Common questions asked related to cremation

The cremation process

 

The cremation process can be a little hard, especially when you are doing it for the first time for a loved one. A traditional burial process has many steps. You may have difficulty understanding those, especially when you are grieving, which is not the same with the cremation process. The process for cremation has been around for almost 2000 years, and it may still be a mystery to many people. It is because many people have not come across it happening. Usually, people prefer a traditional burial over cremation, but people are shifting towards cremation as the population increases.

In today's world, cremation centers use industrial furnaces designed for cremation. The whole process for cremation usually takes around 2-3 hours in total. The crematory has many responsibilities, and the few major ones are mentioned down below:

●       The identification of the dead body is the crematory's responsibility.

●       The operator should be safe.

●       Care and respect must be given to the dead body.

Most of the cremation centers allow the family to witness the cremation process of their loved ones. The cremation centers typically have very small areas, which is why they can not allow people more than a certain amount, so it is always best to check with the cremation center before inviting family and friends.

 

Step-by-Step method of cremation

 

The body elements are reduced to ashes through a process that exposes the body to heat, flames, and evaporation. The cremation process takes place in a furnace designed explicitly for cremating the bodies, known as cremation chamber or retort. It is essential to provide a container with the body known as a casket. The crematories usually have caskets made in a way that is appropriate for cremation or has a very hard cardboard container.

When the body is into tiny particles, they turn into 'ashes. Interestingly these ashes only contain bone fragments while other organs and parts of the body burn. It is important to remember that the furnace in which the body is cremated should not interfere with the cremation process and do not leave residues in the ashes. Any incidental by-products of the incineration must not be included as well. The reduction of body bones is around 3 to 9 pounds of ashes. The amount of the ashes usually depends upon the size of the body and the creating authority.

There are five basic steps for the method of cremation, mentioned below:

The first step is the identification of the deceased. The authorization is obtained, and the body is labeled so that no mix-ups happen in the process of cremation.

The preparation of the body takes place and is entered in the cremator by the labor.

The body placed in the container is moved to a cremation chamber or to a retort.

Once the cremation process is over, the remaining metals are removed, and the particles of the body are converted into even more fine particles.

The ashes are then collected and transferred to a container or to a specific urn provided by the family. The ashes can also be turned into ornament or jewelry pieces.

 

 

How is the identification of the body made? Are there any processes that ensure that the ashes do not get mixed up with another body's ashes?

 

For proper handling of the body and ensuring there is no confusion, many crematories form cremation, strict procedures, and rules. The first and foremost step of every cremation process is to make sure that the crematory has permission to take care of the cremation. The regulations for identification vary by state and city. In many cases, crematories hand over some paperwork that they have to complete in order to provide authorization of the body. This form or paperwork includes all kinds of questions such as who will pick up the remains from the crematory and which container the crematory should use to store the ashes etc.

 

How is the preparation of the body carried out?

 

The first step for preparing the body for cremation is bathing, cleaning, and dressing it before the process of identification. The embalming is not necessary until and unless the body has to be present to the public.

The next step is the removal of jewelry or metallic items from the body that you might think may serve as a sign for memory. Prosthetic body parts and medical devices are also removed that are battery-operated and mechanical to prevent reaction during cremation. A few items, such as pins, screws, and links, are not removed, and they remain in place. There are different recycling policies for medical devices for every facility, but in no case, those devices are used over any other body again. These medical devices are broken down into small pieces, melted, or disposed of in some other method.

 

What sort of container is typically used for a cremation?

 

The use of specially designed caskets for cremation processes, or many cremating centers use simple hard cardboard boxes. The only rule for the container is that it should be hard and rigid enough to hold the body and must be combustible.

 

 

The team at ADC would be honored to help you in preparing a memorial ceremony for your loved one and make sure you don't have to take care of unimportant things as well as as have any unnecessary burden on your shoulders during the grieving process.

If you need any help related to the decisions you need to make for your loved one who passed away, reach out to us today and Call 24/7 For Compassionate Care at 352-354-4413. We would be honored to help you with coping with these difficult emotions.