The death of a loved one is a very personal experience. Each of us struggles to show our respect for our departed loved one and cope with our grief in his passing in our own way. Our choice of funeral and memorial arrangements may be dictated by our religious beliefs, cultural background or personal preferences. It is not unusual when a loved one dies for family members or representatives of the deceased to ask to witness the cremation.
While laws and regulations vary from state to state, the following information about witnessing a cremation is typical. If a family member or representative wishes to observe the cremation, or if observation or participation in the cremation process is dictated by religious practices, you should speak to your funeral planner or funeral home representative about the laws in your state.
Arrangements to witness the cremation can be made through your funeral planner or funeral home by completing a Cremation Authorization Form. A time and date for the cremation will be set. Unembalmed bodies awaiting cremation are stored in a temperature-controlled refrigeration unit. Embalmed bodies may be but are usually not required to be refrigerated.
When witnesses arrive for the cremation, they will be escorted to a designated viewing area set aside by the crematory expressly for this purpose. The viewing area is required to be clean and sanitary. Generally, a member of the crematory staff is present to explain the procedures and answer any questions.
By law, with certain exceptions for religious practices, only authorized crematory personnel are permitted in the room housing the cremation chamber while a body is in the cremation area awaiting cremation, while the body is in the cremation chamber, while the cremains are being removed from the cremation chamber, while the cremains are being processed, and while the cremains are being placed into the cremation container or cremation urn. While other authorized crematory personnel may be present to assist, only certified or licensed crematory personnel are permitted to operate the crematory unit, remove the cremains from the cremation chamber, or operate the mechanical processor.
Out of respect for the dearly departed and the health and safety of crematory personnel, the body will have been placed in a cremation casket selected by the deceased’s family or a combustible cremation container provided by the crematory. Jewelry and other personal items are usually removed by the funeral home, and the cremation container will remain sealed.
Most modern cremation chambers are computer controlled. When the chamber reaches the appropriate temperature, 1600 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, the casket is inserted, often via a motorized trolley, called a charger. Complete vaporization of the body can take two to three hours. Observers usually depart shortly after the body has been charged.
We have provided important accurate information needed by the consumer in order to make informed decisions. Whether you utilize our site for the free online grief support or your loved one was a veteran and benefit information is needed or you just have questions about Cremation process and our many options, let us offer our helping hand.Call us toll free @ 1-877-989-9090.
