What!...Wal-Mart Is Selling Caskets?

The retail giant Wal-Mart debuted one of its more unusual product offerings last week, selling caskets on its web site. While selling casket over the Internet is not something new, it does tend to make news when a retail giant like Wal-Mart gets into the market. It is my intentions in this blog article to examine both the pros and cons in purchasing a casket from Wal-Mart.com or any other online provider.

Before I begin let me address one issue, I know what you’re going to say "Jamie you operate a funeral home so of course you’re going to be against it." Actually you would be wrong about that. I believe as a licensed funeral professional it is not my place to ridicule another funeral merchandise provider or to question the choices of families who purchase from them. It is my responsibility to educate families about their choices and then allow them to make their own decisions. Also because we don't place a high mark-up on our caskets we are already inline with internet casket providers, so I do not view them as a threat.

Let's first start with some of the Pros of purchasing a casket online. When a family loses a loved one, often the death is sudden and families can be caught off guard with no way to pay for a funeral. In-fact this is one of the reason that many families who have chosen burial in the past are now choosing cremation. Not only can families be caught off guard with a sudden death but given the state of our economy and the job market many families are barely able to pay there bills and feed their family, much less pay for a funeral that could easily exceed $8,000.00 to $10,000.00 dollars.

It is true that some funeral homes place an extremely high mark-up on caskets and because of this many families simply cannot afford to purchase the casket from the funeral home. Because some funeral homes have such a high mark-up on caskets it was only a matter of time before retailers like Wal-Mart and Costco began to offer such funeral related merchandise. The question now becomes, is their savings in purchasing a casket or urn from an internet store verses purchasing from a funeral home. The answer to this question really depends on the funeral home that you select. As I mentioned before we do not place a high markup on the caskets we sell, so our prices are basically inline with the internet provider. This is why it is so important for families to compare the prices of caskets at the funeral home they have selected along with the prices of the internet provider before they purchase online. Don't just assume that the internet is cheaper.

An additional pro to selecting a casket from an internet provider is selection. More and more families understand the value of creating a unique celebration of the life of their loved one. Part of that uniqueness can include the casket, if done properly. One big advantage that most internet providers have over funeral homes is the ability to show a large selection of caskets in various colors and styles. The Watts Family has been serving families for over 25 years and I can tell you that most families select a casket based on color and style (such as ornamentation on the handles.) I read in the press release that Wal-Mart plans to offer over 200 different selections in the future. The problem with most funeral homes is that they direct families to a selection room in their funeral home with 10 or 12 caskets to choose from and because their choices are so limited families tend to look else where for what they want. In-fact it is for this reason we eliminated our selection room completely and installed a Casket Kiosk. Our Casket Kiosk is a touch screen system that allows families to select from over 250 different caskets in various styles and colors. Not only can they browse the caskets offerings but most are completely customizable allowing you to select the ornamentation for the handles and custom embroidery for the interior of the casket, while allowing you to view your selection immediately. Also because we offer caskets in this way we don't hold caskets in inventory which allows us to keep our prices down. Note: That on the top right corner of this blog is an example of our Casket Kiosk system.

An additional pro to selection a casket over the internet is the ability of families to avoid entering a casket selection room. Caskets are very taboo items nearly everyone recognizes a casket when they see one and of course they associate it with death. What we have found is, families are already overwhelmed with the death and the last thing many of them wish to do is to walk into a room full of caskets. Often times when a family enters a casket selection room they go into a mind set call "projection". Meaning that every casket they look at they immediately projects their loved one laying in it. This experience is something many families simply cannot handle. This is one of the primary reasons my family chose to do away with the casket selection room and install the Casket Kiosk. Since we installed the Casket Kiosk over 3 years ago we have encountered many families who are relieved that they do not have to enter a casket selection room. The system is so popular that we are in the process of installing a version of it on our website wattsfuneralhomes.com

A finally pro to purchasing a casket online is privacy. Death is a very sensitive subject and many people wish to avoid the subject completely. Purchasing a casket on-line allows for the family to make a casket selection in the privacy and comfort of their own home. This is the primary reason we are in the process of installing a version of our Casket Kiosk on our website wattsfuneralhomes.com

Now that we have discussed some of the pros to purchasing a casket online let's discuss some of the cons. First let talk about price, can you really save a large sum from purchasing online. As I stated before it depends on the funeral home you select. If their cost is significantly higher the answer might be yes but if they are close to the cost of the internet the answer is probably no. Keep in mind when purchasing online your have to consider many factors beside just the cost. One example is sales tax, as you know purchases made online are tax exempt if the company is not located in the state where you live, However in the case of Wal-Mart they have stores in every state, so you would have to pay sales tax on the casket. In Florida for example caskets and other funeral related items are exempt from sales tax when purchased along with the funeral arrangements.

