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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 commit...

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, ...

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 fac...

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 sorro...

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 ...

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 gr...

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’...

“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?”

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.” “...

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 sup...

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 ...

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...

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 deci...

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 ca...

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 pr...

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 ...

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...

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 f...