What happens during the cremation process?

The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1850 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately, 2 1/2 - 3 hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. The residue which is left is bone fragments, known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and are placed in an urn or temporary container. The entire process takes approximately 3-5 hours. Throughout the cremation process, a carefully controlled identification system ensures correct identification of the body and the cremated remains.

Do all funeral homes and cemeteries have a crematory?

No - actually only a small percentage of cremation service providers have their own cremation units.  We are the only provider in the Greater Hazleton Area to provide this service.

What is the difference between on-site and off-site cremation?

Our funeral home is the only funeral home in the Greater Hazleton area to provide on-site cremation.  Our retort is located within our Drums facility.  For the families that entrust us with the care of their loved one, we can assure them, that their loved one never leaves our care.  All of the other providers in our area, use an off-site third party vendor to provide the cremation, meaning they must transport the body to an off-site location, leave the body there while the cremation takes place, and return later to pick up the cremated remains.

Why should on-site cremation be important to us?

When advising consumers, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) recommends that the first question you ask of your cremation provider is: Do you perform your own cremations?  This is a very important question because it is impossible for those providers that utilize an outside vendor to have control over all phases of the cremation process, as stated earlier for some or all of the time between the removal of the deceased from the place of death, until the return of the cremated remains to the family members, the deceased is under the supervision of an unlicensed third party.  This can and has led to some serious and unthinkable tragedies in recent history.  In February of 2002, in Noble Georgia, more than 300 human bodies were discovered on the property of Tri-State Crematory, a third party off-site cremation provider.  This off-site provider was receiving bodies from local funeral homes and instead of performing the cremation, bodies were disposed of and urns were returned with a substance that resembled cremated remains.  More than 100 of the bodies discovered could not be identified.  In 2005 Bayview Crematory, a third party off-site cremation provider in Seabrook, New Hampshire, was shut down by state officials after many problems were found, including: unidentified bodies, unidentified urns with cremated remains in inside, and records that indicated more cremations were done than their time and equipment would allow.  Again many funeral homes in the Seabrook area had used this off-site crematory to provide their cremation services. We provide only on-site cremation, we can assure you that these terrible tragedies can never happen to your family because your loved one never leaves our care.

How do I choose a cremation provider?

CANA the recognized leader in consumer information about cremation in our country offers some guidelines for choosing a cremation provider.  These guidelines include:  Make sure you select a reputable firm. What do you know about them?  Ask your friends what they know about them.  cremation?  Does the crematory facility allow witnessing by family members?

Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?

No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.

Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I chose cremation?

It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or a cemetery chapel.

Can we have the service before or after the cremation?

It's completely a matter of family preference. Many times when a family is split regarding the decision to cremate, a compromise may be achieved by having a traditional service first - to be followed by cremation.

How much does cremation cost?

Cremation services, just like traditional funerals can vary greatly in costs depending on many choices you make.  A frank discussion with your funeral director can further answer this question, once a few decisions are made.  All cremation services are completed in our Drums facility by one of our licensed funeral directors.  This is distinctly different from the way in which other area providers operate.  Our charge includes:  removal of remains from place of death, shelter of remains, necessary services of licensed staff for arrangements, obtaining and filing of death certificate and required authorizations, and supervision of complete cremation process occurring in our Drums location, as well as return of ashes to the family.  (Pennsylvania Rules and Regulations numbers 13.201 6(I) requires that any human remains held 24 hours beyond death shall be embalmed or sealed in a container that will not allow fumes or odors to escape or kept under refrigeration.  If this does not conflict with a religious belief or medical examination.)  While other providers may advertise lower prices, be wary.  They often add additional charges for face-to-face arrangements or receipt of the cremated remains in a timely fashion.  And all use third-party contractors to complete the cremation process.  We are confident that if you check the competition, that this price is both fair and comparable for the value received..

How much does an urn cost?

We have a large selection of urns starting at $18.00.  We also carry an extensive line of cremation jewelry.

What is the cost difference between cremation and burial?

This is a question that we are asked often, however to properly answer the question, we must know what type of cremation you are requesting.  Cremation is just another form of final disposition of the body, and can be accompanied by as much or as little service as the family desires, much the same way a person can be buried with a complete funeral or just taken to the cemetery.  When you compare like services the such as a viewing and funeral service prior to cremation with a viewing and funeral service prior to burial, the cost difference is a few hundred dollars.  This difference lies in the fact that for cremation you will incur the cremation cost and the cost of an urn, whereas with burial you will incur the cost of the outer burial container, grave space cost, and grave excavation.

Are cremations done individually?

Yes. Laws require that only one casket or container is cremated at a time.

Is the body exposed to an open flame during the cremation process?

Yes, the body is exposed to direct heat and flame. Cremation is performed by placing the deceased in a casket or other container and then placing the casket or container into a cremation chamber or retort, where they are subjected to intense heat and flame.

When after death can a cremation take place?

Because cremation is an irreversible process and because the process itself will eliminate any ability to determine exact cause of death, Pennsylvania law requires that each cremation be authorized by the coroner or medical examiner of the county in which the death occurs, and that 24 hours passes from the time of death until cremation occurs.

