Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below is a compiled set of Frequently Asked Questions that may help quickly answer your question.
Please feel free to give us a call anytime if your question is not answered here.
The enclosed body is placed in the Cremation Chamber (Retort) where through extreme heat and evaporation the body is reduced to its basic elements, which are referred to as, cremated remains. It may surprise many to learn that ashes are not the final result, since cremated remains have neither the appearance, nor the chemical properties of ashes. They are in fact, bone fragments. After the cremation is complete the cremated remains are removed from the retort, all of the metal is removed (i.e. Screws, staples, hinges, etc.) and they are processed in a pulverizing machine and placed in either a permanent urn or a temporary container which is suitable for transport. Depending on the size of the body, there are normally three to six pounds of cremated remains.
Depending on the size of the body and the type of casket that the body is in, cremation can take between 2-1/2 and 4 hours.
N.H. state law and our own crematory regulations require that the body at least be enclosed in an acceptable rigid container. This container or casket must be strong enough to assure the protection of the health and safety of the crematory operator. It should provide a proper covering for the body and meet reasonable standards of respect and dignity. Metal caskets are accepted for an additional fee, but caskets and containers made of a combustible material are preferred.
Although state law does not require that you use a funeral director, it is the policy of The Concord Crematorium to accept delivery of bodies from licensed funeral directors only.
We use a strict identification and tracking system that is applied as soon as a body is received at our facility and follows the body through each stage of the process. We are the oldest crematory in New Hampshire and we have employed this system for over 30 years without fail. For those individuals who need reassurance, the option of being present at the crematory to witness the cremation is always available.
You may ask your funeral director, or you may call us at the crematory directly, we will always be happy to talk with you and answer any questions that you might have.
