When a deceased person arrives in our care facility and it is determined that they will be a cremation, a metal ID tag is logged in and placed around their ankle. This ID tag remains with the deceased throughout the cremation process and is attached to the outside of the bag of cremated remains.

 

Before the cremation, a funeral director will contact the family to set a time for a State required visual ID of the deceased.  This event takes place at the funeral center or at our downtown location.  If the family does not wish to ID their loved one they must appoint someone who knew the deceased to complete the ID.  The only exception to this policy would be if the crematory staff determines that the deceased is non-viewable.  If the family is having a service with the deceased present, that would fulfill the requirement for the visual ID. 

 

Once the ID is complete the deceased is brought back to our care facility and waits for completion of state requirements prior to cremation.  In Indiana, there is a 48-hour waiting period from the time of death before the deceased can be cremated.  It is also required that the following paperwork be completed.

 

• A completed and signed Family Authorization Form

• A completed Burial Transit Permit

• A death certificate that has been filed with the county board of health or a Coroner’s Release

 

When all requirements have been met, the deceased is then ready to be cremated.  At this time the deceased is brought into the crematory and an ID is done by the crematory operator.  This is done by checking the name bracelet on the deceased’s ankle with the paperwork as well as verifying that the metal ID tag number matches the log sheet.  The body is then checked for any items that cannot enter the cremation chamber with them such as jewelry, pacemaker, pain pump, PVC pipe (used on donors) or any items placed in the cremation container/casket by family or friends that may contain batteries. 

 

Once the ID has been confirmed and the deceased has been checked the cremation can take place.

 

Please ask us if you have any questions about this process.