Palmetto Cremation Society utilizes a secure, individual cremation tracking system through a Nine-Step Identification Process.
The secure cremation process is an important part of the final farewell for a loved one. There are many steps that must be followed in order to secure a secure cremation. The professionals at Palmetto Cremation Society will guide you through all of the necessary steps and make sure that your loved one's ashes are properly cared for when they come in from the crematorium.
Step 1. A handwritten identification tag is placed on the ankle of the deceased. If the family is present, they are invited to write their name on the tag.
Step 2. Deceased is gently placed in a cremation container (SC Law) and the person’s name is written directly on the outside of the container.
Step 3. Family signs a cremation authorization, verifying the death of their loved one and giving us permission for cremation.
Step 4. The county coroner acknowledges awareness of the death and verifies the cause of death or requires an autopsy or investigation. The death is recorded and a cremation permit is issued.
Step 5. The death certificate is filed with the county and state health department. Certified copies of the death certificate are obtained, additional copies are available to the family, giving the certified crematory operator authority to perform the cremation. Only at this point can the cremation be performed.
Step 6. The certified crematory operator fills out a crematory log sheet, which requires personnel to sign off of a checklist prior to a cremation being performed.
Step 7. The cremation is logged into a monthly cremation record book, a numbered metal cremation disk is logged out, assigned to the deceased and remains with the deceased throughout the cremation process, assuring a secure, individual tracking system for identifying cremated remains. The cremation chamber used, time started and the certified crematory operator's name are all recorded. Copies of #3, 4, 5 and 6 are attached to the outside of the cremation chamber during the cremation process.
Step 8. Paperwork is prepared in the office while the cremation service is taking place. Immediately following the cremation the cremated remains are placed in an urn with the deceased’s name already on the container.
Step 9. The family/representative must sign a release of custody of the cremated remains. The cremated remains are returned to the family/representative.