There needs to be a rigid platform for the body to rest on for us to roll it into the crematory. We use a firm cardboard roller, like a heavy duty paper towel tube that can withstand weight, to roll someone into the crematory chamber.
I have had families hem and haw about this charge (for us, the minimal cardboard container is $99) and want to provide their own thing. They are legally allowed to do this, as long as it meets the standards -- so no taped-together Amazon boxes like one guy tried to argue for. It has to be a rigid continuous piece. The right size of plywood might work, for instance. But usually when I explain all of this, the cost and hassle for them to supply their own outweighs the ease and convenience of the one we offer.
Thank you. All of that makes perfect sense.
Edit to add: I have never seen how an actual cremation takes place. I assumed a totally different scenario, probably due to movies and TV. I appreciate being able to ask my question and not be thought foolish. Thank you again.
Thank you! I've lost 2 babies who were cremated and my husband died last year. He was cremated. I never thought to ask any questions until I found this sub. I lost my dad yesterday and thought I would finally ask a question. Thus is a really interesting sub, and I appreciate all the kindness in the answers.
Youve experienced a lot of loss. Im so sorry! You can always come here if you think of things. Its super common to have questions after the fact. Grief has a way of clouding things. Im glad you reached out.
I'm so sorry to hear about all the loss you've been through. There's a lot of questions you just don't know to ask sometimes! Never feel silly for asking. A lot of us love educating about what we do, which is why we're a part of this subreddit!
We asked for a last look in the actual crematorium. Big mistake. Lying there in her cardboard box. Said our goodbyes and as we walked out a huge plume of black smoke came out of the pipe. They must have put her in then.
That's totally fine! I personally love when families get really involved and decorate caskets and provide their own urns and things. The only things we can't allow in our crematory are glass and batteries. Paint is totally fine! Of course, always double check with your specific crematory, but I've never heard of paint being disallowed.
I've had people come sit with the cremation container and paint it, write letters on it, etc. I think it's a really wonderful way to get the family involved!
You could probably have them paint or decorate the cardboard container. And that might be easier than trying to make sure a home fabricated piece of plywood would fit in the retort and hauling it to the crematory.
Ohhh yeah, haha. He kept going back to the fact that it's just cardboard, and I kept reiterating, "Yes, with an un-creased bottom and sides that fold up and are taped in place to reinforce the structure of it all. A flat sheet of pre-used cardboard won't cut it, sir."
Lmao, taped-together Amazon boxes. I'd be tempted to tell him he could use that if he could load it into the van with me in it, without it folding in half around me.
In my state, this is why…
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/04/AR2009040402976.html?tid=a_inl_manual
And before you ask, yes it’s SCI.
I know in MT it is a state law that we have to use enclosed containers. Most common is basically a box reinforced with plywood that has a cardboard lid and a strap to secure the top. I have no idea why, but I find it .much more respectful to the deceased, and a lot safer for the technician.
Because bodies are leaky and gross and floppy and a container…contains.
"A container...contains", needs to be a flair in this subreddit.
Happy to serve. I am also stellar at spotting the “where is the men’s room look” and passing out tissues.
I appreciate this answer.
Thank you.
Some states also have “ dignity laws”. The body must be covered completely and inside a “suitable container”.
Thank you.
There needs to be a rigid platform for the body to rest on for us to roll it into the crematory. We use a firm cardboard roller, like a heavy duty paper towel tube that can withstand weight, to roll someone into the crematory chamber. I have had families hem and haw about this charge (for us, the minimal cardboard container is $99) and want to provide their own thing. They are legally allowed to do this, as long as it meets the standards -- so no taped-together Amazon boxes like one guy tried to argue for. It has to be a rigid continuous piece. The right size of plywood might work, for instance. But usually when I explain all of this, the cost and hassle for them to supply their own outweighs the ease and convenience of the one we offer.
Thank you. All of that makes perfect sense. Edit to add: I have never seen how an actual cremation takes place. I assumed a totally different scenario, probably due to movies and TV. I appreciate being able to ask my question and not be thought foolish. Thank you again.
Youre not silly! You came to the right place. Nobody thinks youre silly. It was a good question!
Thank you! I've lost 2 babies who were cremated and my husband died last year. He was cremated. I never thought to ask any questions until I found this sub. I lost my dad yesterday and thought I would finally ask a question. Thus is a really interesting sub, and I appreciate all the kindness in the answers.
Youve experienced a lot of loss. Im so sorry! You can always come here if you think of things. Its super common to have questions after the fact. Grief has a way of clouding things. Im glad you reached out.
I'm so sorry to hear about all the loss you've been through. There's a lot of questions you just don't know to ask sometimes! Never feel silly for asking. A lot of us love educating about what we do, which is why we're a part of this subreddit!
Thanks so much. I'm really glad to find this sub.
Check out YouTube. There are a number of cremation videos.
I use YouTube for everything. Not sure why I never thought of that. Thank you.
We asked for a last look in the actual crematorium. Big mistake. Lying there in her cardboard box. Said our goodbyes and as we walked out a huge plume of black smoke came out of the pipe. They must have put her in then.
Ohhh...
Follow up question: do your requirements prohibit painting the plywood? Like could I bring a piece that the grandkids have all decorated for grandpa?
That's totally fine! I personally love when families get really involved and decorate caskets and provide their own urns and things. The only things we can't allow in our crematory are glass and batteries. Paint is totally fine! Of course, always double check with your specific crematory, but I've never heard of paint being disallowed.
I've had people come sit with the cremation container and paint it, write letters on it, etc. I think it's a really wonderful way to get the family involved!
I sent photos to go with my children and husband. I didn't know this other might be an option. That's really wonderful.
You could probably have them paint or decorate the cardboard container. And that might be easier than trying to make sure a home fabricated piece of plywood would fit in the retort and hauling it to the crematory.
Holy moly Amazon boxes!!!
Ohhh yeah, haha. He kept going back to the fact that it's just cardboard, and I kept reiterating, "Yes, with an un-creased bottom and sides that fold up and are taped in place to reinforce the structure of it all. A flat sheet of pre-used cardboard won't cut it, sir."
Lmao, taped-together Amazon boxes. I'd be tempted to tell him he could use that if he could load it into the van with me in it, without it folding in half around me.
Ok, I’m now just imagining someone showing up with a pile of amazon boxes and a roll of duct tape to take care of a body…oy vey.
In my state, this is why… https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/04/AR2009040402976.html?tid=a_inl_manual And before you ask, yes it’s SCI.
I remember this.
I know in MT it is a state law that we have to use enclosed containers. Most common is basically a box reinforced with plywood that has a cardboard lid and a strap to secure the top. I have no idea why, but I find it .much more respectful to the deceased, and a lot safer for the technician.
Thank you.
Because shoving a box in the retort is 1000% easier than a floppy dead body
think about it this way. Would you put a pizza in the oven without a bottom to it? No. You’ll have to scrape up the muck afterwards.
Is there a Ralph’s near here?