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August 28th, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, Direct Cremation, NEWS, Pre Planning Cremation, services, Veteran's Services
How can vets benefit from pre-planning cremation services?
If you are a veteran or a family member seeking affordable cremation services in Florida, understanding the financial benefits of pre-planning can provide you with peace of mind during a challenging time.
Taking proactive steps and considering pre-planning can help you secure fixed costs, avoid emotional overspending, and maximize the benefits available to veterans. Explore the financial advantages of pre-planning cremation services, empowering you to make informed decisions and ensure a dignified farewell for your loved ones.
The passing of a loved one is a deeply emotional event that brings immense grief and sadness. During this difficult period, making important decisions regarding funeral arrangements can be overwhelming.
By pre-planning, you can alleviate much of the financial stress and ensure that the wishes of the departed are honored respectfully. Here are some compelling financial benefits of pre-planning, especially forveterans seeking affordable options in Florida.
Secure Fixed Costs
One of the primary financial advantages of pre-planning cremation services is the ability to lock in a fixed cost for the chosen services. Funeral expenses can vary significantly over time due to inflation and changing market conditions.
By pre-arranging your cremation, you shield yourself and your family from potential price increases, ensuring that you pay the current rate for the services you select. This financial predictability is particularly important when seeking affordable cremation options, as it helps you plan your budget effectively without worrying about unexpected cost escalations.
Pre-planning allows you to research different cremation service providers and compare their prices. You can make informed choices, selecting services that align with your budget and preferences. Once you have settled on the services you want, the provider will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown. This means that, regardless of any price fluctuations in the future, you and your family will not be caught off guard by unexpected expenses.
Relieve the Financial Burden on Your Family
The passing of a loved one can be emotionally and financially challenging for families. By making arrangements in advance, you relieve the responsibility from your family’s shoulders, allowing them to focus on grieving and celebrating the life of their loved one without the added stress of managing expenses. Knowing that everything has been prearranged provides peace of mind and allows your family to navigate the process more smoothly.
During moments of grief, families are often confronted with a myriad of decisions, which can lead to emotional overspending. By pre-planning cremation services, you provide your family with clear instructions on your final wishes, sparing them from making difficult decisions in a time of distress. This thoughtful preparation allows your loved ones to focus on healing and remembering rather than worrying about financial strain.
Pre-planning services offer significant financial benefitsfor veterans and their families in need of affordable options in Florida. By securing fixed costs and relieving the financial burden on your family, you create a meaningful and dignified farewell.
Taking the proactive step of pre-planning not only ensures financial predictability but also provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your final wishes will be respected. As you consider the financial advantages of pre-planning cremation services, you empower yourself and your family to navigate this difficult period with greater ease and focus on cherishing the memories of your loved ones.
Pre-planning cremation services gives you the opportunity to take control of your end-of-life arrangements. It enables you to make thoughtful decisions, research available options, and select services that align with your budget and preferences. By proactively addressing these matters, you relieve your family of the financial burden and emotional strain.
Save Money by Pre-Planning with Florida Family Cremations
Pre-planning cremation services for veterans is a vital step in honoring their service and providing comfort to their families during times of loss.
Through pre-arrangement, veterans can take advantage of available resources and communicate openly with loved ones, creating a heartfelt farewell that reflects their individuality and dedication. With affordable options and a focus on supporting veterans and their families, Florida Family Cremations stands ready to assist those seeking a respectful and dignified tribute to our nation’s heroes.
Call us today for a free consultation.
August 17th, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, Direct Cremation, NEWS, Pre Planning Cremation, services, Veteran's Services
Honoring Heroes: The Significance of Cremation Services for Veterans
Cremation services for veterans hold immense significance in honoring the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country. Beyond paying tribute to their sacrifices, these services provide a dignified and respectful way to bid farewell to those who dedicated their lives to protecting our nation’s freedom.
For families in need of affordable cremation services, pre-planning these arrangements can be a wise decision that brings peace of mind during difficult times.
In times of grief and loss, having a clear plan in place can provide immense comfort to the family left behind. Pre-planning cremation services for veterans grants the gift of peace of mind, knowing that everything is taken care of according to the veteran’s wishes. This thoughtful act of preparation can help families focus on healing and come together to celebrate the life and legacy of their loved one rather than being overwhelmed by decision-making in the midst of grief.
