At what wind speed should flags be taken down?

If wind speeds go higher than 40 mph, it's time to take your flag inside until the weather calms down. If winds get high enough, you should also protect your flagpole. This would include bringing down your wall-mounted flagpole or lowering your telescoping flagpole.

How much wind is too much for flags?

Eight to eleven miles per hour is the ideal wind speed range for a flag to unfurl completely in the way we envision a flag flying proudly. That said, exposure to wind and the elements can wear out your flag over time.

Should flags be flown in high winds?

The industry standard advice is that all flags should be lowered when the wind speed is likely to exceed 30 mph. It is recommended that no attempt should be made to hoist or fly a flag when conditions exceed 30 mph, wind force 6.

Should you take a flag down in a storm?

The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag. It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions.

Can the American flag be flown at night without a light?

In the case of the American flag, yes, it is illegal. The US Flag Code states that it is illegal to fly the US flag at night without adequate light. The American flag code is part of federal law.

Learning to read the wind speed

Should I take my porch flag down at night?

The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

How much wind does it take to make a flag fly?

If the flag flaps lightly, the wind speed is between 12 to 18 mph. If the flag is waving over the entire length, the wind speed is 19 to 24 mph. If the flag is stretched and flapping fast, the wind speed is 25 to 31 mph.

Should you take flag down in winter?

Many people take the flags down for the winter. Others fly more flags in the winter as they fray and fade. But you have some options you may have not considered. The standard fabric, Nylon, does not cut it in winter areas.

How do I stop my outdoor flag from ripping?

Keeping your flag free of dirt, soil, and salt can go a long way to maintaining the fabric. All of these can dull the color and help tear the fabric. This can be overcome in most outdoor flags by washing and rinsing occasionally using a light detergent and gentle cycle in the washing machine.

Can you fly a flag at night?

Only fly a flag at night if it is illuminated.

Custom dictates that you should display flags only from sunrise to sunset, but you can keep the stars and stripes flying 24 hours a day if it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Why can't you let the American flag touch the ground?

Don't Let It Touch the Ground!

If the American flag hangs so low on a flagpole that it touches the ground, it will likely accumulate dirt. And if it continues to touch the ground, it may sustain more severe damage in the form of torn fabric.

Is 15 mph wind a lot?

So it's all about the sustained wind speed when we're talking about the difference between breezy and windy, not the gusts. Breezy is described as a sustained wind speed from 15-25 mph. Windy is a sustained wind speed from 20-30 mph.

Is 13 mph wind strong?

8-12 Mph 12-19 kph 7-10 knots Gentle Breeze Leaves and small twigs move, light weight flags extend. Large wavelets, crests start to break, some whitecaps. 13-18 Mph 20-28 kph 11-16 knots Moderate Breeze Small branches move, raises dust, leaves and paper. Small waves develop, becoming longer, whitecaps.

Is 23 mph wind strong?

"Windy" conditions. Sustained wind speeds of 21 to 25 mph, or frequent wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph. " A Very Low Threat to Life and Property from High Wind." "Breezy" to "Windy" conditions.

What side of the house do you hang an American flag?

The American flag can hang on either side of the porch unless there is a second flag (or multiple flags). If there are two or more flags hanging on the porch, the American flag should hang on the left side of the porch when viewed from the street.

Are you supposed to take the American flag down when it rains?

The United States Flag Code states:

"The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed."

What does a flag do in the wind?

In calm weather, a flag droops, but on a windy day, it's held aloft. Making an analogy to the physics of sails, two scientists in France propose a simple model to explain how wind-driven waves in a flapping flag give rise to lift forces.

How can you tell how strong a wind is?

How do you tell the direction of a flag with a wind?

Wind barbs have three parts: a dot, a staff and feathers or flags. The staff part of a wind barb shows wind direction. The dot end of the staff is where the wind is blowing to, while the top of the staff shows the direction from which the wind is coming.

What are the rules for flying a flag at home?

Should you chose to display a flag in your home against a wall follow these rules. First, it needs to lie flat against the wall. Next, whether hung vertically or horizontally, the union must be in the uppermost and to the flag's own right corner. Which means, it is to the observer's left.

Why can't red show on a folded flag?

The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. It is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member.

Can you fly two American flags on the same pole?

What order should they be in? N.B.: You may never place two national flags on a single pole, as they must be at the same height and the approximate same size. N.B.: You may never place a company or advertisement flag on the same pole as the US flag. In military use, no more than two flags may be on a single pole.

Why are flags backwards on police uniforms?

If the US flag is seen on the right arm with the blue corner on the left it portrays retreat. When it's on the right arm and the blue square is on the right it portrays attack or offense and continuing to move forward. If it's on your right arm where the blue on the right (looks backward).