F.A.Q.

- What do I do when someone dies?

To get a pronouncement of death, call the Coroner's office or 9-1-1 non-emergency unless the person is on hospice (hospice will take care of contacting the coroner) Then the deceased's instructions should be looked for concerning a prepaid burial plan, memorial society membership, and any written instructions regarding her/his funeral arrangements. There is no rush. The body does not have to be removed for up to 24 hours, so you can take your time. If no funeral home has been chosen already, when you are ready, you can make calls to a few funeral homes to inquire about services and pricing.

Refer to the chapter: "What To Do When Someone Dies" (see "Links" page on this web site)---on page 15 of the FCSC Handbook. Also check this resource by University of Hawaii.

- What does my FCSC membership support?

Our commitment to providing basic information about the various funeral providers in Colorado, including price comparisons for direct cremation and funeral home ownership

Our ever-expanding consumer education and outreach efforts. Through publicity and educational materials, our mission is to increase consumer awareness about funeral practices and other end-of-life issues.  

Speakers to address any interested groups on various end-of-life topics, particularly those regarding body disposition and funeral planning.

Support via email and phone when you are making funeral arrangements.

Periodic newsletters that provide members with up-to-date information.

Monitoring of state and federal funeral legislation, advocating for consumer protection in funeral affairs, in collaboration with our national Funeral Consumer Alliance (FCA).

Maintenance of our website with its many resources.

- How do I join FCSC?

To join and pay online click here.

To join and pay via post, print and complete the membership application form in our Membership page, accompanied by a check for $20 payable to FCSC (good for a two-year membership). Mail it to:

P.O. Box 4743 Greenwood Village, CO 80155-4743

- Do you have an overall parent organization?

The Funeral Consumer Society of Colorado is an affiliate of the Funeral Consumer Alliance, a national nonprofit organization, dedicated to protecting a consumer’s rights to choose a meaningful, dignified, affordable funeral. FCA gives educational materials and advice to more than 100 volunteer-run consumer information groups around the country.

- Is embalming required for cremation or burial?

No. In most cases, it is your choice. Colorado requires embalming or refrigeration if the body is not buried or cremated within 24 hours of death. If the family selects a public viewing of the body, the funeral home may require embalming the body. Otherwise, refrigeration is an option.

- Can FCSC help pay for a funeral?

We frequently receive requests for financial assistance with burials or cremation. The simple answer is “No, FCSC is a non-profit informational organization, and not a charity, funeral home, insurance nor pre-payment plan." County funds may be an option for those who qualify financially, depending upon what ocunty the person lived in. You can ask your chosen funeral home if they will assist you in accessing these funds.

- What do you do at Board meetings? The Board members:

• Discuss how to better support the consumer through education by giving information and direct assistance in reclaiming their rightful role in death and dying
• Talk about ways to empower FCSC members to make informed, thoughtful decisions about funeral and memorial arrangements before they are needed through outreach.
• Monitor state legislation, advocating for consumer protection in funeral affairs
• Create and modify the website and newsletters
• Conduct surveys of funeral home and crematory prices
• Are available for personal phone consultations to answer questions to help the consumers in making funeral plans
• Network with other organizations and agencies that share our mission and goals
• Informally discuss ideas and enjoy each other's company.

- Question from the Board to our members at the Annual Meeting:

"Are there suggestions for your FCSC on pursuing our educational mission? How can we further support you and others?" Suggestions follow from the members present: (we welcome feedback!)

• Have a booth at the Colorado Law Days
• Have a booth at the resource fairs at the Buck Recreation Center and others
• Be a sponsor of a Colorado Public Radio broadcast about our organization
• Make videos for possible showing on YouTube or Facebook
• Place an ad in the obituaries section of "The Denver Post"
• Arrange for "The Denver Post" to write a feature article on us