Understanding the Cremation Process

Burying a deceased loved one in a conventional burial ground is a process is more familiar than a cremation. The latter is now being chosen by many for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. Many people that pre-plan their funerals are also choosing the cremation option versus a burial. Here is some information on the cremation process.

1. Documentation and processing 

A cremation can’t be conducted without approval from the deceased’s closest family member. This person is required to sign documents granting permission to the funeral director to carry out the cremation.

2. Preparing the decedent’s body 

Once the family member has given the funeral director their approval, the latter will prepare the body for cremation. They remove jewelry, accessories or medical devices that don’t need to be on the person’s body when he/she is being cremated. 

3. Placing the body in the casket 

The body won’t be embalmed unless the deceased’s family wants to arrange a memorial service in which case the cremation would take place later. The body will be placed in a cardboard or wooden box, as these materials are highly inflammable. The box will then be placed in the cremation chamber before the door is sealed shut.

4. The time required for the cremation process to be completed 

The cremation takes approximately 1.5-2 hours and the body is exposed to temperatures in the range of 1800°F-2000°F throughout the process. 

5. Collecting the ashes

Once the process is complete, the bits of bone and metal pieces such as surgical screws, nails, plates etc. will be left behind. The latter will be removed and the remaining bones will be milled into a fine powder (ashes) that will be handed over to the family.

If you want to know more about the cremation process or want to arrange for a funeral service, contact us at Ocean County Cremation Service today. We’ll be happy to help.