You also have to factor into the shipping cost of the casket. Let's take Wal-Mart for example their cost for shipping the casket is $100.00 if you figure in the cost for shipping and sales tax the $895.00 casket is now $1,048.70 which is actually higher than what we charge for a similar casket. Now let's take a moment to discuss shipping, Wal-Mart says the casket is guaranteed to arrive if 48 hours, but what happens if it doesn't. The caskets are shipped by FedEx road truck and I am sure that most people have experienced a package arriving later than if was promised. What happens when a family orders a casket online and then places an obituary in the news paper with the date and time of the service and the casket does not arrive on time? This could be very embarrassing to the family.

Because the casket is delivered by a third party shipper it brings me to my next point what happens when the casket arrives damaged. Every casket we receive from our casket supplier is delivered by the manufacture and is inspected by our staff prior to being received and signed for; I can tell you they have arrived damaged from time to time. What happens in this case is, we simply send the casket back and have the company replace it the same day and the family never knows about it. I am sure that we have all received a package that was damage and usually this is not a problem because you simply send the item back and have it replaced. The problem with a casket is how you replace the casket in time when the service is already scheduled.

A final Con to purchasing on-line concerns quality and liability. First let's discuss quality. I know this can be an odd topic to discuss when it comes to caskets but it is a factor. We all understand in other purchases that quality of an item is important. I am sure that most readers understand that for example, a car made by Mercedes-Benz and a car made by Saturn not only varies greatly in price but also in quality. I also believe that very few people would purchase a Saturn and expect it to be of the same quality as a Mercedes-Benz. Everyone understands that both cars serve the same purpose but that both cars are not created equally. The same can be said about caskets, the quality can very greatly from one manufacturer to another. Our casket supplier is Batesville Casket Company which is the largest casket manufacture in the United States. Batesville Caskets go through rigorous quality control test to be sure that they meet the highest standards. I can also tell you that in my experience all caskets are not created equal and that I have declined to do business with other manufactures beside Batesville because of the lack of quality with their caskets. It is interesting to note that Batesville Casket Company only sells caskets to Licensed Funeral Professionals and they are not selling to Wal-Mart or any other internet provider.

A final concern with internet casket providers is liability. As I have stated before all casket are not created equally and I have actually heard of caskets failing, some examples include the casket handles coming off or the entire bottom of the casket failing. Because we only do business with Batesville Casket Company and because of their high quality control standards I have never personally experienced a problem but problems do happen. Even though Batesville Casket Company has a high quality control standard, they still feel it necessary to provide five million dollars of liability protection on every casket they manufacture. An example of potential liability from a casket would be in the event that the casket handles failed and the casket fell on the feet of the Pall Bears and damaged their feet. The liability from such an event could be devastating an as unlikely as it might seem, it can happen.
In such an incident Batesville liability coverage would take affect. It is my understanding that the manufactures that online caskets stores use do not provide such protection. This could potently leave the family directly responsible for any liability that could occur. It is for the above reasons I encourage families to compare all the benefits of the casket they are considering, so they can be sure that they are getting the same benefits from the casket they are purchasing online verses what the could have purchased at their funeral home of choice.

In conclusion it has been my experience that most families save little by purchasing online. When you factor shipping and sales tax and include in that the time lost in trying to find a casket online and the anxiety it can cause from hoping the casket arrives on time and undamaged. While I an not saying that purchasing a casket online is something you should not consider, I do think that like any purchase made all the factors should be considered prior to making your finally selection.

If you would like more information on casket selection including what you should know before choosing a casket visit http://www.batesville.com/whatwedo/burialcaskets if you have any question concerning this or any blog posting please e-mail me at askthedirector@wattsfuneralhomes.com

Funeral Etiquette in a Changing World

Q. I have in the past visited friends who have lost a family member and I
often feel uncomfortable in what I am suppose to do or how I am supposed to act?

A. First let me say your are not alone in feeling uncomfortable in being around families that have just lost someone. Even though common sense and good discretion are always the best guides to proper funeral etiquette,
a few principles still apply.



