The usual order of things
Call 911
Even if you're sure the person has died. Dispatchers will tell you what to do while you wait.
Police and medics arrive
They check the person and the scene. If the death was expected and a doctor was treating the person, it may end here and you can call a funeral home.
The medical examiner may take charge
Sudden, unexpected or violent deaths go to the Whatcom County Medical Examiner (RCW 68.50.010). An investigator decides when your loved one is moved.
Choose a funeral home
The medical examiner's office or the funeral home will tell you when your loved one can be released. You can take time to choose.
The home is released
When police and the medical examiner are finished, the place is yours again. Ask them to tell you clearly if you're not sure.
Cleanup, when you're ready
Call this number to talk to an independent cleanup company. You don't have to be there.
Numbers to keep
Whatcom County Medical Examiner
360-738-4557. Questions about release, belongings and the investigation.
Non-emergency police
(360) 676-6911. Bellingham police, and dispatch for most of Whatcom County.
988 Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you or someone in the family is struggling. More at 988lifeline.org.
Things that can wait
Insurance calls, the cleanup, sorting belongings: none of these has to happen today. Keep the room closed, turn the heat down if you can, and give yourself time.
If the death happened in Anacortes or elsewhere in Skagit County, the Skagit County Coroner handles it instead. See the Anacortes page.
Whenever you are ready
There is no rush and no obligation. Call to ask questions, get a quote, or simply understand what would happen next.
Talk it through first
Call when you are ready. Say what happened, where, and whether police or the medical examiner have released the place. An independent cleanup company can then explain what it would do.
Call (360) 555-0108Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and privacy policy.