The Benefits of Pre-Planning Cremation Services for Veterans
Cremation services for veterans offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our nation’s values and freedoms. By pre-planning these services, veterans can ensure that their wishes are known and respected, sparing their families from making challenging decisions during an emotionally trying period.
Moreover, pre-planning allows for greater control over the financial aspect of the arrangements, making it an appealing option for families seeking affordable cremation services in Florida.
One of the primary benefits of pre-planning cremation services for veterans is the ability to choose a specific location or memorial site. For some veterans, being laid to rest in a national cemetery holds deep meaning, as it symbolizes their connection to the nation they served.
By making these decisions ahead of time, veterans can secure their spot on these hallowed grounds, knowing that their final resting place will reflect their commitment to duty and country.
Other Benefits of Pre-Planning Cremation Services
Pre-planning cremation services also offers an opportunity to communicate and share important details with loved ones. Veterans can express their desires for the ceremony, whether they prefer a solemn and private event or a larger gathering to commemorate their lives. This open communication helps avoid misunderstandings or conflicts among family members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the veteran’s final wishes.
Moreover, pre-planning allows veterans to explore various options and find the most affordable cremation services that suit their budget. By researching different providers and packages, veterans can make informed choices, potentially saving money and ensuring that their families are not burdened by excessive costs.
As we consider the importance of pre-planning, it is essential to acknowledge the unique circumstances and needs that arise in times of loss. Grief can be overwhelming, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one who served in the military can be profound. Pre-planning offers veterans an opportunity to provide comfort to their families, knowing that their wishes are respected and their legacies are celebrated in a way that aligns with their values.
Furthermore, pre-planning provides an opportunity for veterans to share their life stories and personal histories. They can leave behind a legacy, sharing their experiences, values, and wisdom with future generations. This act of passing down knowledge can foster a stronger sense of connection and understanding among family members and friends, reinforcing the significance of their service and the sacrifices made for their country.
Another crucial aspect of pre-planning cremation services for veterans is the flexibility it provides in personalizing the memorial process. Veterans can outline their preferences for the ceremony, such as including military honors, playing specific songs, or involving fellow veterans in the proceedings. This personalization allows for a more meaningful and heartfelt farewell that truly reflects the individual’s life and service.
How to Keep Cremation Services for Veterans Affordable
In addition to the practical and emotional benefits, pre-planning also allows individuals to take advantage of available resources and benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairsoffers various benefits to honorably discharged veterans. By pre-arranging their cremation services, veterans can ensure that they meet all the necessary requirements to access these benefits, easing the financial burden on their families.
Moreover, pre-planning cremation services for veterans allows individuals to review their estate plans and ensure that all legal documents, including wills and healthcare directives, are up-to-date. This comprehensive approach to end-of-life preparations provides an added layer of security and peace of mind for both the veteran and their loved ones, assuring that their affairs will be handled with care and according to their wishes.
Pre-planning is a thoughtful and proactive step that carries numerous advantages. From securing a meaningful memorial site and exploring affordable options to easing the financial burden on families and facilitating open communication, pre-planning empowers veterans to leave a lasting legacy while honoring their service to the nation.
This process provides reassurance during times of grief and ensures that the wishes of veterans are respected and fulfilled. By taking the time to pre-plan their cremation services, veterans can make a profound impact on their families and create a meaningful, heartfelt farewell that truly commemorates their life and service.
If you or a veteran you know is looking for affordable cremation services or pre-planning, contact Florida Family Cremations today. Veterans all over Florida rely on our services and trust us for our respect, care, and affordable services.
June 20th, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, Direct Cremation, NEWS, Pre Planning Cremation, services, Urns, Veteran's Services
5 Things You Should Know About Cremation Jewelry Rings
It’s hard to accept that a loved one has passed. The feelings of missing the deceased can linger for many years after they’re gone. One coping strategy after losing a close person is to talk about them and have something to memorialize them. Instead of keeping the ash in an urn, some families choose cremation jewelry rings to remember their loved ones.
