If the death happened at home and was not found straight away
Close the room off, stay out of it, and let professionals assess it.
Containment protects the rest of the house, and there are things in that room a family should never have to see or smell.
- How long it takes
- 20 minutes now; assessment within a few days
- Typical cost
- Free to contain; assessment is usually free
- What you need before you start
- Confirmation from the Police or coroner that you may enter the property
Before you read this step
This step describes what an unattended death can look and smell like, and what protective equipment is needed. It is written plainly because half-information is what gets people hurt. You do not have to read it — someone else can, and a specialist can deal with the property without any family member entering it.
You can leave this closed and ask someone else to read it, or go back to the other steps in this phase.
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 19 August 2026 by Simon D Campbell. Applies to England and Wales.