Is any other preparation required prior to cremation?

It is essential that pacemakers and other medical devices be removed prior to cremation. They may explode when subjected to high temperature, which can be hazardous to crematorium staff and equipment. In addition, any special mementos, such as jewelry, will be destroyed during the cremation process. Anything you wish to keep should be removed by the funeral director before the casket or container is placed into the retort.

Is it true that the bones are crushed after cremation? I've heard you don't get ashes back -- what do you get?

A complete cremation is a two-step process. Firstly, the actual exposure of the deceased to several hours of intense heat and flame; after which the remains are mostly bone fragments, then the entire remaining ash and fragment volume is gathered and run through a processor, creating a uniform powder-like texture.

Why is refrigeration of the remains necessary?

Due to the irreversible nature of cremation, Pennsylvania and most other states require a waiting period before the actual process may begin. Refrigeration is the only alternative available, other than embalming, that will retard tissue decomposition. Refrigeration is a necessity that protects family and friends, the crematory operator and the general public from potential health hazards.

Is embalming necessary for cremation?

No. It is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body with an open casket, or to enhance the deceased's appearance for a private family viewing; if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.

Is a casket required?

No. For sanitary reasons, ease of placement and dignity, many cremations require that the deceased be cremated in a combustible, rigid container. This does not need to be a casket as such. What is required is a rigid, container made of wood or other combustible material to allow for the dignified handling of human remains. The type of casket or container selected is really a personal decision, Caskets and containers are available in a wide variety of materials ranging from simple cardboard containers to beautifully handcrafted oak, maple or cherry caskets.

Are there special cremation caskets?

Yes, cremation caskets are constructed with minimal metal components.  There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard container to a hardwood casket.

Can a casket be rented instead of purchased when choosing cremation?

Yes, we offer a hardwood ceremonial casket for viewing or funeral services prior to cremation. The ceremonial (or rental) casket is specifically designed to provide a very aesthetically pleasing, affordable and environmentally prudent alternative to purchasing a casket for a cremation service.

Can I bring my own urn?

Yes — although it would be advisable that you discuss this situation with your cremation provider prior to the cremation. The size of your urn will be of great importance if you plan to have your loved one's entire cremated body included in this container.

Can I watch the cremation?

Arrangements can usually be made for relatives or representatives of the deceased to witness the cremation.

What can be done with the cremated remains?

With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremated remains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place.) Cremation is just one step in the commemorative process-- the preparation of the human remains for memorialization. Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The limit is set only by your imagination.

Can I scatter the remains on private property?

Yes, with permission of the owner.

What is memorialization for a cremation?

You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose a bronze memorial or granite monument. Also available at many cemeteries are cremation niches in columbariums. They offer a mausoleum setting with above ground placement of remains. Some cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum or chapel, sometimes free-standing, either indoor or outdoor, is constructed of numerous small compartments (niches) designed to hold urns containing cremated remains.

If I'm going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be placed in a columbarium, or interred or scattered at the cemetery? Why shouldn't I just have them scattered in the sea or in some other place of my choosing?

As long as it is permitted by local regulations, your cremated remains can be scattered in a place that is meaningful to you. This can, however, present difficulties for your survivors. Some people may find it hard to simply pour the mortal remains of a loved one out onto the ground or into the sea. If you wish to be scattered somewhere, it is therefore important to discuss your wishes ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the scattering. Another difficulty with scattering can occur when the remains are disposed of in an anonymous, unmarked or public place. Access to the area may be restricted for some reason in the future, undeveloped land may be developed, or any of a host of other conditions may arise that could make it difficult for your survivors to visit the site to remember you. Even if your cremated remains are scattered in your backyard, what happens if your survivors relocate sometime in the future? Once scattered, cremated remains cannot easily be collected back up. Having your remains placed, interred or scattered on a cemetery's grounds ensures that future generations will have a place to go to remember. If remains are scattered somewhere outside the cemetery, many cemeteries will allow you to place a memorial of some type on the cemetery grounds, so survivors have a place to visit that will always be maintained and preserved.

Why is having a place to visit so important?

Because it provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased. To remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs. Throughout human history, memorialization of the dead has been a key component of almost every culture. The Washington Monument, Tomb of the Unknowns and Vietnam "Wall" in Washington, D.C are examples of memorialization which demonstrate that, throughout our history, we have always honored our dead. Psychologists say that remembrance practices, from the funeral or memorial service to permanent memorialization, serve an important emotional function for survivors by helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin. Providing a permanent resting place for the deceased is a dignified treatment for a loved one's mortal remains, which fulfills the natural human desire for memorialization.

If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?

Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremated remains buried on top of your casketed spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.

Can I take the cremated remains home?

Yes. The remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select an urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. Urns are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

Do all religions permit cremation?

Some religions prefer cremation; some do not recommend the practice; most permit you to choose. 

What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

A funeral always involves the presence and final disposition of a dead human body as part of the practical and ceremonial obligation. A memorial service is any service that commemorates a death but does not involve the presence or disposition of the dead.