What Is Involved in Cremation?

For those who don’t want a traditional burial, you may be interested in the process of cremation. While cremation doesn’t involve a burial, a site can still be marked by a cremation monument in Phillipsburg, NJ. If you’re curious about cremation, read on to learn what is involved in the process and the options available.

Types of cremation

Cremation is a process of reducing human remains to bone fragments through thermal, mechanical or other dissolution methods. It also involves processing the bone fragments into pieces that are no more than one-eighth inch in size.

There are two types of cremation processes that are used in the U.S.: flame-based and alkaline hydrolysis. A flame-based cremation uses flame and heat from a cremator to reduce the remains to fragments. It’s the most commonly practiced method of cremation and is available through most funeral homes. Another option is alkaline hydrolysis. This employs a water-based dissolution process using alkaline chemicals, heat, agitation and pressure, which accelerates the natural decomposition process. This process is less common and not available through every funeral home.

The arrangements and memorial

Many loved ones of those who choose a cremation monument in Phillipsburg, NJ still choose to have a memorial to commemorate the life of their loved one, and many of the same elements of a funeral service apply in the instance of a cremation ceremony. Transportation is provided from the place of death to the funeral home or crematory. While arrangements are made for the cremation and memorial, as well as paperwork being finalized, the body is kept in secure cold storage. Then, the cremation itself takes place, as well as any memorial service or placement of a cremation monument in Phillipsburg, NJ.

Cremation typically takes place within 48 hours of the death. The cremation container is a completely enclosed, rigid, leak-resistant and combustible container that will house the remains. It can even be a casket. The cremation process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the deceased, the type of container and the heat of the chamber. However, it cannot be a metal casket as metal is not combustible. Afterward, the cremated remains are transferred to a plastic bag and placed in an urn or other temporary container if the family doesn’t have an urn yet. Finally, the remains are returned to the loved ones for safekeeping.

Phillipsburg Memorial Company has more than seven decades of experience providing residents with a wide range of cemetery markers, memorial monuments and cremation monuments in Phillipsburg, NJ. We are committed to helping our customers find memorial stones that honor and preserve their legacy or the legacy of their loved one. We take great pride in providing our clients with the information and products they need, with compassion and comfort in their delicate, trying situation. If you choose cremation for your loved one, we will do everything we can to make sure your loved one is honored with attention to the end-of-life events and timelines on your schedule. Reach out to us today to learn more.

Categorised in: Headstone