Cremation jewelry rings allow you to carry your loved one’s cremated remains wherever you go. Their compact size makes them convenient for people who prefer to keep things simple. If you want to engrave your loved one’s cremated remainson jewelry, you may have some questions.
For instance, what does the process involve, and which jewelry options are available? We’ll consider five things you need to know about cremation jewelry rings:
1. Not All Cremation Jewelry Contain Ashes
While most cremation jewelry’ holds small amounts of ashes, others don’t. Since the objective is to keep your deceased loved one close, you can use anything that reminds you of them. Besides ashes, you can use their hair, dried flowers from their funeral or memorial service, or a small piece of cloth belonging to them.
Alternatively, you can have their fingerprint etched in the cremation ring. The point is to use something belonging to them or what they treasure most. These items will achieve the same purpose of keeping your loved one’s memories alive.
2. Cremation Jewelry Can Be Made From All Sorts of Materials
Cremation jewelry can be made from different materials, such as wood, glass, and metal. Each material involves a different process, and the process can determine the cost of the jewelry. Wood and glass jewelry may be cheaper. But you can also choose sterling silver or gold cremation rings, depending on your budget.
Gold rings are the most expensive and are available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Other common materials for making cremation jewelry rings include brass, porcelain, ceramic, titanium, stainless steel, copper, and other metal alloys.
3. Cremation Jewelries Come In Different Styles
Like other decorative ornaments, you can have any type of cremation jewelry. Necklacesare ideal if you want a compartment to hold a small amount of ashes. Finger rings may be too small to have a compartment. But you can have the ashes infused into the material that makes up the ring.
Alternatively, the ashes can be made into diamonds through a process that involves intense heating. Once the diamond is ready, it is placed on an ordinary ring to make cremation jewelry. If you wear jewelry like brooches and charms, you can still use them as keepsakes. Also, you can choose different styles to fit men and women.
4. You Can Personalize a Cremation Jewelry
Personalized cremation jewelry is made according to your specific instructions. In addition to choosing the color and the material, you can ask the jewelry maker to inscribe the name, date of birth, or date of death of the deceased. Depending on the available space, you can have them inscribe a short personal message on the jewelry.
Another way to personalize it is by adding a photo of your loved one. It can be a printed photo or a laser-etched image.
5. Cremation Jewelry Rings Require Maintenance
A cremation ring is something you want to keep for your entire life. The jewelry’s durability partly depends on the material and how you take care of it. If you know the ring might get scratched while working, it’s better to remove it.
Sometimes, the ring may accidentally get dirty. When that happens, use a jewelry cleaning cloth to remove build-up soil from stainless steel, sterling silver, and other materials. Also, follow the instructions given by the jewelry maker to clean and maintain the cremation jewelry.
Final Thoughts on Cremation Rings for Ashes
The purpose of cremation jewelry rings is to create a lasting memory of your deceased loved one. They also help divide ashes among families, allowing each member to keep a piece of their relative. Unlike urns, cremation jewelry is easy to carry around wherever you go. Anyone can choose to remember their loved one using this method because there’s jewelry for every budget.
Is there something else you’d like to know about cremation? Florida Family Cremations is here to answer your questions and address your concerns. We provide affordable cremation services in Clearwater, including veterans’ services and simple or direct cremation.
We also allow pre-paying for cremations and offer customizable services. Contact us today for more information.
May 9th, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, Direct Cremation, NEWS, Pre Planning Cremation, services, Urns, Veteran's Services
Can You Prepay for Cremation Services?
Everyone wants a respectful sendoff at the end of their life, but that comes at a price. Some people use crowdfunding to raise money for cremation services. Others rely heavily on their family members to contribute the money, creating a financial burden for them. Is there an easier way to do this? Can you prepay for cremation services?
Yes, you can prepay for cremation services, and it’s certainly a good idea to do so. If you think about it, it’s not different from any other prepaid expense. The most important thing is the benefit it brings to the family left behind. We’ll look at those benefits, but first, let’s consider how prepaid cremation works.
How to Prepay for Cremation Services
Once you’ve decided to go for cremation instead of the traditional funeral service, the next step is to plan. Planning involves deciding how you want the cremation process handled. For instance, you can decide whether to have a funeral service. If you do, you can even give details of what should happen during the service.
