a
  • Toma muchos riesgos
  • Callar/se apartarse
  • No puede dormir
  • Sufre pesadillas
  • Cambio en hábitos personales o de trabajo

• Razonamiento Mental

  • Poca concentración
  • Dificultades haciendo decisiones
  • Problemas con su memoria
  • Dificultades con detalles

Maneras Efectivas De Cómo Salir Adelante Después De Un Suceso Traumático

1. Acepte todas las emociones que usted esté sintiendo como algo normal hacia un suceso inesperado. Usted no se está “enloqueciendo”. Usted sólo está reaccionando normalmente a un suceso inesperado. Sea paciente con usted mismo. El poder recuperarse emocionalmente después deun suceso trágico.
2. Acepte el hecho de que usted ha sido una víctima y acepte las emociones que han surgido al cabo de ello. Recuerde: Quizá nadie le de el valor necesario a sus sentimientos. Es más, tal vez hasta minimicen cómo usted se sienta y tal vez escuche cosas como – “Pero tu sólo fuiste un testigo” o “Tuvistes mucha suerte” o “Ya han pasado dos semanas, por qué aun sigues tan sensible?”
3. No se ponga a beber bebidas alcohólicas, a tomar drogas o a comer demasiado para contrarrestar su tragedia. Todo eso solo hará que su situación empeore.
4. Mantenga su rutina cotidiana. Siga con sus rutinas diarias, al igual que con sus asuntos pendientes.
5. Para entender mejor lo que pasó, tratar de conocer los hechos.
6. Desahóguese, hable acerca de lo acontecido y también escriba al respecto.
7. Luche contra cualquier sentimiento de culpabilidad que pueda tener. Esto se puede llevar a cabo de la siguiente manera:
   • Aceptar que usted no tuvo nada que ver
   • Hablar con otros acerca del papel que usted desempeñó y el papel que ellos también desempeñaron durante la tragedia. Probablemente no solo usted se sienta culpable sino también otras personas a su alrededor.
   • Ser realista al ver que usted fue una víctima y no una persona entrenada para salvar o rescatar.
   • Reconocer lo que usted hizo bien.
   • Reconocer los factores circunstanciales relacionados con lo acontecido: que fue inesperado, repentino, etc…
   • Ayudándose a sí mismo
   • Trate de ayudar a aquellos que están particularmente más traumatizados.
   • Respete la manera que cada quién manifiesta para hacerle frente a la situación. No víctimia a las víctimas al criticar la forma que cada uno adapta para hacer frente a la situación. Deje que se “lamenten” los que quieran lamentarse y deje a aquellos que prefieran empezar a “seguir adelante” que sigan.

Ayudar A Los Niños A Llorar

• Asegure a los niños que han sufrido estrés emocional, que se les va a proporcionar el mismo cuidado, cariño y amor de siempre. El miedo más grande de un niño inconsolable es de ser abandonado.
• El contacto físico, sosteniendo y abrazando a los niños es la forma más poderosa para decirle a un niño que se preocupa.
• Explíquele a los niños que su papá o mamá no tenían, intenciones de morirse ni tampoco querían morirse. A los niños se les necesita asegurar que su papá o mamá no los abandonó intencionalmente.
• Explíquele a los niños que no fue su culpa que su papá o mamá hayan fallecido. Los niños pequeños por lo general creen poseer poderes mágicos y por medio de estos tal vez ellos (los niños) provocaron el fallecimiento de sus papás o mamás. Algunos niños tal vez necesiten ayuda para deshacerse de su sentimiento de culpabilidad.
• Aliente a los niños a hacer preguntas acerca de cualquier duda que tengan. Haga esto en repetidas ocasiones.
• Conteste todas las preguntas de los niños en una forma sencilla, directa y honesta. Los niños son múy rápidos y pueden persivir si usted les está mintiendo. Esto les pudiera resultar en no confiar más en los adultos.
• Permita que los niños participen en el funeral. Describir las cosas en detalle antes de que sucedan. El funeral tiene una función cultural, religiosa y terapéutica importante para la familia. Los niños también son miembros de la familia.
• Sea muy tolerante. Es normal para los niños que están pasando una crisis muy grande que se porten por debajo de su normal nivel de madurez.
• Motive a los niños a que expresen sus sentimientos y pensamientos.

Support Services Directory

List of Business and Available Services

The following page provides a condensed list of businesses & services available in our community. This list is provided as a convenience to you. We hope you will find one or more of these resources helpful during this difficult time. Please be aware that we do not endorse these businesses and/or services, nor can we guarantee the quality of their products and/or services. You should use this section as a starting point in your search, then conduct your own more in-depth search for the business or service that is right for you.

Call Nevada 211 or text your 5-digit zip code to 898211 for more resources in your community.

Adolescents

AIDS/HIV

Alcohol and Drugs

Bereavement and Grief

Bereavement: the process of living with the loss of a loved one.

Grief: the deep and poignant reaction to death – unique to each person.

Burial and Cremation Assitance

Each agency provides similar services for vastly different prices. Call around.

Funeral Planning, Customs, Etiquette, Guide, Pet Loss, & Grief online: www.funeralwise.com

Burial assistance for infants (0-1 year): www.thetearsfoundation.org

Board Up Services

Local fire departments provide board up services for fire victims. See Clean-Up Services for abatement companies providing board-up.

Clean Up Services

Clothing, Food, and Shelter

Coroner ~ Medical Examiner

Counseling and Mental Health

Most of the above-referenced providers offer a sliding fee scale. Call 211 for more listings.

Courts

Crisis and Disaster Services

Death and Birth Certificates

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Shelters

Domestic Violence V.I.N.E Information

Families

Fire and Fire Support Services

Board-Up and Clean-Up services can be found above.

Click here for Board-Up. Click here for Clean-Up.

Housing Services

Health

Hospitals

Language

Legal Aid

Military and Veterans

Pet Services

Police (Non-Emergency Numbers)

Senior Citizen Services

Sexual Assault and Rape

Shelters

Sudden Unexplained Infant Deaths (SUID & SIDS)

Burial assistance for infants (0-1 year): www.thetearsfoundation.org

Suicide (Attempted and Completed)

Victim Services (Crime Related)