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During cremation, a dead body is burned and vaporized at high temperatures, leaving only ashes. The ashes are specifically from the destruction of bone. Other tissues are vaporized.

The National Cremation follows strict internal procedures to ensure proper identification of the deceased throughout the cremation process. The National Cremation will not breach your trust. Identification of the deceased is first established at the place of death; an identification band is placed around the ankle. The ankle band includes several pieces of information including name, date of birth, date of death, and location, to prevent identification confusion. Before the deceased is removed from the place of death, the identification band is rechecked against any paperwork and identification tags.

At the crematory, an assigned stainless steel identification disc, linked to the record of the deceased, is placed with, and remains with, the body. Following cremation, the identification disc is placed in the urn with the cremated remains.

An urn is a vessel, or container, used to hold cremated remains. A wide variety of urns are available from a simple box to elaborately decorated containers of wood, metal, glass, or clay.

After cremation, the remains are placed inside a container. This is generally a plastic or cardboard box commonly referred to as a “temporary urn”. Depending on what you decide to do with the remains (scattering, burial, sharing among relatives, etc) you may wish to purchase a more permanent urn. But don’t be mislead by the terms – a cremation urn is any container into which you put the remains, so even the “temporary urn” can be the permanent urn if you so choose.

However, most people want to honor their loved one by getting an attractive urn. This can be anything from a simple wooden box, a stately marble urn, a ceramic vessel, or a custom-made container from just about any type of material you can imagine. There are biodegradable eco-friendly urns for scattering or burial, fabric covered urns which will pass through TSA security screenings for air travel, and urns with photos engraved on the front. Some of the most popular urns feature stunning woodcut art scenes carefully inlaid into a walnut, oak, or maple wood box. Once you’ve decided on where or how you want to permanently store the remains you can choose the urn which works best for you.

Yes, all states allow scattering of ashes. Some states require permits, particularly in state and national parks. Ashes may be scattered at sea three miles or more from land. Reporting and conditions may apply. Scattering on private property is prohibited without the permission of the property owner.

Most states require the body to be cremated in an approved container. This can vary from a sturdy cardboard container to a full wooden casket. Each funeral home will have their own options based on state law. Usually the basic container is included in the price, but not always. You can often choose to purchase a wooden casket, rent a wood casket which holds the container, or simply use the basic cardboard container.

According to TSA, they understand how painful losing a loved one is and they treat crematory remains with respect. Some airlines do not allow cremated remains in checked bags, so please check with your airline to learn more about possible restrictions. To facilitate screening, TSA suggests that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material, such as wood or plastic. If the container is made of a material that generates an opaque image, TSA officers will not be able to clearly determine what is inside the container and the container will not be allowed. Out of respect for the deceased, TSA officers will not open a container, even if requested by the passenger.

Remains are generally returned to you within 12 to 24 hours after the completion of the cremation process, but this can vary depending on the local arrangement. Also, funeral homes can generally hold the remains a few additional days if you are waiting for an urn you ordered online or are having made for you. This will be an important factor in planning a burial, scattering, or other memorial activity involving family members and friends. And at the very least, in lieu of other plans it is helpful to know when you will receive the remains so that you can arrange to pick them up.