Once you have the plan, you can proceed to pay in advance. That involves making arrangements with a local funeral home. Most funeral homes have several cremation options. Direct cremation is usually the cheapest because it doesn’t include body viewing or a funeral service.
But you can have a memorial service after cremation at a place and time convenient to you.
That said, be sure to compare the prices of different packages and choose the one you want. After that, decide on your payment method. You can pay the full cost at once or pay in installments. Either way, it will ease your loved one’s burden when the time comes.
So, what are the benefits of preplanning and prepaying for cremation? Let’s discuss.
Why You Should Prepay for Cremation
No one likes thinking about their death, let alone planning for it. But planning your end-of-life services can bring immense relief to your family members. They won’t have to worry about the financial burden.
Even though cremation is cheaper because you may not need a casket and a cemetery plot, the cost often increases due to inflation. And as more people prefer cremation over traditional burial, prices could increase due to the growth in demand.
However, prepaid cremation services are cheaper because they allow you to lock in current prices. Moreover, the amount you use to prepay for cremation is exempt from other assets when determining your Medicaid eligibility. That makes you more likely to be eligible for Medicaid.
Besides helping with funeral expenses, prepaying for cremation gives your family peace of mind. Instead of worrying about finances, they have enough time to celebrate your life and fulfill your final wishes.
Save Money by Prepaying for Cremation
Funerals are quite expensive and can create huge financial burdens for families. Instead of relying on well-wishers for assistance, consider prepaying for cremation.
You only need to approach a cremation provider with your plan, check out their packages, compare prices, and choose the package that fits you. Once you agree on the plan, you can pay in lump sums or installments. And don’t forget to inform your family about your prepaid funeral plan.
If you’d like to prepay for cremation services, Florida Family Cremations is here to help you. We provide affordable cremation services in Clearwater, ranging from simple cremation to veterans’ services. Our prepaid cremation services are not just affordable; they’re also customizable to meet your unique needs.
Don’t leave your end-of-life arrangements to chance. Take action today and contact us to learn more about our prepaid cremation costs and services. Our compassionate and experienced staff is here to guide you every step of the way and help you make the best decisions for you and your family.
May 9th, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, Direct Cremation, NEWS, Pre Planning Cremation, services, Veteran's Services
How Much Does Cremation Cost Without Funeral Services?
Most people choose cremation because it’s cheaper than traditional funerals. However, cremation can also be expensive, depending on the services you choose. Therefore,to save money, you may go for cremation without services. So how much does cremation cost without services?
The cost varies depending on the provider. But here’s how much you can expect to pay:
Cremation Cost Without Services
The cost of a funeral service can make cremation seem expensive. You need to pay for the venue, casket, embalming, grooming the body, and other miscellaneous expenses like flowers. So if you’re on a tight budget, it makes more sense to choose cheaper cremation options.
Direct cremation is the cheapest option since it doesn’t include a funeral service. It allows you to avoid paying for the casket, embalming, dressing the body for viewing, and the cost of hosting a funeral. By choosing cremation without services, you can save about two-thirds of the cost of cremation with services.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of embalming a body in 2021 was $775. The cost of other body preparations was $275, and that of viewing the body at the funeral home was $450. That’s a total of $1,500 before including the casket.
The median cost of a metal casket is $2,500. But since you’re not burying the body, you can rent the casket instead of buying it. The average price of renting a casket is about $1,000. Therefore, the total cost of body preparation, viewing, and casket is $2,500.
Remember, we’ve worked with median and average prices. So the prices may be higher or lower. Moreover, the cost doesn’t include the hosting fee if you hold the funeral service at the funeral home. Neither does it include miscellaneous expenses such as flowers, memorial cards, or transport. And all these represent the amount you can save if you avoid having a funeral service.
Average cremation costs in Florida are approximately $7,070, while those for direct cremation are about $1,683. But since funeral home prices vary, simple cremation prices can go below $1,000 and slightly above $5,000.
Why Choose Direct Cremation?
