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While traditional burials remain popular in the United States, cremation is becoming an increasingly sought-after choice for handling a person’s remains. If you’re pre-planning your end-of-life arrangements, you may be curious to know what takes place during this process. Understanding the steps behind this option may also provide closure for individuals who have lost a loved one. Here’s a brief overview of what takes place when a body is cremated.

A Guide to the Cremation Process

Preparation of the Body

Before a body is cremated, the funeral director must receive authorization from designated parties, which typically include the closest surviving family members. If the deceased has any personal effects, such as jewelry, which are wished to be retained, they will be removed. Any medical devices such as pacemakers will also need to be removed to prevent an explosion. The body is then placed in a cardboard container, also known as a cremation casket.

Cremation

During cremation, the chamber reaches 1,400 to 1,800 degrees. The objective of the heat is to reduce the remains to basic elements. The process may take roughly two hours. After, there will be a cooldown period of at least 30 minutes.  

Processing of Ashes

cremationFollowing cremation, it’s likely some material will remain. Surgical pins, titanium joints, and similar medical objects will be removed with a magnet. Larger remaining bone fragments will be processed separately and combined with the remaining ashes, which are then returned to the family.

Surviving family members have a range of options for determining a final resting place after receiving their loved one’s cremated remains. While some individuals choose to keep ashes in a decorative urn, others choose to bury or scatter them. Traditional funerals can still be held prior to cremation, while memorial services without having a body present can take place either before or after.

 

As Greenwich, CT’s trusted funeral home since 1846, Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home is committed to providing respectful services for loved ones who have passed. These professionals meet each individual’s unique end-of-life wishes with either traditional burials or cremation as well as memorial and funeral services. If you’re planning your end-of-life wishes, you can learn more about your choices for cremation online, or speak with a funeral director by calling (203) 869-0315.

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