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Wiefels Funeral Home Coronavirus Update

Important information regarding FEMA Funeral Assistance:

 

FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021 through their dedicated call center. More information will be available on their website soon.

 

 https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

 

In our communication with FEMA, they have indicated they will only begin applications via phone. Make sure that you have all of your documentation together in advance (invoice, death certificate, and applicant information). There has been no deadline published to apply, so in the event you have held off on a graveside remembrance, or a headstone, or an urn, those items would be reimbursable through this program. Your funeral home can help you with collecting the paperwork, but we cannot apply on your behalf. FEMA will be reimbursing families directly for costs incurred due to COVID19 loss. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or need any help obtaining this information for applications.

 

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number

 

Applications begin on April 12, 2021

844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585

 

We have entered unprecedented times with COVID-19 in the United States, and this means that the way that we mourn, celebrate and honor those who have died will change. Even a few short weeks ago it would have  been hard to imagine that we would ever find ourselves in a situation where such change and disruption was necessary. Death, something that is already devastating, may feel more confusing, more rushed, and emptier. One thing that has not changed is our staff’s commitment to compassionate care of every family that we serve. We are dedicated to finding new ways to help those we serve navigate the murky waters of grief during this exceptional time.

Funeral directors have always been beacons of calm and comfort in uncertain times - if anything, we know our families need that from us now more than ever. We will do our best to guide you through these times as safely and calmly as we can. Our hope is that in this public health crisis, we can continue to offer the space and the emotional resources to help you cope with loss as you deal with the added anxiety that the coronavirus pandemic brings. 

Our team will continue to serve our community as we all navigate this crisis together.

 

What are the new ways that you are allowing families to have services?

We are still limiting in-person interaction in our offices, and have dedicated ourselves to finding new safe ways for families to  remember those who have died and begin to heal from the loss of their loved ones. For services held onsite, we are allowing up to 50 attendees, and family members who cannot be present will be allowed to view their loved one's service via private webcast if they choose. Families may opt for direct burial or cremation, and schedule a celebration of life event for a future date. 

We are able to arrange for burials or cremations in person, or with us over the phone and via our safe and secure e-signature platform. 

Our goal is always to help families work through grief and loss, and so we currently have a solution for private live streaming, and will be working with families on this option. We will continue to offer our web-site obituary pages at no-cost to our families so they can share memories, photos, and details about their loved ones. We can help create and embed videos on the tribute pages, so that family and friends can view safely from home and add their own memories. 

 

How are the funeral directors at Wiefels Funeral Homes trained to handle crises such as this one?

Infectious disease has been a part of our profession for many years and our directors and embalmers are informed and educated on this subject matter. For embalmers, a good portion of their training is understanding the human body and how it is affected by dangerous viruses and bacteria. Our knowledge of the procedures and techniques required to keep ourselves and the public safe were in place long before this crisis. We’re trained on the use of personal protective equipment and are diligent in its use and application. Knowledge is the key to understanding how any disease is transmitted. Reducing the risk of being exposed is paramount.

We are working with our local clergy and community officials to discuss how we can continue to provide solace while staying safe. We are members of industry associations who are closely following recommendations from CDC, OSHA, the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, county requirements, city requirements, and much more. In our commitment to keeping our communities safe, we will be leaders in times of tragedy and uncertainty.

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