Transport and Preparation of Bodies at Funeral Homes
When a body arrives at a funeral home, it is normally placed in refrigeration units to prevent decomposition. The final destination depends on the family’s wishes, religious preference, and desired funeral home services. State laws differ regarding body identification procedures, but individual facilities usually determine their own based on industry recommendations. In most cases, a family member confirms identity.
Storage and Preservation Methods
Some think people can also arrange bodies at home. It’s natural for the body to become pale during decomposition. Morgues and funeral homes commonly use walk-in freezers to store bodies around 2°C. Between death and the service, bodies usually remain 3 to 7 days. To embalm, preservatives are injected into circulation. Refrigeration also preserves. It takes about a week for a body to visibly decompose.
Funeral Services and Disposal
A deceased is kept in a funeral home or medical examiner’s office before a funeral. The body is dressed, casketed, and displayed for goodbyes. At a funeral home, the deceased’s family is often present for the service or visitation.
Funeral homes mostly transport bodies by private ambulance or hearse. Ashes are usually collected quickly, but directors will store them if needed. After 5 years, uncollected ashes can be respectfully disposed. A hospital or funeral home morgue stores corpses awaiting identification, autopsy, burial, or other disposal. One crematorium’s incinerator was broken. Some remains were there 10+ years.
Answering Common Questions
Do funeral homes keep bodies in fridge?
When a body arrives at a funeral home, it is normally placed in refrigeration units to prevent decomposition. The final destination depends on the family’s wishes, religious preference, and desired funeral home services. State laws differ regarding body identification procedures, but individual facilities usually determine their own. In most cases, a family member confirms identity.
How do funeral homes keep bodies from smelling?
When a body arrives at a funeral home, it is normally placed in refrigeration units to prevent decomposition. The final destination depends on the family’s wishes and desired funeral home services. Some think people can arrange bodies at home. It’s natural for the body to become pale during decomposition.