Cremation Services in Rhode Island - Answers to FAQs about the Process
When faced with the death of a loved one, grief can often get in the way of choosing between traditional burial and Rhode Island cremation services. Burial is what many people know and understand while cremation is somewhat of a hazy entity. Did you realize that approximately 40 percent of the nation is choosing cremation for their deceased loved one? Not only is it an economical choice but it is also widely accepted with many religious. Cremation services in Rhode Island and elsewhere presents an eco-friendly choice and is quite respectful and dignified as well.
Defining the Process
Cremation involves incinerating a deceased body at high temperatures, typically from 1,600 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, until it is reduced to ash. Rhode Island cremation services typically take two to three hours for the average adult. Cremated remains weigh anywhere from three to seven pounds and have a light whitish-gray appearance with the consistency of abrasive sand.
What Happens after Cremation?
Once cremation is completed, the remains are swept into a cooling pan and then inspected for metal fragments from clothing, dental work and even medical implants like hip joints. Any large bone fragments remaining from cremation services in Rhode Island are crushed using a machine to resemble the other remains. Afterward, the cremated remains are placed either in a temporary container from the crematorium or a decorative urn chosen by the designated person in charge of the deceased.
Are Those Remains Really My Deceased Loved One?
With Rhode Island cremation services, next of kin are often concerned about whether or not they are really receiving the ashes of their deceased loved one. Rest assured that there are stringent policies and procedures in place regarding processing the deceased. By state law, proper paperwork must be completed including a death certificate, a certificate of authorization for cremation and a permit issued by the local medical examiner's office. When a body is accepted by a crematory before cremation services in Rhode Island commence, the paperwork is examined and the body properly identified and then tagged with identification. This identification tag follows the deceased throughout the entire process.
Two cremations cannot be performed simultaneously so there is no chance of a mix-up. Besides, the cremation chambers only have room for one body at a time. All cremated remains except for the tiniest of particles are returned to next of kin after Rhode Island cremation services. However, it is virtually impossible to remove every speck of remains.
What about Embalming and Caskets? Are They Necessary?
The good news is that embalming is not a necessity for cremation services in Rhode Island, nor is a casket for that matter. The state rules that cremation cannot take place within the first 24 hours after death. Of course, given that bureaucracy takes some time, it would be virtually impossible to receive a permit for cremation that fast. However, if the deceased cannot be cremated within the first 48 hours, refrigeration or embalming of the body is required. In fact, for some funeral homes in Rhode Island, cremation services do require embalming if public viewing will be held. This is not due to a public health issue but rather a cosmetic one.
You can avoid embalming all together as long as refrigeration is available. In addition, with direct cremation (no public viewing), embalming is definitely not needed. A casket is another item that is not necessary with cremation services in Rhode Island. According to state laws, only a leak-proof, combustible container is required to hold your deceased loved one. However, if you do decide to have a public viewing, a casket can be rented with a removable liner for appearances sake.
Is an Urn a Necessity?
For Rhode Island cremation services, an urn is not required by law. However, many families of deceased loved ones do purchase one to house the cremated remains. This is an option if a memorial service is planned for a later time. Also, with an urn, it can either be kept and displayed in a home or stored within a columbarium or even a special niche within a vault or church. An urn can also be interred in a cemetery plot too.
If you plan to scatter your loved one's cremated remains, there are no definitive state laws governing it. Choosing this option, an urn would not be required. The crematory will place your loved one's ashes in a temporary container as a default if an urn is not purchased. This makes it easier for scattering the remains after cremation services in Rhode Island.
Other Items of Note
If your deceased loved one was listed as an organ donor, Rhode Island cremation services can still be performed. However, a hospital along with the deceased's physician will determine if the organs are viable for donation. Then, harvesting of any viable organs are completed before the body is released for cremation.
With a death that occurs outside of the state, cremation services in Rhode Island can still be performed. The next of kin or an authorized agent for the deceased must arrange for transport. Keep in mind that with transportation, especially a long distance drive or flying, embalming may be required.
Dealing with the death of a loved one can be stressful and it can be hard to plan a funeral when you are grieving. Work with a funeral specialist as they can help you navigate through all the bureaucracy and paperwork required when planning Rhode Island cremation services.
I found Heritage Cremation when I was calling funeral homes in the area to make cremation arrangements for my brother. The cremation cost was a big concern for me and compared to the other funeral homes I found Heritage Cremations had the best price and the most compassionate staff. I was a bit worried because the cremation services price at Heritage Cremation was so much less than the other cremation services I was quoted, but I have to say the cremation service was beautiful. Visitors actually complimented me on the cremation service, and the kindness of the staff at Heritage Cremation. 
