|
|
 |
 |
|
When a death occurs, what should the family do?
In the event of a death, please call Bellingham Cremation at 360-734-1762.
What is cremation?
To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation isn't. Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.
What is involved in the cremation process?
Before cremation occurs, the attending physician or medical examiner must complete and sign the death certificate and all civil and medical authorities must issue all required permits. In addition, necessary authorizations to cremate must be obtained from the next of kin or authorizing person. The cremation then takes place and the cremated remains are placed in the designated container or urn selected for final disposition.
Is a casket needed for cremation?
No, a casket is not required for cremation. All that is usually required by most states is an alternative container constructed of wood or cardboard, which is cremated with the body.
Are special cremation containers and caskets available?
Bellingham Cremation offers a wide variety of caskets and alternative containers to meet each family's needs.
Is embalming required prior to cremation?
No. In Washington State the body must be embalmed or refrigerated within 24 hours of death.
Can the body be viewed without embalming?
Yes, immediate family members may briefly view the deceased prior to cremation within 24 hours of the death.
What is the significance of a memorial service?
A memorial service provides the opportunity for friends and families to celebrate the life that was lived and allow the healing process to begin. Today, many experts agree that those left behind benefit from a memorial service. A "closure" of sorts occurs to help survivors adjust to their loss and recognize that a death has occurred.
Are the services held before or after cremation?
Services are held at the discretion of the family. Many choose to have a memorial service with the body present, followed by cremation.
Is cremation accepted by all religions?
Today most religions allow cremation except for Orthodox Jewish, Islamic, Eastern Orthodox and a few Fundamentalist Christian faiths. The Catholic Church accepts cremation as long as it is not chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teachings. Check with religious leaders at your church for official teachings.
Where can the cremated remains be placed?
There are many options. Remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered at sea or a special place to the deceased. It is advisable to check local restrictions on scattering remains on property and obtain permission for private property.
Do people choose cremation only to save money?
While some people select cremation for economy, many choose this option for other reasons. The simplicity and dignity of cremation, environmental concerns, and the flexibility cremation affords in ceremony planning and final disposition all add to its increasing popularity.
How long does the actual cremation take?
It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from two to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F.
What happens after the cremation is complete?
All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items are "swept" into the back of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. Remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn, selected by the family.
Can two cremations be performed at once?
Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, most modern cremation chambers are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously.
What do the cremated remains look like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light gray in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to six pounds.
Are all the cremated remains returned?
With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.
Do I need an urn?
An urn is not required by law. However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or the remains are to be interred in a cemetery or kept at home. If an urn is not purchased through us, or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary container.
|
|
|
Cremation Questions