It is a common gesture for close friends of the bereaving family to visit the family's home to offer sympathy and assistance - this is sometimes referred to as a condolence visit. With the bereaving family having to ensure that all the arrangements are looked after, a close friend(s) may become very helpful with food preparation and childcare. The visit can take place any time within the first few weeks of death, and may be followed with one or more additional visits, depending on the circumstances and your relationship with the family.


In addition to expressing sympathy it is appropriate, if desired, to relate to family members your fond memories of the deceased. In some cases family members may simply want you to be a good listener to their expressions of grief or memories of the deceased. In most circumstances it is not appropriate to inquire as to the cause of death.


If you attend a wake you should approach the family and express your sympathy. As with the condolence visit it is appropriate to relate your memories of the deceased. If you were only acquainted with the deceased (and not the family) you should introduce yourself.


It is customary to show your respects by viewing the deceased if the body is present and the casket is open. You may wish to say a silent prayer for, or meditate about, the deceased at this time. In some cases the family may escort you to the casket.


The length of your visit at the wake is a matter of discretion. After visiting with the family and viewing the deceased you can visit with others in attendance. Normally there is a register for visitors to sign.


As with other aspects of modern day society funeral dress codes have relaxed somewhat. Black dress is no longer required. Instead subdued or darker hues should be selected, the more conservative the better. After the funeral the family often receives invited visitors to their home for pleasant conversation and refreshments.


You can send flowers to the funeral home prior to the funeral, or to the family residence at any time. In some cases flowers may also be sent to Protestant churches. (Flowers generally are not sent to Jewish synagogues and Catholic churches.) Florists know what is appropriate to send in the funeral context.


Gifts in memory of the deceased are often made, particularly when the family has requested gifts in lieu of flowers. The family is notified of the gifts by personal note from the donor or through the donee, if the donee is a charity or other organization. In the latter case the donor provides the family's name and address to the charity at the time the gift is made.


Even if you don't make a gift, a note or card to the deceased's family expressing your thoughts of the deceased is a welcome gesture, especially if you weren't able to attend the funeral.




FUNERAL ETIQUETTE

The funeral is a ceremony of proven worth and value for those who mourn. It provides an opportunity for the survivors and others who share in the loss to express their love, respect, grief and appreciation for a life that has been lived. It permits facing openly and realistically the crisis the death presents. Through the funeral the bereaved take that first step toward emotional adjustment to their loss. This information has been prepared as a convenient reference for modern funeral practices and customs.



THE FUNERAL SERVICE

The family specifies the type of service conducted for the deceased. Funeral directors are trained to assist families in arranging whatever type of service they desire. The service held either at a place of worship or at the funeral home with the deceased present, varies in ritual according to denomination. The presence of friends at this time is an acknowledgement of friendship and support. It is helpful to friends and the community to have an obituary notice published announcing the death and type of service to be held.



PRIVATE SERVICE...

This service is by invitation only and may be held at a place of worship, a funeral home or a family home. Usually, selected relatives and a few close friends attend the funeral service. Often public visitation is held, condolences are sent, and the body is viewed.



MEMORIAL SERVICE...

A memorial service is a service without the body present and can vary in ceremony and procedures according to the community and religious affiliations. Some families prefer public visitations followed by a private or graveside service with a memorial service later at the church or funeral home.



PALLBEARERS...

Friends, relatives, church members or business associates may be asked to serve as pallbearers.

The funeral director will secure pallbearers if requested to do so by the family.



HONORARY PALLBEARERS...

When the deceased has been active in political, business, church or civic circles, it may be appropriate for the family to request close associates of the deceased to serve as honorary pallbearers. They do not actively carry the casket.



EULOGY...

A member of the family, clergy, a close personal friend or a business associate of the deceased, may give a eulogy. The eulogy is not to be lengthy, but should offer praise and commendation and reflect the life of the person who has died.



DRESS...

Wearing colorful clothing is no longer inappropriate for relatives and friends. Persons attending a funeral should be dressed in good taste so as to show dignity and respect for the family and the occasion.



FUNERAL PROCESSION / CORTEGE...

When the funeral ceremony and the burial are both held within the local area, friends and relatives might accompany the family to the cemetery. The procession is formed at the funeral home or place of worship. The funeral director can advise you of the traffic regulations and procedures to follow while driving in a funeral procession.



