Cremation Service Questions...
What happens during the cremation process?
The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the
temperature is raised to approximately 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees
Fahrenheit. After approximately, 2 to 2 1/2 hours, all organic matter is
consumed by heat or evaporation. The residue which is left is bone
fragments, known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then
carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a
magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are
then processed into fine particles and are placed in the container provided
by the crematorium or placed in an urn purchased by the family. The entire
process takes approximately three hours. Throughout the cremation process, a
carefully controlled labeling system ensures correct identification.
How hot does the cremator get?
Although there are several manufacturers of cremation units, the optimum
temperature range is 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to cremate a body?
Cremating at the optimum temperature (1400 - 1800 degrees), the average
weighted remains takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Several more hours may be required
before the cremated remains are available to the family.
Are cremations done individually?
Yes. Laws require that only one casket or container is cremated at a time.
Is the body exposed to an open flame during the cremation process?
Yes, the body is exposed to direct heat and flame. Cremation is performed by
placing the deceased in a casket or other container and then placing the
casket or container into a cremation chamber or retort, where they are
subjected to intense heat and flame.
When after death can a cremation take place?
Because cremation is an irreversible process and because the process itself
will eliminate any ability to determine exact cause of death, many states
require that each cremation be authorized by the coroner or medical
examiner. Some states have specific minimum time limits that must elapse
before cremation may take place. Your local funeral service provider can
advise you of applicable regulations, if any.
Is any other preparation required prior to cremation?
It is essential that pacemakers and other medical devices be removed prior
to cremation. They may explode when subjected to high temperature, which can
be hazardous to crematorium staff and equipment. In addition, any special
mementos, such as jewelry, will be destroyed during the cremation process.
Anything you wish to keep should be removed by the funeral director before
the casket or container is transferred to the crematorium.
Is it true that the bones are crushed after cremation? I've heard
you don't get ashes back -- what do you get?
A complete cremation is a two-step process. Firstly, the actual exposure of
the deceased to several hours of intense heat and flame; after which the
remains are mostly ash except for certain bone fragments, then the entire
remaining ash and fragment volume is gathered and run through a processor,
creating a uniform powder-like texture.
Why is refrigeration of the remains necessary?
Due to the irreversible nature of cremation, most states require a waiting
period before the actual process may begin. Refrigeration is the only
alternative available, other than embalming, that will retard tissue
decomposition. Refrigeration is a necessity that protects family and
friends, the crematory operator and the general public from potential health
hazards.
Is embalming necessary for cremation?
No. It is your choice. It may be necessary depending on such factors as
whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body with
an open casket, or to enhance the deceased's appearance for a private family
viewing; if the body is going to be transported by air, rail, or across
state lines, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.
Is a casket required?
No. For sanitary reasons, ease of placement and dignity, many cremations
require that the deceased be cremated in a combustible, leak proof, rigid,
covered container. This does not need to be a casket as such. What is
required is an enclosed, rigid, container made of wood or other combustible
material to allow for the dignified handling of human remains. The type of
casket or container selected is really a personal decision, Caskets and
containers are available in a wide variety of materials ranging from simple
cardboard containers to beautifully handcrafted oak, maple or mahogany
caskets.
Are there special cremation caskets?
There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely
combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard container
to a hardwood casket.
Can a casket be rented instead of purchased when choosing cremation?
Many funeral homes offer a hardwood ceremonial casket for viewing or funeral
services prior to cremation. The ceremonial (or rental) casket is
specifically designed to provide a very aesthetically pleasing, affordable
and environmentally prudent alternative to purchasing a casket for a
cremation service.
Can I bring my own urn?
Yes. It would be advisable that you discuss this situation with your
cremation provider prior to the cremation. The size of your urn will be of
great importance if you plan to have your loved one's entire cremated body
included in this container.
Can I watch the cremation?
Arrangements can usually be made through the Cremation Authorization Form
for relatives or representatives of the deceased to witness the cremation.
Do all funeral homes and cemeteries have a crematory?
No. Actually only a small percentage of cremation service providers
have their own cremation units.
Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?
No. Cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final
disposition.
Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I chose
cremation?
It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the
advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility
when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for
example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial
service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn
present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated
remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a
funeral home, or in a crematorium chapel.
Can we have the service before or after the cremation?
It's completely a matter of family preference. Many times when a family is
split regarding the decision to cremate, a compromise may be achieved by
having a traditional service first - to be followed by cremation.
What can be done with the cremated remains?
With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a
cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a family member, usually in
an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to
the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations
regarding scattering in a public place.) Cremation is just one step in the
commemorative process-- the preparation of the human remains for
memorialization. Today, there are many different types of memorial options
from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has
been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived
and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future
generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The
limit is set only by your imagination.
Can I scatter the remains on private property?
Yes, with permission of the owner.
What is memorialization for a cremation?
You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually
choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Also available at many
cemeteries are cremation niches in columbariums. They offer the beauty of a
mausoleum setting with the benefits of above ground placement of remains.
Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery
offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come
and reflect.
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum or chapel, sometimes
free-standing, either indoor or outdoor, is constructed of numerous small
compartments (niches) designed to hold urns containing cremated remains.
If I'm going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be
placed in a columbarium, or interred or scattered at the cemetery? Why
shouldn't I just have them scattered in the sea or in some other place of my
choosing?
As long as it is permitted by local regulations, your cremated remains can
be scattered in a place that is meaningful to you. This can, however,
present difficulties for your survivors. Some people may find it hard to
simply pour the mortal remains of a loved one out onto the ground or into
the sea. If you wish to be scattered somewhere, it is therefore important to
discuss your wishes ahead of time with the person or persons who will
actually have to do the scattering. Another difficulty with scattering can
occur when the remains are disposed of in an anonymous, unmarked or public
place. Access to the area may be restricted for some reason in the future,
undeveloped land may be developed, or any of a host of other conditions may
arise that could make it difficult for your survivors to visit the site to
remember you. Even if your cremated remains are scattered in your backyard,
what happens if your survivors relocate sometime in the future? Once
scattered, cremated remains cannot easily be collected back up. Having your
remains placed, interred or scattered on a cemetery's grounds ensures that
future generations will have a place to go to remember. If remains are
scattered somewhere outside the cemetery, many cemeteries will allow you to
place a memorial of some type on the cemetery grounds, so survivors have a
place to visit that will always be maintained and preserved.
Why is having a place to visit so important?
Because it provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased. To
remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs. Throughout human
history, memorialization of the dead has been a key component of almost
every culture. The Washington Monument, Tomb of the Unknowns and Vietnam
"Wall" in Washington, D.C are examples of memorialization which demonstrate
that, throughout our history, we have always honored our dead. Psychologists
say that remembrance practices, from the funeral or memorial service to
permanent memorialization, serve an important emotional function for
survivors by helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process to
begin. Providing a permanent resting place for the deceased is a dignified
treatment for a loved one's mortal remains, which fulfills the natural human
desire for memorialization.
If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she
was in a casket?
Yes. Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a
grave space by having the cremains buried on top of your casketed spouse, or
utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for
multiple cremains to be interred in a single grave space.
Can I take the cremated remains home?
Yes. The remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select
an urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. Urns are
available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. How big of a price
difference is there with cremation compared to standard ground burial? The
cost depends on the type of permanent memorial, location of the memorial,
urn and placement selected.
Do all religions permit cremation?
Some religions prefer cremation; some do not recommend the practice; most
permit you to choose. Should you have any questions or concerns, we suggest
you speak with a member of your clergy, or contact your local prearrangement
provider.
