Cremation Specialists of Florida

Cremation is the process of using very high heat for final disposition of a deceased body. The body is placed in a chamber that heats up to around 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit (over 800 degrees Celsius). During the process, the body converts into smoke, cremated remains and steam. After removal, cremated remains are gathered, metallic remnants are collected with a magnet, and large bone fragments are pulverized into fine powder before being placed into a temporary urn.

A single cremation typically takes between two-and-a-half to three hours. This includes the time to get the chamber up to temperature and bring it back down to temperature so the cremation chamber can be opened at the end of the process.

No, you cannot cremate more than one body at the same time. Not only is this practice illegal, at Cremation Specialists, this is considered unethical to ensure you receive the cremated remains, and only the cremation remains, of your loved one.

Yes, however no objects can be placed in the cremation chamber that contain large metallic items, rubber items or glass items. Rubber is prohibited because it is harmful and potentially toxic. Glass is prohibited because it interferes with the collection of cremated remains. It is best to check with the location regarding what is and is not allowed.

Your loved one is covered in a gown made from natural, non-toxic fibers. At very high temperatures, this gown disintegrates completely.

Metallic objects (except pacemakers) do not need to be removed prior to cremation. These include artificial hips, knees, ankle or elbow screws, metal fillings, crowns or dentures, etc. After cremation, both visual inspection and a strong magnet are used to collect any metallic items so they can be separated from the rest of the cremated remains. Any reclaimed metallic objects are properly recycled.

The pacemaker must be removed prior to cremation. When exposed to very high heat, certain parts of the pacemaker could explode and damage the cremation chamber and injure personnel.

The most common thing is to place them in an urn. A small portion can also be separated and placed in a small keepsake urn, or placed in pendant jewelry that can be worn around the neck. Cremated remains can also be converted into diamonds.

Some wish to scatter remains. It is important to check your state and local regulations as there are "do's and don'ts" regarding the scattering of cremated remains that vary from state to state. There are regulations regarding scattering in public parks, from airplanes, in waterways, etc. Also check if your religion has any views on this topic, as the Catholic church discourages the scattering of remains.

Laws vary from state to state. It is important to work with an established, experienced and professional crematory because they will know and work within the proper state guidelines. Some states mandate that you cannot cremate a body within 48 hours of death.

Cremation Specialists uses a digital identification system. Every decedent receives an identification bracelet that stays with them through the entire cremation process. This ID bracelet has an identification number so the deceased can be tracked through the entire procedure to ensure the correct remains are returned.

For caskets, it comes down to dignity—some families feel it preserves a part of the deceased person's dignity to be covered, like clothing. For those opting for no casket, main reasons include wanting only the cremated remains of their loved one with no other physical elements mixed in, or an environmental concern about cremating excess materials that will be released into the atmosphere.