Cremation: Frequently Asked Questions

CREMATION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is Cremation?

Cremation is defined as a method of disposition that serves as an alternative to traditional burial or entombment in a casket.  The loved one is placed in a casket or other state-mandated container – often referred to as an alternative container – and is placed in the cremation chamber, where temperatures reach up to 1800 degrees. The remains are reduced to basic chemical compounds, ashes and mineral fragments.  This part of the process takes approximately 2 – 3 hours.  Following cremation, the cremated remains are then removed from the cremation chamber, cleared of all metal components, and processed into a fine particulate that resembles ash to ensure that no identifiable remains are present.  This fine particulate is referred to as “cremated remains.”

2. What is “Direct Cremation”?

Often the most affordable option, direct cremation involves cremation with no embalming, viewing or visitation.  Families still have the opportunity to hold a memorial service at a later time.

3. How do I know that I am receiving my loved one’s ashes?

State and federal regulations require a strict labelling system for identification throughout the cremation process.  From the time a loved one enters our care, they are assigned a number that is engraved on a corresponding metal disk which follows the loved one throughout the entire cremation process.  Each loved one is cremated individually, and our staff upholds the highest standards to ensure that families can rest easy in the knowledge that they have entrusted their loved one to The Beachwood Society.

4. What is the purpose of an urn and why do I need one?

An urn is a vessel used to store cremated remains.  While we provide a temporary (cardboard) urn that is suitable for immediate storage, it is recommended that the family select a permanent urn for long-term storage, burial, shipping, or scattering.  The Beachwood Society offers a wide range of urns.

5. Where is my loved one?  Where does the cremation take place?

Your loved one stays in a secure, climate-controlled environment on the crematory premises until cremation approval is received. We own and operate our own crematory, ensuring that your loved one never leaves our care.

6. How long does it take to receive my loved one’s ashes and death certificates?

In Florida, there is a mandatory waiting period of 48 hours after a person’s death before cremation can take place.  During that time, we are collecting information and authorizations from the family, obtaining physician signatures, and securing cremation approval from the Medical Examiner.  This process takes approximately five to seven business days, sometimes less.  Barring any unforeseen events, your loved one’s ashes and death certificates should be ready in that timeframe.

7. Why does the Medical Examiner get involved if my loved one died of natural causes?

Cremation is irreversible, and as such, many states require the approval of the local coroner or Medical Examiner before cremation can take place.  In most instances, this does not mean that the loved one has to be taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office; the office must simply review medical records to ensure no questionable events have taken place in order to issue cremation approval.

8. Are there laws about scattering ashes at sea?

Yes, there are laws concerning how to scatter ashes at sea, as well as some common-sense considerations.  Scattering ashes in the ocean must be performed at least three nautical miles from shore.  The EPA also requires notification of the scatter withing 30 days of the occurrence.  Notification can be done by simply filling out a form on the EPA website:  https://burialatsea.epa.gov/Form Cremated remains can be scattered by themselves, or inside a container that is free of plastics and will dissolve quickly in a marine environment.  Decomposable flowers and wreaths are also permitted.

It is best to scatter at sea on a calm day to prevent ashes from blowing into populated areas.  You may use your own vessel, or secure the services of a charter company.  Almost every port in Florida has a charter company that offers memorial scatterings.  Ask your cremation provider if they recommend any local charters.

9. Can I scatter my pet’s ashes at sea?

No.  At this time, non-human ashes are not permitted to be scattered at sea.

10. Does scattering at sea require a permit or fee?

No.  The EPA, however, does require notification of the scatter within 30 days of the event.  You can fill out the notification form by going to the EPA website: https://burialatsea.epa.gov/Form

11. Can military honors be rendered during an at-sea scatter?

Usually, yes.  Please check with the charter company that you select and the appropriate military branch about scheduling military honors aboard a sea vessel.

12. Can I personalize my loved one’s cremation plans, even if I don’t decide to have a service?

Absolutely.  In fact, we encourage it.  There are so many ways to personalize a person’s cremation.  Keepsake items such as cremation jewelry, fingerprint captures, ashes made into glass art, and custom urns are just a few of the ways to commemorate a life well-lived. Your cremation provider will help you find the best options for you and your family.

13. Can ashes be divided among family members and/or friends?

While some religions and cemeteries (like Arlington National Cemetery) require that families keep all of the cremated remains intact for inurnment, ultimately it is the family’s decision whether or not they would like to split the ashes among several parties. With The Beachwood Society, you can be assured that your loved one’s ashes will be handled to your exact specifications, provided your requests are legal and possible.

14. What happens to knee replacements and other implanted devices?

Pacemakers and defibrillators are removed prior to the cremation process, as they present a hazard to both the crematory and the staff.  Metal and other foreign objects are separated from the ashes following the cremation process and are medically recycled according to local, state, and federal laws.

15. Can I see my loved one prior to cremation?

In most instances, yes.  For a minimum fee, you and several others can have some private time with your loved one in a calm atmosphere.  Unless required, your loved one will not be embalmed.  Typically, your loved one will be placed in the alternative container, draped with clean linens, and their features set to a peaceful expression.  However, each loved one is different and, depending on the circumstances of their death, embalming and/or reconstruction may be required to ensure that they can be viewed.  Ask your cremation provider about the specifics related to your loved one.

16. Can I travel with my loved one’s ashes?

Yes.  Domestically, all you need is the ashes, a copy of the death certificate, and the cremation certificate, all of which are supplied by your cremation provider.  TSA recommends that travelers carry these items in their carry-on baggage, rather than their checked baggage to ensure that the package is not disturbed.  Internationally, there may be additional paperwork and approvals needed to travel with ashes.  The Beachwood Society is well-versed as to the requirements for many countries.  Additional fees will apply for translations, apostilles, and other necessary documents.

17. Can ashes be shipped?

Yes.  The United States Postal Service is the only entity that can be used for shipment of ashes domestically.  For an additional fee, we will package the urn carefully, assign a tracking number, and require a signature upon delivery.  International shipping will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

18. How should I explain cremation to a child?

Honesty is always the best course.  With very young children, every effort should be made to avoid alarming the child.  Choosing your words is very important. Many parents and caregivers find some form of the following explanation helpful when answering the questions posed by young children:

“Grandma wanted to be cremated when she died. That means that instead of going into the ground in a casket, she will be put in a warm room and turned into soft ashes.  After that, her ashes will be placed in a container that is called an urn that we can keep or put in a special place.  The process is quiet and peaceful.  It doesn’t hurt or scare Grandma because her spirit isn’t with her body anymore.  Do you have any questions you would like to ask me about that?”

Older children will understand the concept better and probably want more detail.  Even here, choosing your words is important.  Validate your child’s curiosity and recognize that this is an opportunity to share thoughts about life, death and cremation.

19. Can a family witness the cremation?

In most instances, yes.  In fact, witnessing cremation is part of many religious customs.  Our state-of-the-art cremation facility allows families to be present when their loved one is placed in the cremation chamber. For a nominal fee, a few people may be present at the beginning of this important rite.  Witnessing the entire cremation, however, is not permitted.

20. What do families do with the ashes of their loved one?

Unlike traditional burial, cremation offers the flexibility of several methods of disposition.  Families can keep their loved one’s ashes in a special place at home.  Many families choose ground burial or inurnment in a columbarium.  Scattering ashes is also very common.  Your cremation provider will go over all of your options and help you decide what is best for your family.