2001_0723_packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

ALL Crematory Page 1 of 2 The Cremation Process Cremation is the second most common form of disposition in the United States but most people have little or no information about the actual cremation process. A recent survey conducted for the memorialization industry found that only 15% of the respondents who prefer cremation feel that they are adequately educated about cremation. Contrary to popular belief, once a person chooses cremation the decision process is not over -- it is just beginning. A person who prefers cremation has numerous options a�ailable. Some of these include: . A viewing and a traditional funeral prior to the cremation . A viewing prior to the cremation and a non-traditional memorial service following the cremation . A direct cremation where the body is taken to the crematory and the cremated remains are returned to the family When a death occurs, there may be a waiting period of up to 48 hours from the time of death until the body can be cremated. This provides the time necessary for the funeral director or cemeterian to file for the required permits and receive proper authorizations. To prepare the body for cremation, all mechanical devices, such as pacemakers and hearing aids, must be removed so they do not rupture during the cremation process. For most cremations, the deceased is placed in a casket or a rigid container made of combustible material. Some funeral homes and cemeteries that operate crematories allow the family of the deceased to witness the cremation casket being placed in the cremator. Once the cremator is activated, heat reaching temperatures of 1600 - 2000 degrees Fahrenheit (872 - 1092 degrees Celsius) reduces the body to bone fragments. The cremation process does not produce "ashes" as many people believe. Depending on the cremator model, it takes between 80 to 120 minutes to cremate the body of an adult of average size. When the cremation is complete and the cremated remains are cool, they are generally mechanically reduced and placed in a temporary container until the loved ones of the deceased decide what form of meaningful permanent memorialization they desire. It is important to note that cremation is the beginning of the remembrance process and memorialization is an important element. For more information, please complete our electronic replv card. http://www.allcrem.com/CREMPROC.html 06/20/2001