Firms meticulously tracking cremated human remains could still be open to a huge area of risk, depending on where the remains are retained until they are given back to the authorizing agent or final disposition is completed.

  In fact, most providers in the death care profession do not protect cremated human remains from fire, flood or theft. At best, the cremated human remains are often stored in a closet, in the basement, in the embalming room or on a shelf.

  But the reality is that the authorizing agent has entrusted the firm with the care of the cremated human remains, and the loss of them could cost the firm money and a satisfied family that would refer others.

  The first step is to establish a clear understanding with the authorizing agent that the cremated human remains will be returned or final disposition will take place within a few days of the cremation. But, this does not occur all of the time, making proper procedures essential to protecting the firm, staff and community served.

  Retaining cremated human remains in a lockable and secured location with limited access can protect a firm from theft and, to a point, floods – but not necessarily fire. Some locations use a lockable, fire-proof filing cabinet or a fire-proof safe or vault for this reason.

  Another area of risk to control is documentation of inventory. It is critical to maintain documentation on the chain of custody until the cremated human remains are released to the authorizing agent or final disposition is completed. Every firm should document an ongoing inventory of the cremated human remains over which it has custody.

  Finally, documentation of inventory should include accompanying identification for all cremated human remains. Typically, a label is attached to the container or urn, and a Certificate of Cremation is taped to the container or urn.

  But this form of identification may not withstand a fire or flood. For this reason, it is critical that the crematorium uses a stainless steel disc for tracing purposes and places the disc inside the bag of cremated human remains. With this disc, someone can contact the crematorium if the outside labels have fallen off or are unreadable.

  Loss of cremated human remains is an irreversible action; they cannot be replaced. Natural disasters and thieves cannot be controlled, but the damage they can cause may be reduced by taking certain precautions. These precautions protect everyone, from the firm and its employees to the community and families served.

  When I write an article on cremation, I attempt to upgrade the cremation procedures that many of the death care providers are currently following. These procedures may take more time or may add cost to your firm. If they do, you may want to research what you are charging and adjust to reflect the dignity and respect that everyone needs to have when dealing with the consumers that chose cremation.