Before Cremation Takes Place

It has been shown in recent surveys that cremation is the preferred method of body disposal today. This is due to many factors but mainly can be contributed by the cost effectiveness and our current economical condition.

Before a cremation takes place there are several things that happen before any scheduled ceremonies, rites of passage or viewings take place. The first and foremost is that all proper forms and permits must be completed and signed by the family and parties involved. The funeral director or crematory need to be notified of any pacemakers, prosthesis, or other mechanical or radioactive devices or implants in the deceased.

The reason for this is that it could cause damage to the crematory or crematory personnel. Your funeral director needs to let the cremation provider know of such items so they can discuss removal prior to cremation. Any jewelry on the deceased or dental gold should also be removed by the family's designated agent. If these items are not removed prior to cremation, they will be destroyed in the process and will be disposed of by the crematory in accordance with applicable laws.

Most crematories require the body be contained in a combustible, leakproof, rigid, covered container, if a casket is not being used. There are containers that can be purchased for such and can be found by your funeral director. Non combustible items such as caskets with decorative handles or rails, latches, etc. may cause damage to the cremation equipment may be removed by the crematory in a non-recoverable manner. If a metal casket is used, the remnants of the metal casket shell will be disposed of by the crematory in a non-recoverable manner.

Depending on your state and local laws, there may be a waiting period of up to 48 hours from the time of death before cremation can occur. The crematory must be notified if anyone wishes to witness the casket being placed into the crematory chamber. Not all crematories offer such service, however if witnessing is offered, the crematory may require additional forms are completed and signed.

Lastly, you will need to purchase an urn to contain the cremains when the process is complete. The crematory will place the remains or any excess in a container made of plastic, light metal, cardboard, unfinished wood, or other suitable material to hold the remains until an urn can be acquired to transport the cremains to the mausoleum or scattering place.