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Referrals to independent cleanup companies, Lincoln, Nebraska(402) 555-0102 · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

After a death at home: what happens next

If someone has died at home in Lincoln or Lancaster County, this is the usual order of things. Take it one step at a time.

Brick and frame houses with front porches under autumn trees

Step by step

  1. Call 911

    Even if the death was expected, unless hospice has told you otherwise. Do not move the person or clean anything.

  2. Officers arrive

    Inside Lincoln, Lincoln Police respond; in rural Lancaster County and towns without their own police, sheriff’s deputies do.

  3. The coroner is involved

    In Nebraska the county attorney is the county coroner (§ 23-1210). In Lancaster County the sheriff’s office acts for the coroner in death investigations. The officers make that contact; you do not need to.

  4. Choose a funeral home

    You will be asked which funeral home to use. If you do not know yet, say so; you can decide later.

  5. The home is released

    Ask the officers whether the home has been released and for the report number.

  6. Cleanup

    If there is blood, fluids or odor, call (402) 555-0102 when you are ready. The company will explain what it would do.

Numbers to keep

Lincoln Police non-emergency

(402) 441-6000, the county’s listed non-emergency number for both Lincoln Police and the sheriff (county page).

Lincoln Police Records

(402) 441-7210, for a copy of a report (LPD directory).

Voices of Hope

(402) 475-7273, a 24-hour crisis line in Lincoln.

988 Lifeline

Call or text 988, any time (988lifeline.org).

Things that can wait

Sorting belongings, cancelling accounts and deciding about the home can all wait until after the cleanup. If you rent, tell the landlord early; they may want to arrange or pay for the work.

Keep receipts and the cleanup company’s written price. An insurer, an estate or the state’s victim reparations program may ask for them later.

When you are ready, make one call

Say what happened, where, and whether the police or the coroner's office are still involved. The company will ask a few questions and explain what it would do. You decide whether to go ahead.

Call (402) 555-0102

Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

You will speak with an independent cleanup company. See the referral disclosure.

Call (402) 555-0102