Equipment planning is one part of a facility’s fatality-management plan. This guide helps funeral homes, hospitals, medical examiners and public agencies prepare an equipment request before routine storage is interrupted or additional capacity is needed. It does not replace the procedures established by your medical examiner, coroner, public-health authority or incident command.
Document the capacity you actually need
Record the facility’s current usable storage positions, the equipment already in service and the additional capacity being requested. Separate routine workload from the surge scenario your organization is planning for. Include the anticipated duration and any need for larger-width storage or different handling arrangements.
A room’s floor area alone does not establish its usable capacity. Racks, door clearances, aisles, lift travel and working access all affect the layout. Send a dimensioned sketch or site photos with your inquiry rather than relying only on a requested body count. The emergency mortuary cooler resource explains the refrigeration and procurement information used in a quote.
Identify the site and utility constraints
- Location: identify the building, proposed installation area and delivery address. State whether equipment will remain in that location or may need to move later.
- Access: measure the receiving entrance, internal doors, corridors, elevator and turning spaces along the delivery route.
- Utilities: ask facilities staff or qualified trades to confirm the available electrical service and the requirements of the selected refrigeration system.
- Installation: identify who is responsible for assembly, connections, commissioning and any site preparation.
- Continuity: have the facility’s responsible personnel review backup-power and equipment-failure arrangements as part of the overall plan.
Temperature requirements, monitoring practices, handling procedures and staff protection must follow the facility’s approved protocols and applicable requirements. Do not assume that buying a particular cooler or rack satisfies those responsibilities.
Prepare purchasing authority before a disruption
Identify the person authorized to approve equipment, the purchasing contact, the required payment or purchase-order process and the supporting documents your organization needs. Keep an alternate contact available if the primary buyer is occupied with response duties. A written quote should distinguish equipment, freight and any installation services so responsibility is clear.
For an equipment review, provide:
- Facility name, buyer role, delivery ZIP code and a direct callback number.
- Target storage capacity, equipment dimensions and required handling capacity.
- Available room measurements, utility information and receiving arrangements.
- The date equipment is needed, whether that date is fixed, and any acceptable phased delivery.
- Required drawings, specifications, warranty documents and procurement approvals.
Plan receiving and the handoff
Confirm whether the site has a loading dock, suitable unloading equipment and staff available when the carrier arrives. Ask explicitly about liftgate service, inside placement, assembly and disposal of packaging; these are not interchangeable services. Review the shipping and freight disclosures before accepting a delivery plan.
Keep the final equipment list, selected configurations, manuals, warranty information and supplier contact details together. Verify equipment compatibility and the site layout before ordering. A time-sensitive inquiry does not guarantee stock, production priority or a delivery date; obtain current information in writing.
Planning references and equipment help
The CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities, including Capability 5 on fatality management, provides broader planning context. This reference is not an endorsement or certification of AMC equipment.
Use our emergency equipment selection guide to organize coolers, racks, lifts, trays and transport equipment. Request an itemized equipment quote or call 1-888-792-9315 with the site and timing information above. For an existing order or equipment issue, use technical support.
Reviewed October 7, 2026. Equipment planning information; not an emergency-response or clinical protocol.
Program snapshots shown for reference; current status and scores may change.
