Understanding The Cremation Process

If you are pre-arranging your funeral, have been assigned the duty of arranging a funeral for someone else, or are just generally curious, you may be wondering what takes place before, during, and after the cremation process. While this isn’t the kind of information everyone wants or needs to be privy to, others jump at the chance to find out more about a process that numerous individuals are deciding upon for their end-of-life arrangements.

It’s rarely spoken about in some circles, the process of cremation. Though it’s a natural part of our existence, the topic of cremation and death are considered taboo to some. Here’s the thing… wondering how your body or the body of a loved one will be treated after death – when the subject of cremation is at hand – is not shameful or wrong. It’s natural to be curious and to want more information regarding the subject.

So, here is the information…

Checking The Identity

Regarding the recently deceased, the cause of death must first be defined by a medical professional. All details are filed, and all personal information is collected. The caretaker receives all of this along with the body.

To ensure they are dealing with the right body, meticulous tagging procedures are followed by caretakers. To make sure the right body is dealt with, identity checks continue during each step of the process.

Until the ashes are placed in the appropriate receptacle, this process continues even after the ashes are removed. The ashes/body are accompanied at all times by a fire-resistant metal tag.

Preparing the Body

To the recently deceased, every ounce of courtesy is given by caretakers. Things like pacemakers, surgical implants, etc. are often removed. This is particularly applicable if, at later stages of the process, they would create unanticipated consequences. Any jewelry will also be removed and saved.

Following this, the body is placed inside a cremation container by the caretaker.

A Container for Cremation

A “rigid container” is required by law for cremation. It must be made of combustible materials and should be easy to handle. No casket or embalming is required here. Usually, in the upfront cremation services price, a cardboard container is included by many crematories. Various containers are also available and appropriate.

Entering the Chamber for Cremation

The combustion chamber is preheated by the caretaker. They then place the body (in the chosen container) into the cremation furnace after preheating. In temperatures ranging from 1598° to 1796°F, the incineration of the body takes place.

Ashes (Refining and Returning)

Remaining impurities are checked for by a caretaker after the ashes cool. Occasionally, metal surgical implants are found, fine bone fragments, etc. These are handled appropriately by the caretaker. A device referred to as a cremulator then handles the rest of the ashes.

Once the cremulator purifies the ashes, a receptacle chosen by the loved one is where the ashes are placed. A receptacle frequently chosen is referred to as an urn, or a temporary receptacle may be used if the ashes are to be scattered or otherwise dealt with.

Dealing with the Ashes

If a person has decided upon cremation, they may also have decided what they want done with their ashes. Before you scatter the ashes of an individual, check with any laws that may be violated in the process.

Contact American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory For Cremation And More

If a friend or loved one has passed away and you are tasked with the job of planning their end-of-life arrangements, we can help. Whether it’s cremation, a funeral, burial, memorial, or what have you, we are here to be of assistance and offer numerous services with which to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased.

At American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Crematory, we are a family business. Together, we seamlessly put together the best, most appropriate arrangements wanted or required by you or the deceased. If you need to preplan a funeral, immediately plan a funeral, or need advice as to how to go about dealing with the death of a loved one, contact us.