Besides the price, what other reasons can motivate you to choose direct cremation? Some people prefer direct cremation, not because it’s the cheapest but because they want to keep things simple. Once the cremated remains are returned to the family, they can decide whether or not to hold a memorial service. If they want a memorial service, they can have it at their own convenient time and place.
Overall, memorial services are cheaper, even when held at funeral homes. That’s because you have the ashes instead of the body, so you don’t need a casket or body preparation.
Contact Florida Family Cremations for Direct Cremations Services
Cremation is cheaper than traditional burial, but the cost can also be high if you include funeral services. Cremation without services can cost you about a third of what you’d pay for funeral services. These prices differ from city to city and depend on the funeral home. Low-cost cremation costs approximately $1,000 or less, but the average cost in Florida is about $1,683. Besides saving money, direct cremation allows you to hold a memorial service when and where you want.
If you need affordable cremation services in Clearwater, don’t hesitate to contact Florida Family Cremations. We offer simple cremation and veterans’ services, and we can also accommodate people with different needs, including those who want to prepay for cremation.
Contact us to learn about our prices and how we can help you.
March 23rd, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, Direct Cremation, NEWS, Pre Planning Cremation, services, Urns
Do You Get All the Ashes After Cremation?
Cremation has become an increasingly popular way of laying loved ones to rest. Most people prefer this option because it’s cheaper and highly flexible. But after the cremation process, families receive a few pounds of the ashes, leaving some wondering, is this all there is? Do they give you all the ashes after cremation?
Understanding how cremation works can help answer that question. Which factors determine the weight of cremated remains?
Here’s what you need to know:
Do They Give You All the Ashes After Cremation?
The simple answer is yes. The work of a crematorium is to reduce the human body into ashes by passing it through intense heat. Cremains belong to the family, so the crematorium can’t keep the ashes, and they have no reason to do so. If a cremation provider retained some of the ashes, such a deed would be unlawful.
But it’s understandable why some people get concerned about the volume of ashes they receive.
But that’s not always the case. All flesh evaporates under the intense heat of the crematorium chamber. Therefore, if a short person weighs more due to more body fat, that doesn’t mean you’ll get more ashes. Arguably, taller people can have more ashes because they have larger bones.
So, how much should cremains weigh?
How Much Should Cremated Remains Weigh?
On average, cremated remains should weigh about 3.5% of the person’s original weight. The actual weight of ashes can range between 2 to 10 pounds (0.9 to 4.5 kg), depending on whether one is a child or an adult.
Let’s say an average-sized adult weighs 150 pounds. After the cremation process, the weight of the cremated remains will be around 3–7 pounds, representing 2-5% of the original body weight. If the person weighed 250 pounds, the weight of the ashes would still be around 3–7 pounds. That’s because the amount of ash produced is not directly proportional to the body weight.
Understanding the amount of ash you expect can help you choose the right size of an urn. A standard urn has a volume of 200 cubic inches. That can fit the cremains of an average person. But if the ashes are more than that, the crematorium can select a larger urn or use two of them. Whatever the case, they’ll ensure you get all the ashes.
If you get more ashes, you can divide them according to the number of families who want to keep them. And if you get a smaller quantity, you can make ornaments or put some in jewelry.
Which Factors Determine the Volume of Ashes?
The average weight of cremated remains varies depending on the following factors:
- The weight and size of the body – Generally, the heavier and larger the body, the more ashes you get. The cremation process breaks down the organic matter in the body, leaving bones. Therefore, it’s the size of the bones left that determines the amount of ashes resulting from cremation.
- The type of cremation chamber – Modern cremation chambers are more efficient. They can reach up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving behind less bone matter. Older cremation chambers are less efficient and may leave more bone matter, leading to more ashes.
- The duration and temperature of the cremation process – Hotter cremation chambers can reduce the body significantly, leading to fewer ashes. Less-hot chambers need to operate longer to reduce the body in the same way as the hotter ones. So, if they run for less time, they can lead to more ashes.
Even though some of the ashes may get lost in the cremation chamber and post-processing activities, that is negligible and often unavoidable.
Contact Florida Family Cremations for Cremation Services
Cremation providers have no reason to keep ashes after cremation unless the family members fail to pick them up. Many factors can determine the volume of ashes you get. These include the body’s weight, type of cremation, temperature, and duration of the cremation process. Whether you get less or more ashes than you expected, you can be sure that the crematorium doesn’t keep any portion of the ashes.
