What are the Steps Taken before Cremation Occurs?

Step 1: Safeguard Personal Identity

We take this seriously and have developed multiple processes to ensure the highest care of each customer.

• Medallion Identification System. We designate a unique identification number engraved on a pewter medallion for your loved one. The medallion is placed with each person and is present with them throughout the entire process, including during cremation. The unique number on the medallion is recorded on all paperwork to ensure accuracy during each step. After cremation is complete, the cremated remains are kept secure with the medallion and will be returned together to the family.
• Secure Digital Tracking. We feel it is critical to operate with integrity. We have  a digital barcode tracking process that allows us to safely track your loved one from the moment they enter our care and any personal items they had with them. A barcode is assigned to each person and virtually tracks them throughout the entire process ensuring the highest standard of care.
• Trusted Affiliate with an Onsite Crematory. Customers have the comfort of knowing their loved one never leaves our circle of trust. We have strict procedures and ethics we adhere to and escort your loved one from the moment they are picked up, to the moment they are returned to you. Our trusted affiliate, Harrell Funeral Homes, has a crematory that is not used to support other online cremation businesses.

Step 2: Pre-Cremation Preparation

Prior to cremation the deceased will be respectably clothed, covered, and protected at all times. Any personal possessions that are not to be cremated will be removed from the body and tracked with the digital tracking . Many families request that the jewelry their loved one is wearing be returned to them. These requests need to be submitted in writing. Also, medical devices, prosthetics, or implanted devices, such as pacemakers, that contain batteries are required to removed prior to cremation for the safety of the crematory operator.

Step 3: Positioning on a Cremation Container

The body is placed in a simple combustible cremation container of wood and transferred to the cremation chamber. Special cremation caskets are available to purchase if the family desires.

Step 4: The Cremation Chamber

The resting body is placed inside a pre-heated cremation chamber. The chamber is also known as a retort. Fire resistant bricks line the inside of the chamber and it can withstand temperatures up to 2000 degrees. The retort is designed to meet strict environmental and air quality standards. The amount of time it takes to cremate is dependent on the size of the deceased. Cremation typically takes between one to three hours. During this process, the body is never exposed to an open flame.

Step 5: Inspecting and Refining the Ashes

The ashes are allowed time to cool and then inspected by hand to see if there are any remaining impurities. The ashes are placed in a special processor to grind the fragments into what we call “cremains,” also known as ashes. The ashes are placed in a plastic bag and transferred to an urn or temporary container prior to returning to the family. Families have the option to receive ashes in ash form or as solidified remains. Solidified remains are clean alternative to ashes that allow you to live comfortably with your departed. The average person is 40-60 stones. Visit our solidified remains page for more information.