Concerns About Cremation

Are there any laws governing cremation?
Cremation regulations vary from state-to-state.

Can two cremations be performed at once?
Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, most modern cremation chambers are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously.

Can the family witness the cremation?
Yes, for a nominal fee. Our state-of-the-art cremation facility is set up to allow family members to be present when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. In fact, some religious groups include this as part of their funeral custom.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?
We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize our level of quality and minimize the potential for human error. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process. We only allow certified professionals to operate our cremation equipment. 

Listed below is our "9 Step Identification Process" 

1. Place wrist identification on deceased. If family is present, invite them to write name on tag. 
2. Deceased is placed in cremation container (law in Illinois) and the person's name is written directly on the container. 
3. Family signs an authorization for cremation, verifying the death of their loved one and giving us permission in writing to do the cremation. 
4. The county medical examiner or coroner acknowledges awareness of the death and verifies cause of death or requires an autopsy or investigation. The death is recorded with the county and a cremation permit is issued. 
5. The death certificate and medical examiners' permits are filed with the State. Certified copies of the death certificate are available to the family and a State permit is issued, giving us the authority to perform the cremation. Only now can the cremation be performed. 
6. Crematory operator fills out a crematory control sheet, which requires two personnel to sign off on prior to the cremation being performed.
7. The cremation is logged in the record book. The name of the deceased, date, cremation chamber used, time started and operator's name are recorded. Copies of #3, #4, #5 and #6 are attached to the outside of the cremation chamber. 
8. Paperwork is prepared in the office while the cremation is taking place. Immediately following the completion of the cremation the cremated remains are placed in an urn with the deceased's name already on the container. 
9. The cremated remains are returned to the family. The family must show picture I.D. and sign a release stating that they are taking custody of the cremated remains.