If you have more questions about the cremation process, don’t hesitate to ask Florida Family Cremations. We’re a reputable funeral home providing affordable cremation services in Clearwater. Our packages include direct or simple cremation and veterans’ services.
Contact us for more information on our services.
March 15th, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, Direct Cremation, NEWS, Pre Planning Cremation, services, Urns, Veteran's Services
Does the VA Pay for Cremation Expenses?
Members of the armed forces, whether retired or on active duty, are entitled to veteran burial benefits. After the death of a veteran, family members have to bear the responsibility of applying for the benefits. But not all understand the process or the extent of these benefits. Does the VA pay for cremation?
What about expenses such as an urn? How much can you get from the VA? These are some of the questions you may be asking.
It’s essential to have clear answers to these questions to avoid last-minute inconveniences. After all, some of the benefits only apply to eligible members. As such, determining your eligibility in advance can help you make better plans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has set out clear guidelines on this matter.
Here’s what you need to know:
Which Benefits Does the VA Provide for Cremation?
The VA can pay for your cremation costs if these expenses fall on you. That means no other organization, government agency, or employer should be paying for the same.
What if you choose cremation instead of a traditional burial? Does the VA pay for cremation services? Yes, the benefits apply to all legal types of burial.
These include cremation, burial at sea, and donating the body to a medical school. So, how much can you expect the VA to pay?
How Much Does the VA Pay for Cremation Services?
For service-related deaths, the VA pays a maximum of $2,000 if the death occurred on or after September 11, 2001. And for deaths before that date, the VA pays up to $1,500 for expenses.
If the death is not service-rrelated, the maximum compensation for burial and funeral expenses is $796 for deaths occurring on or after October 1, 2019. That amount applies to members hospitalized by the VA as of the time of death. If not hospitalized by the VA, the reimbursement for burial and funeral expenses is $300, plus $796 for the burial plot if not buried in VA national cemeteries.
Following up on the VA payments may take time, and you may have to pay the burial and funeral expenses out of pocket. So, ensure you keep the receipts for those expenses since you’ll need them to claim reimbursement from the VA. But for your claim to be successful, the veteran has to be eligible.
Here are the rules concerning eligibility:
Who Is Eligible for VA Benefits?
Veterans’ benefits apply to the subjects, their surviving spouses, children, parents, and official administrators of their estates. The eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery applies to both current and former members of the armed forces, except those who received a dishonorable discharge. Their spouses and dependents have similar death benefits.
A discharge isn’t dishonorable if the death resulted from a service-related disability and occurred in a VA hospital or a VA-contracted facility, and during authorized travel. Also, the veteran is eligible if they died while receiving a pension or other service-related compensation.
How to Apply for Veterans Benefits
If you’re a family member of an eligible veteran, follow these steps to apply for benefits from the VA:
- Prepare the documents: the necessary documents are the veteran’s discharge papers, marriage certificate (if applicable), death certificate, expense receipts, and burial plot information.
- Apply for burial benefits: download the benefits application form (VA Form 21P-530) from the VA website or obtain a hard copy from a VA regional office.
- Submit the application: Submit the completed form plus the documents to the VA regional office that serves your area. You can mail the application or submit it in person. You can also apply online through the VA’s eBenefits portal.
- Wait for the decision: The VA will review your application and contact you with a decision. If approved, they’ll reimburse expenses.
Florida Family Cremation’s Veterans Services
Florida Family Cremations shows respect to deceased members of the armed forces by providing them with an honorable send-off. From receiving the body to handling cremated remains, we conduct the entire cremation process with dignity and integrity.
We understand the VA provides limited reimbursements to veterans eligible for benefits. That’s why we offer affordable cremation services in Clearwater to former servicemen and women. Besides veterans’ services, we also have simple or direct cremation.
Contact us to learn more about these and other services.
February 27th, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, Direct Cremation, NEWS, Pre Planning Cremation, services, Veteran's Services
Is DNA Destroyed When a Body is Cremated?