CONDOLENCES

The time of death is a very confusing time for family members. No matter what your means of

expressing your sympathy, it is important to clearly identify yourself to the family.



FLOWERS...

Sending a floral tribute is a very appropriate way of expressing sympathy to the family of the deceased. Flowers express a feeling of life and beauty and offer much comfort to the family. A floral tribute can either be sent to the funeral home or the residence. If sent to the residence, usually a planter or a small vase of flowers indicating a person's continued sympathy for the family is suggested. The florist places an identification card on the floral tribute. At the funeral home the cards are removed from the floral tributes and given to the family so they may acknowledge the tributes sent.



MASS CARDS...

Mass cards can be sent either by Catholic or non-Catholic friends. The offering of prayers is a valued expression of sympathy to a Catholic family. A card indicating that a Mass for the deceased has been arranged may be obtained from any Catholic parish. In some areas it is possible to obtain Mass cards at the funeral home. The Mass offering card or envelope is given to the family as an indication of understanding, faith and compassion. Make sure that your name and address is legible and that you list your postal code. This will make it easier for the family to acknowledge your gift.



MEMORIAL DONATIONS...

A memorial contribution, to a specific cause or charity, can be appreciated as flowers. A large number of memorial funds are available, however the family may have expressed a preference. Memorial donations provide financial support for various projects. If recognized as a charitable institution, some gifts may be deductible for tax purposes. Your funeral director is familiar with them and can explain each option, as well as furnish the donor with "In Memoriam" cards, which are given to the family.



SYMPATHY CARDS...

Sending a card of sympathy, even if you are only an acquaintance, is appropriate. It means so much to the family members to know they are in good thoughts. The card should be in good taste and in keeping with your relationship to the family of the deceased.



PERSONAL NOTE...

A personal note of sympathy is very meaningful. Express yourself openly and sincerely. An expression such as "I'm sorry to learn of your personal loss" is welcomed by the family and can be kept with other messages.



TELEPHONE CALL...

Speaking to a family member gives you an opportunity to offer your services and make them feel you really care. If they wish to discuss their recent loss, don't hesitate to talk to the person about the deceased. Be a good listener. Sending a telegram expressing your sympathy is also appropriate.



VISITATION...

Your presence at the visitation demonstrates that although someone has died, friends still remain. Your presence is an eloquent statement that you care. Visitation provides a time and place for friends to offer their expression of sorrow and sympathy, rather than awkwardly approaching the subject at the office, supermarket or social activities. The obituary/death notice will designate the hours of visitation when the family will be present and will also designate the times when special services such as lodge services or prayer services may be held. Persons may call at the funeral home at any time during suggested hours of the day or evening to pay respects, even though the family is not present. Friends and relatives are requested to sign the register book. A person's full name should be listed e.g. "Mrs. John Doe". If the person is a business associate, it is proper to list their affiliation, as the family may not be familiar with their relationship to the deceased. Friends should use their own judgment on how long they should remain at the funeral home or place of visitation. If they feel their presence is needed, they should offer to stay. When the funeral service is over, the survivors often feel very alone in dealing with their feelings. It is important that they know you are still there. Keep in touch.



SYMPATHY EXPRESSIONS...

When a person calls at the funeral home, clasping hands, an embrace, or a simple statement of condolence can express sympathy, such as:



"I'm sorry."

"My sympathy to you."

"It was good to know John."

"John was a fine person and a friend of mine. He will be missed."

"My sympathy to your mother."



The family member in return may say:

"Thanks for coming."

"John talked about you often."

"I didn't realize so many people cared."

"Come see me when you can."



Encourage the bereaved to express their feelings and thoughts, but don't overwhelm them.





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...

The family should acknowledge the flowers and messages sent by relatives and friends. When food and personal services are donated, these thoughtful acts also should be acknowledged, as should the services of the pallbearers. The funeral director may have available printed acknowledgement cards that can be used by the family. When the sender is well known to the family, a short personal note should be written on the acknowledgment card expressing appreciation for a contribution or personal service received. The note can be short, such as:



"Thank you for the beautiful roses. The arrangement was lovely.

"The food you sent was so enjoyed by our family. Your kindness is deeply appreciated."



In some communities it is a practice to insert a public thank you in the newspaper.

The funeral director can assist you with this.



CHILDREN AT FUNERALS

At a very early age, children have an awareness of and a response to death. Children should be given the option to attend visitation and the funeral service. The funeral director can advise you on how to assist children at the time of a funeral and can provide you with additional information and literature.



