American Cremation Services

What is Cremation and How Does it Work?

Cremation is a funeral practice that involves the burning of a deceased person's body at high temperatures, typically between 1400°F to 1800°F, to reduce it to its basic elements. The resulting ashes, also known as cremated remains, can then be buried, scattered, or kept in an urn.

The cremation process typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the body and the type of cremation chamber used. The process involves several steps, including:

• Preparation of the body, which includes removing any medical devices and personal belongings.
• Placement of the body in a cremation chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures.
• Reduction of the body to its basic elements, including bone fragments and ashes.
• Cooling and processing of the remains, which involves grinding the bone fragments into a fine powder.

The final step is to return the cremated remains to the family, who can then choose to bury, scatter, or keep them in an urn.

The Benefits of Cremation

Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many families, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of cremation:

• Environmental benefits: Cremation is a more eco-friendly option than traditional burial, as it doesn't require the use of land, embalming fluids, or caskets.
• Cost-effective: Cremation is generally less expensive than traditional burial, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the type of service and urn chosen.
• Flexibility: Cremation provides families with more flexibility in terms of memorialization options, as they can choose to hold a memorial service, scatter the ashes, or keep them in an urn.
• Simplified logistics: Cremation eliminates the need for a cemetery plot, grave marker, and other burial-related expenses.

Ultimately, the benefits of cremation make it a popular choice for many families who are looking for a more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and flexible way to say goodbye to their loved ones.

Types of Cremation Services

At American Cremation Services, we offer a range of cremation services to meet the unique needs of each family. Here are some of the types of cremation services we offer:

• Direct Cremation: This is the most basic type of cremation service, which involves the cremation of the body without a funeral service or viewing.
• Cremation with Memorial Service: This type of service involves a memorial service, where the family and friends gather to celebrate the life of the deceased, followed by the cremation of the body.
• Traditional Funeral Service with Cremation: This type of service involves a traditional funeral service, complete with a viewing and eulogy, followed by the cremation of the body.
• This is an eco-friendly cremation option that uses a biodegradable casket and avoids the use of embalming fluids.

We understand that every family is unique, and we're committed to providing a personalized cremation service that meets your needs and budget.

Cremation Urns and Memorialization Options

After the cremation process, the cremated remains are returned to the family in an urn. At American Cremation Services, we offer a range of cremation urns and memorialization options to help families honor their loved ones:

• Urn Selection: We offer a wide range of urns, including traditional, biodegradable, and keepsake urns.
• Burial Options: Families can choose to bury the urn in a cemetery, mausoleum, or on private property.
• Scattering Options: We offer scattering services in a variety of locations, including oceans, mountains, and parks.
• Memorialization Options: Families can choose to create a memorial, such as a headstone, plaque, or tree, to honor their loved one.

We're committed to helping families find a meaningful way to honor their loved ones, and we're happy to provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about cremation and our services:

1. What happens to the body during cremation?

The body is placed in a cremation chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures, reducing it to its basic elements.

2. Can I still have a funeral service if I choose cremation?

Yes, you can still have a funeral service, memorial service, or celebration of life, even if you choose cremation.

3. How do I know that I'm getting the right ashes back?

We use a unique identification system to ensure that the ashes returned to you are those of your loved one.

4. Can I scatter the ashes in a special location?

Yes, we offer scattering services in a variety of locations, including oceans, mountains, and parks.

5. How long does the cremation process take?

The cremation process typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the body and the type of cremation chamber used.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

At American Cremation Services, we're committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate the cremation process. Here are some next steps you can take:

• Contact Us: Reach out to us to learn more about our cremation services and to schedule a consultation.
• Plan Ahead: Consider pre-planning your cremation service to ensure that your wishes are respected and to alleviate the burden on your loved ones.
• Seek Support: Reach out to a grief counselor or support group to help you cope with your loss.

We're here to support you every step of the way, and we're committed to providing you with a personalized and meaningful cremation service.