Frequently Asked Cremation Questions

Cremation is the process of using very high heat for final disposition of a deceased body. The practice dates back thousands of years. It is a common practice accepted by many religions across the globe. The body is placed in a chamber that heats up to around 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit (over 800 degrees Celsius). During the process, the body converts into smoke, cremated remains and steam.

Once the cremation ‘drawer’ comes out of the cremation chamber, all the cremated remains are gathered. A strong magnet is used to collect any metallic remnants.

Finally, any large remaining bone fragments are pulverized into a fine powder before being placed into the temporary urn.

A single cremation typically takes between two-and-a-half to three hours. This includes the time to get the chamber up to temperature and bring it back down to temperature so the cremation chamber can be opened at the end of the process.

No, you cannot cremate more than one body at the same time. Not only is this practice illegal, at Cremation Specialists, we consider it unethical. We want to ensure you receive the cremated remains, and only the cremation remains, of your loved one.

Yes, however no objects can be placed in the cremation chamber that contain large metallic items, rubber items or glass items. Rubber is prohibited because it is harmful and potentially toxic, not only to the atmosphere, but also to the crematory operator. Glass is prohibited because it interferes with the collection of cremated remains. The cremation chamber heats up enough to melt glass and cremated remains would be enveloped in the cooled glass after the process is complete.

If your wish is putting something in the cremation chamber with your loved one, it is best to check with the location regarding what is and is not allowed.

Your loved one is covered in a gown made from natural, non-toxic fibers. At very high temperatures, this gown disintegrates completely.

Metallic objects (except pacemakers) do not need to be removed prior to cremation. These include artificial hips, knees, ankle or elbow screws, metal fillings, crowns or dentures, etc. After cremation, both visual inspection and a strong magnet are used to collect any metallic items so they can be separated from the rest of the cremated remains. Any reclaimed metallic objects are properly recycled.

We will need to remove the pacemaker prior to cremation. When exposed to very high heat, certain parts of the pacemaker could explode and not only damage the cremation chamber, but also injure the personnel working.

The most common thing that people do with cremated remains is place them in an urn. For a more personal touch, a small portion of the cremated remains can also be separated from the bulk remains and placed in a small keepsake urn, or a placed in pendant jewelry that can be worn around the neck. Cremated remains, can also be converted into diamonds.

Some wish to scatter remains. In this case, it is always best to check your state and local regulations. There are “do’s and don’ts” regarding the scattering of cremated remains and these vary from state to state. There are regulations regarding scattering remains in public parks, scattering from airplanes, scattering in waterways, etc.

Finally, be sure to check and see if your religion has any views on this topic. For instance, the Catholic church discourages the scattering of remains.

These vary from state to state. It is important to work with an established, experienced and professional crematory because they will know and work within the proper state guidelines. Some states mandate that you cannot cremate a body within 48 hours of death.

At Cremation Specialists, we use a digital identification system. Every decedent that comes into our care receives an identification bracelet that stays with them through the entire cremation process. From the time the decedent comes into our care until the time they leave the cremation chamber, this ID bracelet has an identification number on it so the deceased can be tracked through the entire procedure. We ensure your love is returned back to you.

Almost universally, it comes down to dignity. Instead of putting an exposed, naked body in the cremation chamber, some families feel it preserves a part of the deceased person’s dignity to be covered, like clothing.

For those opting for no casket, there are a couple of main reasons:

• "I want only the cremated remains of my loved one and nothing else. I do not want grandma’s ashes, or whomever, mixed with other physical elements."
• "From an environmental standpoint, I don’t want to cremate any excess materials that will be released into the atmosphere."

You are not required to purchase an urn to receive your cremated remains. We do, however, have several options for affordable urns available during our checkout process.

We will provide the cremated remains inside a plastic bag. This bag is then placed inside a temporary urn.