GRIEF RECOVERY
It is healthy to recognize death and discuss it realistically with friends and relatives. When a person dies, there is grief that needs to be shared. Expressions of sympathy and the offering of yourself to help others following the funeral are welcomed. It is important that we share our grief with one another. We offer on our website a grief library on different grief topics visit our website http://www.wattsfuneralhomes.com/_mgxroot/page_10772.php

In addition to our grief library we can also assist you in locating a grief
counselor in you area who can assist you during your loss.

For more information visit our website www.wattsfuneralhomes.com

What Should I Do With The Cremated Remains

Q.“I have in my possession the ashes of both my mother, who died in 1996, and my father who died two years ago. It bothers me to have them in my home. What can I do with them and where should I keep them?”

A. Many people do not know how to deal with a loved one’s cremated remains that are in their possession. When a person dies and leaves instructions to be cremated, surviving loved ones often have unrealistic expectations placed upon them in maintaining the cremated remains. Some people put off making a final decision concerning their placement or are not presented with all of the options to make an informed decision.

While today’s reader makes reference to “ashes,” cremated remains are not really ashes; they are skeletal particles. The cremation process involves “processing” the skeletal framework after cremation, reducing the bones into small particles of consistent size. Processing renders the bones unidentifiable and gives them a granular appearance. Ashes are what you have in a fireplace, cremated remains – the cremated body – if you will – is quite different.

There are an unlimited number of ways you can care for the cremated body. Here are some ideas for you:

An urn can remain in your possession for as long as you like, however, in the event something happens to you, another person must be aware of the special contents and location of the urn. It is very important that an urn be labeled with the name of the decedent marked on the outside of the container. Why?

A few years ago, we received a call from a local sheriff’s department wanting to know why an urn with the funeral home’s contact information was recovered from a beach of a local lake. With the identification number from within the urn, we were able to trace the urn to the rightful owner – who confessed that she had honored the wishes of the person who died by placing the urn in a lake.

Unfortunately for the family involved, the annual draw down of water exposed the urn to children playing on the beach on a warm November day. Although no criminal charges were filed, the lack of planning – and seeking of permission from the appropriate authorities, created unnecessary anxiety for a bereaved family.

Learning from this experience we now suggest, to the families that we serve, delivery of an urn to a place of perpetual care. My first recommendation is always to consider a local cemetery. Although some people choose cremation to avoid “taking up” additional cemetery property, local cemeteries allow the burial of an urn on occupied graves. This means that a family can place an urn on top of cemetery space already occupied by their ancestors.

Sometimes engraving an additional name on an existing monument is permitted. Check with your cemetery of choice for specific details, as the practice, and price of placing cremated remains in a grave can vary widely between municipal, township and corporate cemeteries.

In some communities it is common practice for churches to have a columbarium – a collection of niches designed to permanently store cremated remains – available for purchase by congregants.

Cremated remains can be fashioned into an artistic piece. I have seen cremated remains mixed into concrete and then formed into a birdbath, a brick paver, and poured into the foundation for a memorial bench. If you know of an artist or a creative person, the remains can become a part of paperweights, vases, pottery, lamp bases or unique sculptures. You will most likely be able to find someone who can create a work of art that provides a fitting tribute to the memory of the loved one who died.

The Watts Family has available jewelry in the form of necklaces, bracelets and other keepsakes into which a part of the person’s cremated remains can be placed.
Although not yet available locally, progressive cemeteries have special sections of land devoted to memorializing only cremated remains, often referred to as a Nature or Cremation Garden. These areas are park-like and usually contain water features, walking paths and sitting areas. Ultimately community interest in such a concept will help local cemeterians plan for such a space. Please share your thoughts, positive or otherwise, with your local elected officials and cemetery caretaker.

Cremated remains can be memorialized in many ways at a cemetery or at home. Some ways include placing the remains in a large granite block on which a name, birth and death year can be engraved; spaces lining the edges of garden planting beds and pathways; placing the cremated remains beneath a favorite tree or flowering plant.

A word of caution – the skeletal cremated remains are almost pure calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate and are very alkaline in nature. You would do well to consult a local nursery expert in choosing a tree or planting that is alkali-tolerant. Hydrangea are popular selections – although the presence of cremated remains will yield pink blooms and turn acid friendly blue blooms into purple.

