When choosing a cremation provider, here are some questions to ask:
Do they perform their own cremations? If so, can you tour and inspect the cremation facility? If not, who performs the cremations for them, and can you go there?
Are they a member of the Cremation Association of North America?
If not, do they adhere to some other code of cremation ethics?
Do they provide you with a written copy of their operational policies and procedures?
Can the cremation be attended by a family member or designated individual?
What is the average time between receiving the deceased and the completion of the cremation?
Do they have refrigeration facilities to hold the deceased prior to cremation?
What is their procedure to track the remains throughout the cremation process and verify the identity of the cremated remains following cremation?
How are the cremated remains returned? What is their policy regarding holding of the cremated remains after the cremation is completed?
What is their policy in reference to disposition of prosthetics, artificial joint replacements, etc., and other non-combustible material?
Will they give you references of other families who have used their services?
Have their crematory operators been certified by a recognized organization, such as CANA, in the proper use of the cremation equipment and care of human remains?
