When it comes to laying the dead to rest, traditional burials are popular. Yet, when it comes to, Oxford, NC cremation services are slowly becoming part of the growing trend in the United States. In 2010, the percentage of deaths cremated in this state was 32.8%. This was up from the 25.10% in 2006.
The possibilities for locating the perfect resting place for the deceased should help these figures to increase. After all, Oxford, NC is home to many magnificent natural beauties. It has the highest mountains on the East Coast as well as 300 miles of beautiful beaches. It is home to the highest waterfall in the East - Whitewater Falls located within the Nantahala National Forest. It boasts 40 state parks and four national forests and the wondrous beauty of two National Parks - the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Is it any wonder, a nature lover would want to scatter the ashes of a like-minded deceased in the mountains or along the shoreline? This is something that comes as no surprise for those of us handling cremation services in Oxford, NC. What you plan to do with the ashes may be a personal choice, but it also falls under State or Federal law.
Scattering, Cremation Services in Oxford, NC and the Law
The law has some input into Oxford, NC cremations services. It dictates the length of time before cremation. In Oxford, NC, this waiting period is 24 hours. The only exception is if the deceased died from an infectious, contagious or otherwise communicable and dangerous disease.
The Law governing cremation services in Oxford, NC also states any body to be cremated must be placed in a "suitable, rigid combustible container." This can be a casket but generally, to reduce the overall cremation costs in Oxford, NC, a well-made cardboard container or wooden box suffices. Other laws refer to who can be the deceased's agent and control as well as paperwork to confirm the identity and actual state of the recently departed.
As for scattering - both State and Federal law govern the disposition of ashes. Under state law, you can scatter the remains of the deceased on private land IF you have permission. You may also scatter them over public land IF the area is uninhabited and you follow commonsense rules. If, however, you decide to scatter the cremains at sea, you will need to follow Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Their regulations are as follows and apply all across the board, not just to Oxford, NC cremation services.
- You cannot only dispose of ashes at sea if you take them for scattering out into the water more than three nautical miles.
- All ashes, containers, flowers and wreathes must be biodegradable
- You must inform the regional Oxford, NC office for the EPA within 30 days of the scattering
This particularly applies to scatterings off the coast of Oxford, NC or at Cape Hatteras or Okracoke.
Where to Scatter Cremains in Oxford, NC
Oxford, NC hosts some of the best scenery in the East. It can be the perfect final resting place for the deceased's ashes. Talk to Oxford, NC cremation services to see if they can guide you in selecting the best means to honor the dead. There is, after all, a lot to consider. It is not simply whether choosing one method over another will increase the cremation costs. In Oxford, NC, the issue is the abundance of possible sites. Ones that may best express the love of the deceased for this state and its great outdoors include Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Lake Lure (in the midst of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains), Carolina Beach and Whitewater Falls (Nantahala National Forest).
Methods of Scattering
Essentially, you can scatter the ashes in several methods. The major ones are trenching, casting and water dispersal. Both forms are inexpensive. Unlike the burial of ash at sea, they involve minimal costs, therefore not significantly increasing overall cremation costs in Oxford, NC.
- Trenching - Trenching is the digging of a hole or the burrowing of a shallow trench in the sand or covering of the shoreline. You then place the ashes into the hole or trench and cover them. You may then rake them over. If you bury them close enough to the water, you can wait and see the water rush in and carry the ashes off into deeper waters.
This simple method is easily accomplished by an individual or a group and may be done with or without a simple ritual. This method is perfect for those who loved to lie on a beach or walk the shoreline. It also has little to no effect upon your Oxford, NC cremation costs
- Water Scattering - The most common form of scattering of the ashes, this may involve the EPA or not. It depends upon who has jurisdiction over the waters you scatter the ashes upon. This will naturally affect the overall Oxford, NC cremation costs
- Casting - Throw the ashes into the wind - making sure the direction is right. You can toss them from a dock or off the top of a cliff or mountain.
Whatever method you select and whatever location you choose, be sure it is the right one. Talk to our agents at Oxford, NC cremation services. We can help you in this trying time decide what is right while keeping Oxford, NC cremation costs for your loved ones under control.