Cremated remains may also be scattered. However, caution should be exercised as scattering makes the remains unrecoverable. I am reminded of an instance when a husband along with his daughter were arranging for the cremation of their wife and mother. The husband wanted to scatter the remains. Hearing this, the daughter said to her father, “Please don’t scatter her. I want her in a place where I can talk to her, visit her and bring her a flower.”

In general, cremated remains can be scattered anywhere on private property. It is best to obtain the written permission of the landowner to avoid any misunderstanding in the future.

The Florida division of Parks and Recreation advise that dumping or disposal of any foreign substances in Florida parks is prohibited. However, they advise that some scattering of cremated remains have been permitted as an accommodation to a family. You or your funeral director should contact the manager of the park to seek special permission for a scattering. In any instance when transporting cremated remains, it is wise to travel with the burial-transit permit issued by the local registrar to the funeral director – as well as the authorization to scatter cremated remains – which can be found on any cremation authorization form.

Jamie Watts
www.simplecremation.com

Thanks for your questions!

Well it has been about a week since I started Ask The Director
and I have to say I am very excited. Questions have been pouring
into me all week and many of them are very good questions that
I am sure my readers will like to hear answered.

First, let me say please keep the questions coming I am enjoying
reading them and answering them. Please be patient with me in
answering all of your question. I have about twenty five to
respond to and it will take me a week or so to get to everyone.
I hope everyone is enjoying the blog. I will talk to all of you soon.

Online Condolences & How to Ensure that Your Words of Comfort are Delivered

Betty A. From Palatka

Q: I recently left condolences online for a friend. Is there any way to ensure that my message got read by his family?



A: The answer to that question depends upon whether you left your condolence on a newspaper related site, or if you left your condolence on the funeral home’s website.


Since 2004 our funeral home website has hosted obituary information that allows those who are online to leave memories and share messages for surviving family members.

We understand that many people still do not have Internet access or even a
computer.We have setup a kiosk at our funeral home in San Mateo that will
allow those who do not have a computer to stop by our funeral home and
leave a condolence online.

Knowing that some families we serve do not have easy access to the Internet, we print and deliver a copy of the online condolences to the surviving family members about one week after funeral services have concluded.


We wait that week knowing that many people who are out of town when an obituary is published, take advantage of the online condolences to share memories and tributes.


Once the different messages are put together, they are printed on paper that is specially designed to fit into the custom guest registry that a family selects during their funeral arrangement conference.


In addition to the printed copy for families, we renew a hosting agreement annually to ensure the long term access to obituary and tribute archives.


Even if a family declines to have an obituary published in a daily newspaper, we can still take the time to publish the obituary and tribute on the funeral home’s website.


Contrast this service with Legacy.com, the world’s largest obituary hosting corporation. The business strategy is to partner with local newspapers by hosting obituaries from the newspaper online for a limited time (usually 30 days) for a small fee (this fee is usually built into the cost billed by the newspaper for the obituary).


Unfortunately, the obituary on Legacy.com is not up indefinitely, and condolences are deleted after 30 days, unless someone from the family pays almost $40 to maintain the memorial site for an additional year, or $90 for a perpetual site.


It is quite possible, unless a family is checking and individually printing the messages of condolences on the Legacy.com site, that they are being overlooked.


My advice to those who leave electronic messages of condolence, is to visit the funeral home’s website, where the message is not going to be deleted 30 days after it is posted. Instead, we intend to maintain memorial sites for many, many years.

www.wattsfuneralhomes.com

Paying Tribute To The Heros

I met the most interesting group of men and women today the are called the Patriot Guard Riders. These men and women travel around the state of Florida honoring those in the military and civil service that have died. They stand at the entrance of the funeral home or church and post the colors of our country while the family enters and while the Tribute to life service is going on. This service is provide at no cost to any family who request them. The Patriot Guard Riders were present at a Tribute To Life Service we had today and it was really a nice touch. If you are interested in learning more about them go to their website.

www.patriotguard.org
Or give me a call at 386-328-1414

Traveling with Cremated Remains

Q: Next month, I'll be traveling to the Colorado Rockies, where I'll scatter my brother's ashes. He was cremated last year and is in an urn. Do I need special permission to carry his urn with me when I fly to Denver?


A: Dear Reader, you have my condolences in the passing of your brother. Making the effort to honor his wish to be scattered is a great way to honor his memory.


The Transportation Security Administration has a very helpful website that completely answers your questions regarding transporting cremated remains
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1296.shtm.