Plenty of human DNA has been recovered between 10 and 150 years after death. Some sources show that DNA can survive thousands of years after death. That may be true when the body is buried, but what about cremation? Is DNA destroyed during cremation?
Answering this question can help you set your priorities straight.
Do you need a postmortem test on your deceased relative? If yes, consider doing it before cremation. But sometimes, you might realize you need a DNA test after the cremation has taken place. So is it possible to get DNA samples from cremated remains?
We’ll answer that question. But first, let’s see other reasons why you might need DNA testing after losing a loved one.
Why Do People Test for DNA?
DNA is a set of instructions found in every body cell and tells your body how to grow and function. It determines your physical traits, such as your hair color, eye color, and even your personality.
People go for DNA testing for many reasons. Some want to confirm their biological relationships, such as maternity, paternity, siblinghood, and tracing their ancestry. Others do it to verify the identity of a missing person or differentiate between two or more dead bodies.
Sometimes a court may order a DNA analysis to clarify a few issues in a civil or criminal case. Whatever the reason, a DNA test provides reliable evidence of a person’s identity and biological relationship with others. But is DNA destroyed during cremation?
Can DNA Survive the Cremation Process?
The temperature of a cremation chamber reaches between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point, all human flesh evaporates, leaving no traces of DNA. However, the bones and teeth survive the intense heat. So is there DNA preserved in the bone fragments?
One study shows that DNA analysis is theoretically possible after exposing the body to temperatures of 600 degrees Celsius (1,112 degrees Fahrenheit). That said, there’s a risk of contamination during cremation post-processing that can make DNA extraction more challenging.
Advanced DNA analysis can help extract some DNA samples from cremated remains. But the success rate is low due to the low quantity and quality of the samples.
Since there’s no guarantee of getting DNA traces in cremated remains, it’s best to get the samples before cremation. But if cremation has already occurred, there might be a way to analyze DNA using advanced technology. Keep in mind that the success rate will vary from one case to another.
The Bottom Line
Family members need to understand the finality of cremation. It destroys most of the DNA, leaving slim chances of finding any usable samples. However, there’s a legal waiting period within which cremation can’t take place.
In Florida, a body must wait at least 48 hours before cremation. This waiting period is crucial, as it allows you to obtain the DNA samples if necessary.
If your reason for getting a DNA test is to prove the identity of your loved one’s ashes, don’t worry. Cremation providers never mix the ashes of two people. Not only is that illegal, but it’s also unprofessional.
Contact Florida Family Cremations for Cremation Services in Florida
Do you have any questions about cremation? Florida Family Cremations would be glad to answer them. We provide affordable cremation services in Clearwater, and throughout Florida. Contact us to learn more about our packages, which include simple or direct cremation and veterans’ services.
February 20th, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, Direct Cremation, NEWS, Pre Planning Cremation, services, Veteran's Services
How Hot is a Cremation Oven: Everything You Need to Know
People are always curious about the cremation process and want to know everything involved. You deserve to have the correct answers to your questions to avoid common misconceptions. Therefore, we’ll focus on one of the frequently asked questions: how hot is a cremation oven?
Here’s everything you need to know:
How Does Cremation Work?
The purpose of cremation is to get rid of the human body by reducing it to ashes. For that to happen, the body is exposed to high temperatures in a cremation chamber or retort. In a simple cremation, there’s no need to put the body in a casket.
The crematorium attendants use a standard corrugated box for holding the body temporarily. A box is necessary to comply with the health and safety codesand show respect to the deceased. After that, they transfer the body to the cremation chamber through a mechanized door. This door stays closed to prevent the loss of heat.
Unlike traditional practices, where people used to set the body on fire, modern cremation uses pre-heated ovens. These ovens use natural gas or propane to provide heat. So, how hot is a cremation oven?
What is the temperature of the cremation oven?
Each crematorium may use different temperatures, depending on the model of its chamber. But the optimum temperature range for most cremation ovens is 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The higher the temperature, the shorter the time it takes to cremate the body. Studies show that complete incineration of the body takes 2 to 3 hours at temperatures between 670 and 810 degrees Celsius (or 1,238 and 1,490 degrees Fahrenheit).
