What is the primary means by which notifications of death are received by funeral homes?

The primary means by which notifications of death are received by funeral homes is telephone communication. This method allows for immediate and direct contact between the family or notifying party and the funeral home, facilitating timely arrangements for the deceased. Calls can quickly relay important information, such as the location of the deceased and any specific wishes or needs the family may have, enabling the funeral home to respond promptly and efficiently.

While personal contact can also be a means of notification, it is less common due to the immediacy and convenience that a phone call provides. Telegrams have largely fallen out of use in favor of faster and more cost-effective methods of communication, and letters are typically not used for urgent notifications due to delays in delivery. Thus, the telephone remains the most effective and widely used means for notifying funeral homes of a death.