Who Goes to the Door and then What

This book is the first and only comprehensive work designed and written for organizations that may face the daunting task of notifying and supporting families if a person dies, is seriously injured or is missing. The book is highly useful for companies, government agencies, police and fire departments, schools and universities, hospitals, clergy, social workers and even as a supplement for military service notification teams. In their research, the authors found that most organizations are ill-prepared to competently and compassionately carry out this sad but important responsibility. Most people don't like to talk about the subject. That's natural and understandable. What is neither understandable nor acceptable is an organization ignoring or paying little attention to the potential of such an event. How bad news is delivered and received can have a deep and enduring impact on both the organization's messenger, the organization itself and the loved ones. The consequences can be devastating or can serve as the beginning of a healthy grieving process. This book is full of useful tools and tips that will help your organization and its people prepare for a potential event, which in turn will make notification less difficult, expedite the notification process, reduce anxiety and stress, prepare for the unexpected, minimize hurtful and costly mistakes and protect an organization's reputation. We encourage you to take advantage of the wealth of information in this book so that if and when the time comes, you and your organization can handle this tough duty skillfully and with care.