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Home - Consumer Resources - Key Topics - Thinking About Cremation?
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 remaining bone fragments are 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 a temporary container
provided by the crematory 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.
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How hot does the cremation chamber get?
The optimum temperature range is 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit for the cremation chamber.
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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.
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Are cremations done individually?
Yes. State law generally provides that only one body may be
cremated at a time. However, in some states, the remains of family
members may be cremated together with the consent of the next-of-kin.
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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.
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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.
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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 crematory 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 crematory.
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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.
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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. Unless a body is
embalmed, refrigeration is the only alternative available 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.
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Is embalming necessary for cremation?
No. In most cases, it is your choice. It may depend on such factors
as whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the
body, whether there is to be a funeral service, or whether there is
refrigeration available. Embalming may also be necessary if the body is
going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of
time prior to the cremation.
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Is a casket required?
No. For sanitary reasons, ease of placement and dignity, many
crematories 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.
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Are there special cremation caskets?
There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are
completely combustible. The selection includes options from a simple
pine or cloth-covered casket to a hardwood casket.
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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.
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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 all of the cremated
remains included in this container.
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Can I watch the cremation?
Arrangements can usually be made through the funeral home or
crematory for relatives or representatives of the deceased to witness
the cremation.
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Do all funeral homes and cemeteries have a crematory?
No - actually only a small percentage of cremation service providers have their own cremation units.
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Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?
No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.
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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 crematory chapel.
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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.
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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.
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Can I scatter the remains on private property?
Yes, with permission of the owner.
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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.
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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, the 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.
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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.
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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 the casketed
remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her.
Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a
single grave space.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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