 Chapter 8 Long-term Storage of Dead Bodies The long-term storage of unidentified dead bodies along with accurate record keeping and chain of custody procedures can improve the chances of traceability in a way that upholds the dignity of the dead and respects the rights of the bereaved. When a body has been identified, it should be released to relatives for burial according to local customs. However, long-term storage is often needed for remaining unidentified or unclaimed dead bodies. In this event, bodies should be properly preserved and documented for future identification. Burial is the preferred option in the event of mass casualties, provided it takes place in a designated area in line with the customs of the local community. Human remains must be buried in clearly marked individual graves and unidentified dead bodies should never be cremated or mixed. As a number one priority, traceability can be ensured by securely tagging each body and body bag or coffin with its unique body code on a waterproof label before burial. The exact position of a body should also be indicated with a durable headstone or burial marker and the whole burial site listed and mapped with GPS coordinates. All the information on the overall burial site and the precise location of each grave must be recorded and stored to help future forensic investigations and it's recommended that this data is copied and stored in at least two different places. Finally, adequate chain of custody forms and receipts must be kept when handing over human remains and items. This way, long-term storage can be conducted in a way that improves the traceability of the dead bodies.