When death occurs, the family should contact your family's funeral service professional before arranging any type of final disposition services, particularly if the transfer of the deceased to the home area is desired.

…Outside the United States
If a person dies while traveling outside the United States, officials in the foreign country will notify the U.S. Embassy in the country where death occurs. Your family's funeral service professional is familiar with the procedures for returning a loved one to the United States.

… When Traveling
it is helpful for persons to carry a wallet-size card indicating the name and phone number of the next of kin and your funeral service professional. Travel insurance is an additional option you may consider.

When death is sudden or unexpected, the coroner or medical examiner is involved and can help coordinate arrangements with your family's funeral service professional for preparation and return of your loved one tot he home area.

Documents Required
A death certificate is completed in the locality of the death. A burial/transit permit is issued for either cremation or burial. Items that often are needed, other than name, address, etc., are:

Date and place of birth (city and state)
Social security number
Veteran status
Educational level
Parents' names, including mother's maiden name
Place of burial/cremation
Usual occupation

Pre-Arrangement
People plan ahead for financial obligations for possible disaster. Planning for funeral/cremation services is no exception. Final disposition pre-arrangement can include the selection of service, casket/urn, type of disposition and other specific details.

Funds are either deposited in a trust of insurance product specifically designed for funeral/cremation expenses. Funds designated for final services are paid to the funeral firm/cremation service only upon completion of the services. Pre-arrangements may also be made without setting aside funds.

When a person seeks information from a funeral/cremation firm, they should be sure there is a complete understanding of the services to be provided and the charges to be made. The funeral director will be more than willing to provide this information prior to death or at the time funeral/cremation arrangements are being completed.

Death can be a traumatic experience, especially if it occurs away from home. Your family's funeral service professional is qualified to assist the survivor(s) in making final arrangements and is available for conference if needed.

Helpful Notes…
Obtain the most cost effective funeral arrangement by contacting your family's funeral/cremation service professional prior to purchasing any merchandise.

Regardless of distance, your family's home funeral service professional is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The funeral service professional can coordinate all services by telephone. These services include:
Arrangement for transportation of the deceased
Preparation of the deceased
Acquiring proper documentation
Planning the funeral or memorial service
Arrangement of the burial or cremation, based on the personal choices of the surviving loved ones.