The cremation process is a mystery to many people.
Some are simply curious while others have a desire to know what will be done with loved ones who are going to be cremated.
Regardless of the reasons, here is a sincere explanation of the process and what to expect as a grieving family member.
The body is initially stored in a cool area.
Before the cremation can be completed, a medical examiner must review the individual's file to ensure no investigations are ongoing that may require the body.
Once the paperwork is clear, the body moves on to the preparation stage.
Any pacemakers are removed, however all clothing, jewelry and anything else the family requests be cremated with the loved one is not removed.
For the most part, the body remains undisturbed in the cremation container out of respect.
An incinerator is heated, usually to around 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the required temperature is reached, the body is quickly rolled into the incinerator.
In some crematoriums, the family may observe the process from another room with a window.
This is generally left up to the family and not a requirement.
Once inside, the body is cremated at the center using a column of fire.
This step dries the body, removing any moisture left behind.
After the body has dried, what remains begins to disintegrate.
Bones are usually left behind and begin to crumble.
After the cremation process is complete, a magnet gathers any metal left behind, separating it.
Large pieces of bone are then ground down and added to the other ashes.
The result is a coarse, gray ash that can be kept in cremation urns or whatever memorial container the family has chosen.
If no container is provided, the crematorium will place the ashes in a container lined with plastic to avoid losing remains.
In some cases, the ashes may be carried to a location and scattered while others choose to bury the ashes.
Some families prefer cremation because they can keep a loved one's ashes with them in a cremation urn or other container.
This gives them closure and a feeling of closeness with he departed.
Either way, cremation is a cheaper alternative to burial that is no less respectful.
Some are simply curious while others have a desire to know what will be done with loved ones who are going to be cremated.
Regardless of the reasons, here is a sincere explanation of the process and what to expect as a grieving family member.
The body is initially stored in a cool area.
Before the cremation can be completed, a medical examiner must review the individual's file to ensure no investigations are ongoing that may require the body.
Once the paperwork is clear, the body moves on to the preparation stage.
Any pacemakers are removed, however all clothing, jewelry and anything else the family requests be cremated with the loved one is not removed.
For the most part, the body remains undisturbed in the cremation container out of respect.
An incinerator is heated, usually to around 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the required temperature is reached, the body is quickly rolled into the incinerator.
In some crematoriums, the family may observe the process from another room with a window.
This is generally left up to the family and not a requirement.
Once inside, the body is cremated at the center using a column of fire.
This step dries the body, removing any moisture left behind.
After the body has dried, what remains begins to disintegrate.
Bones are usually left behind and begin to crumble.
After the cremation process is complete, a magnet gathers any metal left behind, separating it.
Large pieces of bone are then ground down and added to the other ashes.
The result is a coarse, gray ash that can be kept in cremation urns or whatever memorial container the family has chosen.
If no container is provided, the crematorium will place the ashes in a container lined with plastic to avoid losing remains.
In some cases, the ashes may be carried to a location and scattered while others choose to bury the ashes.
Some families prefer cremation because they can keep a loved one's ashes with them in a cremation urn or other container.
This gives them closure and a feeling of closeness with he departed.
Either way, cremation is a cheaper alternative to burial that is no less respectful.
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