In short, yes, cremated remains can be a part of carry-on baggage. When traveling with the urn, you should be sure to have a copy of the burial transit permit issued by the local health department. Having this document will provide assurance to verify that you have cremated remains in your baggage.


Upon arriving at the security screening station, I recommend that you alert the screener that you are traveling with cremated remains. The screener will likely ask you to remove the urn from the baggage that you may be using to carry the urn, and place it in a TSA provided tote.


The TSA insists that the container holding the cremated remains be made of a material that can be scanned. Materials such as plastic, and thin wood are suitable for such scanning. Unfortunately, an urn made of any type of metal (including bronze, copper and carbon steel) marble, leaded glass, such as crystal, is not able to be scanned using the TSA's scanning technology.


If the urn cannot be scanned, it cannot be taken aboard an aircraft, and the TSA will not open the urn to inspect the contents.


If you have the cremated remains of your brother in an urn described above that cannot be scanned, I invite you to visit us at the funeral home. We partner with the TSA to assist families traveling with their cremated loved one by transferring the cremated remains into a container that can be scanned by TSA equipment.


There are inexpensive (under twenty dollars) shipping containers that are ideal for such a transfer. We'll even help you to locate a funeral home on the receiving side of your flight to transfer the cremated body back into your urn – at no cost.


This step may not be necessary for all families. However, we have served families that want to inter an urn in a cemetery in the urn they engraved when it was purchased.


Funeral homes across the country volunteer to partner with the TSA – in providing families less hassle when traveling with cremated remains. A list of TSA partnering funeral homes is available online at: www.tsa.gov


Once the urn has been scanned, the TSA screener will assist you in returning the urn to your carry-on baggage. Keep the permit with you, and travel safely. Be aware that once you are in your aircraft, you will be expected to keep the urn in your luggage. Such luggage must be kept in an overhead storage compartment, or beneath the seat in front of you. – I offer this tip because a family I once served wanted to purchase a ticket for the urn to fly beside them in a trip to the Caribbean.


I offered to occupy the seat, and personally tend to the urn, but they saw through my attempt to steal passage to a warmer place, and declined.


Finally reader, since you have indicated that you will be scattering your brother in the Colorado Rockies, it is best to ensure that you have permission of the landowner, or local governmental subdivision (county, park district, city etc.) before scattering the remains.


Because scattering cremated remains can be an unpleasant experience, I offer the following suggestions:


Be aware that cremated remains are of a very fine, granular, almost powdery, consistency. When scattering the remains, it is best done as close to the ground as possible – I recommend stooping below knee level, to scatter them directly on the ground.


Some families participate in opening the ground, by trenching for several yards, then scatter the cremated remains into the trench. Other family members may then participate in closing the trench.


If scattering from aboard a boat, do so from the rear of the vessel, working with the direction of the wind, not against it.


Open only a small portion of the container to scatter the remains. Doing so will provide the person scattering the remains greater ability in directing the cremated remains away from clothing, and onto the area designated for scattering.

This reader, and all who plan to one day fulfill the task a scattering cremated remains are welcome to call or write for more information.

Call Us At: 386-328-1414
Write To: Watts Funeral Homes
720 Hwy. 17, S. San Mateo, Fl. 32187

Visit us online at www.wattsfuneralhomes.com

Blog Kickoff

We understand that many people have questions related to funeral service that they are not able to get answered on most websites. We have created this "web log" (known around the world as a "blog") as a forum to share knowledge, and provide an opportunity to interact when visitors to the Watts Funeral Homes site who come with a question that is not otherwise answered within the content of the existing site. We've also heard from the families we serve who would like to share the stories and ponderings of the column with others. You have the opportunity to share your feedback regarding the columns in a live and interactive way. My hope is that meaningful discussion can manifest from such an opportunity.With such an opportunity - comes the favor I ask of readers... that you assist in policing such posts - and report any inappropriate comments as soon as possible. We'll work really hard to maintain a site that you'll be proud to share with family and friends. Your stewardship of such a site will be greatly appreciated.With that, we're off and running.

Beginning in one week, and throughout October, we will post some of the most commanly asked questions. Going forward, we'll blog with more regularity, and share thoughts and suggestions for readers to make the most of a once in a lifetime experience... creating an unforgettable farewell.

Bon Voyage!

Jamie Watts Managing Director

http://www.wattsfuneralhomes.com