Cremation is a process of subjecting the body to intense heat and flame, approximately 1600 to 2000 degrees fahrenheit, until it has been almost totally consumed.
Common sense, dignity and health concerns require that the remains be placed in an opaque, rigid container. This can range from a specially-designed corrugated cardboard box to a wooden casket, depending on preference. Since the container is consumed in the cremation process, it cannot be made of non-flammable substances or materials which give off toxic fumes on burning.
Locust Hill Crematory is a licensed Cremation Facility, licensed by the State of New Jersey. Our crematory operators are certified and have been trained to operate all of our retorts.
Here at Locust Hill Cemetery we have four retorts. (A retort is a machine where cremation takes place). The process takes about 2 to 3 hours at a temperature greater than 1600 degrees. This is followed by a cool down period of about 1 to 2 hours. The subject, (or case), can be cremated in a cardboard container or a wooden casket which is delivered to our facility by a licensed Funeral Director. After completion of the cool down process the retort is cleaned and swept out to prepare for the next case.
Following mechanical processing the cremated remains are either placed directly into the chosen memorial urn or are temporarily stored in a non-permanent container awaiting disposition. The deceased person then may be memorialized in a columbarium, scattered, buried in the ground or displayed in any fashion deemed appropriate by the family.
A commonly asked question is, how do you know they are "your" cremated remains? Here at Locust Hill Cemetery we are very careful about paperwork. By law and regulation the relevant papers and permissions are kept with the remains and are then clipped to the outside of the retort unit until the process is complete. In addition, we place a coded metal tag on the retort chamber. This identification tag stays with the remains through the entire process, thus reducing the possibility of error. This tag then gets deposited with the remains in the urn of choice, designated by family.
There are four main options when cremation is chosen which should be discussed with your funeral director:
Since such a wide variety of services and merchandise are included in the charges of different funeral homes, no direct comparisons should be made without a thorough investigation. When comparing prices ask a consistent set of questions and be sure to ask about the following:
Cremation Laws are in place for your safety and protection. The following list will help you be aware of what is at stake.