The Basics of Cremation Services
Whether you’re planning for your eventual passing or dealing with the recent death of a loved one, death is never easy. The loss itself is hard, not to mention the added stress of planning for body preparation, memorial services, and funeral options to burials and more. One thing that can ease the stress is having all the necessary information, especially about cremation services in Jacksonville, FL.
The history of cremation goes back thousands of years and there are a variety of reasons why people have chosen this method of disposition for their loved ones.
Cremation, in the most technical sense, is when a body is broken down to mineral fragments, gases and ashes by combustion, vaporization, and oxidization. This process has been used for thousands of years, but has become much more advanced in recent times.
Breaking down a body via cremation requires intense heat, oftentimes up to 18000 degrees Fahrenheit. The body is placed into a cremation chamber, and the chamber is heated by natural gas, oil or propane. The heat dries out the body until the bones are calcified into fragments, and all the gases are fully secreted.
The gas is released into a filtration system while the bone fragments cool. After the fragments are cooled, they are ground into a fine ash inside a machine called a cremulator. The ash is put inside an urn or receptacle and returned to the family. On average, it takes about two full hours to cremate a body, and the average human body produces anywhere from three to seven pounds of ash.
As awful as it feels, cost is oftentimes one of the foremost concerns for any burial, preparation or cremation. Cremation is becoming more and more popular because it’s generally less expensive than other body disposition choices. Cremation costs usually include:
- Cremation equipment such as cremation caskets for burning or cremation urns for ash holding.
- Funeral home services like body transportation, funeral home services and facilities, staff, and cremation fuel charges.
- Final resting place costs like burial plot or columbarium purchases. Be aware, there are also fees grave opening and closing, headstone installation and endowment care.
A lot of people are wary of cremation because of potential religious concerns. However, there are lots of different beliefs when it comes to cremation. In fact, some religions encourage or even require it. Its also important to remember that cremation doesn’t have to mean you can’t have a funeral or memorial service. Cremation is usually used in addition to other services to remember and honor the deceased.
Deciding if cremation is the right choice for our and your family, friends and loved ones is ultimately very personal, and depends on what values you deem most important.
If you want to learn more about Jacksonville, FL cremation services, or would like to further discuss their potential benefits, you can contact Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We have many years of cremation experience, and would love to use that experience to help you choose what’s best for your family. Pay us a visit at 808 Margaret St Jacksonville, FL 32204, or give us a call at (904) 683-9288 to learn more.