Since the retort operates at such high temperatures, the interior of the chamber has to be fireproof. Crematoriums use fire-resistant bricks to build the cremation chamber. Such bricks have melting points of 2,800 to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
At the end of cremation, the hair and flesh of the body evaporate, but the bones remain. The retort discharges the fumes from the process through an exhaust system. Finally, the bone fragments are allowed to cool before being crushed into a fine powder. These cremated remains, or what we call ashes, are given to the family in an urn.
Is Cremation Environmental Friendly?
The human body consists of water, carbon, and bones. During cremation, the high temperature turns the hair and the flesh into vapor. Then the system filters it before releasing it into the air. In addition, the crematorium uses boxes made of organic materials to transfer the body to the oven.
They avoid dressing the body in clothes that produce toxic fumes when burned. For these reasons, cremation is considered environmentally friendly.
Besides flame-based cremation, some crematoriums use alkaline hydrolysis, which uses chemicals to decompose the human body. It dissolves the bones in a liquid solution, leaving behind the bones. But this is a new technology, and not many use it currently.
When you compare cremation and a traditional funeral, cremation is considered more environmentally friendly because it doesn’t use natural resources like land and trees.
To Learn More About Cremation Services, Contact Florida Family Cremations
The optimum temperature of a cremation oven is 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes 2 to 3 hours to incinerate the body at that temperature. The specific time depends on the body size and whether the crematorium uses a casket or a simple box.
If you have more questions about cremation, don’t hesitate to ask us. Florida Family Cremation is dedicated to helping you get the right information about cremation. Call us to learn more about our affordable cremation services in Clearwater, which include direct cremation and veterans’ services.
January 28th, 2023 | Chris Leotis
| Blog, Cremation Services, NEWS, services, Veteran's Services
Questions to Ask About Cremation
When considering their end-of-life options, people have many questions about cremation. And these questions reveal common cremation myths people have held over time. It’s vital to set matters straight by providing reliable answers to these questions.
Choosing cremation doesn’t mean you know everything about it. So, if you have concerns, it’s better to approach a funeral home to clarify matters for you. Some of the questions to ask about cremation include the following:
- How do you ensure I don’t get another person’s ashes?
- Can I have a cremation and a traditional funeral?
- Is cremation against my faith?
These questions are among many that people ask when considering cremation. We’ll give you reliable answers, contrary to the common misconceptions that people often have.
How Do You Ensure I Don’t Get Another Person’s Ashes?
Some people have concerns that the cremated remains they receive may not be purely those of their loved ones. Even though it might appear economical to cremate several bodies at once, mixing ashes is illegal. Any cremation provider doing so would be acting unethically, and you can report them to the licensing board.
Funeral associations, such as the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Associations (ICCFA) and the National Funeral Director’s Association (NFDA), have guidelines against cremating multiple bodies simultaneously. State laws have also adopted similar guidelines, prohibiting the practice.
Crematoriums have an identification system that helps them determine the owner of the ashes. They attach an identity tag to the body, which stays with the body throughout the process. This tag is usually made of 304 stainless steel, which has a melting point of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It survives the cremation heat, and the crematorium staff uses it to identify the residual bone fragments.
Is it possible for me to have both cremation and a traditional funeral?
Some myths about cremation make people believe they can’t have both a cremation and a traditional funeral. That’s not true because you can choose to have a funeral service, usually at a funeral home. Cremation is even better because it gives you the flexibility to have the service before or after the cremation.
It all depends on the cremation option you select. If you have arranged a funeral with a funeral home, you’ll have a body viewing, a casket, and a funeral service followed by cremation. But if you feel the cremation rates are too high, you can save expenses by choosing direct cremation.
In this case, there won’t be a viewing or a service at the funeral home. Instead, you’ll receive the cremated remains and hold a private memorial service with your family members.
Have Any More Questions to Ask About Cremation?
There are many cremation myths that people still hold on to. Besides the topics we mentioned, you could have more questions about cremation. If so, don’t hesitate to ask Florida Family Cremations.
We provide affordable cremation services in Clearwater, Florida. Our services include veterans’ services and simple cremation. Let us know your questions about cremation, and we’ll be glad to answer them.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
