When you plan ahead, you will be able to compare the many options available. You will be able to compare the services, the products and the prices among different companies. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery arrangements, and the form of memorial you prefer. You will be able to make choices that are meaningful to both you and your family, and you will gain peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the emotional and financial burden often associated with making arrangements when a death occurs. In addition, by prefunding your funeral and cemetery services, a guaranteed price contract will allow you to purchase at today’s prices, free from inflationary pressures in the future.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed. Adults may not view a child behavior as grief as it is often demonstrated in behavioral patterns which we misunderstand and do not appear to us to be grief such as “moody,” “cranky,” or “withdrawn.”

When a death occurs children need to be surrounded by feelings of warmth, acceptance and understanding. This may be a tall order to expect of the adults who are experiencing their own grief and upset. Caring adults can guide children through this time when the child is experiencing feelings for which they have no words and thus can not identify. In a very real way, this time can be a growth experience for the child, teaching about love and relationships. The first task is to create an atmosphere in which the child’s thoughts, fears and wishes are recognized. This means that they should be allowed to participate in any of the arrangements, ceremonies and gatherings which are comfortable for them.

First, explain what will be happening and why it is happening at a level the child can understand. A child may not be able to speak at a grandparent’s funeral but would benefit greatly from the opportunity to draw a picture to be placed in the casket or displayed at the service. Be aware that children will probably have short attention spans and may need to leave a service or gathering before the adults are ready. Many families provide a non-family attendant to care for the children in this event. The key is to allow the participation, not to force it. Forced participation can be harmful. Children instinctively have a good sense of how involved they wish to be. They should be listened to carefully.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately, 2 to 2 1/2 hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation.

The residue which is left is bone fragments, known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and are placed in the container provided by the crematorium or placed in an urn purchased by the family.

The entire process takes approximately three hours. Throughout the cremation process, a carefully controlled labelling system ensures correct identification.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

No. It is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body with an open casket, or to enhance the deceased’s appearance for a private family viewing; if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

Yes. The remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select an urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. Urns are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard container to a hardwood casket.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

A service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. We can assist with arranging a meaningful service wherever you feel it would be appropriate.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

A Memorial Reception or Gathering of Friends is a less formal event. It allows family and friends to share their loss and share treasured memories of the deceased. These gatherings may include light refreshments and can be held at any appropriate location, including the funeral home, a park, a restaurant or the home of a family member or friend.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)

Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many options available. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery arrangements, and the form of memorial you prefer.

You will be able to make choices that are meaningful to both you and your family, and you will gain peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the emotional and financial burden often associated with making arrangements when a death occurs. By pre-arranging your funeral and cemetery services, you benefit by purchasing at today’s prices, free from inflationary pressures in the future.

(Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq)