Should I take my flag down in high winds?

All-weather flags can be flown during rain, though they should be taken down in high winds. Never dip the flag for a person, another flag or a vessel. Don't let the flag touch the ground. However, the schoolyard myth that any American flag that touches the ground must be burned is false.
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At what wind speed should I take down my flag?

Flagpole safety advice recommends that flags should be removed, assuming it is safe to do so, when winds are expected to exceed 30 mph. In order to measure wind speed there is no need to have a specialised wind speed instrument.
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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.
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What does a flag do when its windy?

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.
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Do you take the American flag down in bad weather?

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."
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Bring Your Flags In When There Are High Winds



Is it OK to leave a flag out overnight?

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.
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Is it OK to leave a flag out in the rain?

Important Things to Remember

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.
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How much wind can a flag flagpole handle?

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.
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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.
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Should the American flag be flown at night?

Flying the Flag at Night

Traditionally, the flag should be flown only from sunrise to sunset. If, however, you're planning a Memorial Day celebration that will extend well into the evening, make sure your flag is properly illuminated. Just a few garden lights should do the trick.
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Should I take my American flag down in the 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.
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How do you weigh a flag down?

The most obvious solution is to weigh the flag down.
...
There are plenty of options for DIY flag weights, including:
  1. Shower curtain magnetic weights.
  2. Tablecloth weights.
  3. Fishing weights.
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Why do flags rip?

High winds, especially when accompanied by rain, will damage a flag. Take the flag down during storms if possible. Wind, in particular, causes a lot of damage to flags. Ripping occurs frequently.
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How do you stop a flag from blowing?

One of the ways to prevent your outdoor flags from being blown away is to use a rubber stopper (pictured below). Place the rubber stopper on the pole (close to the flag). It will keep the flag securely in its place. Remember, don't slide the stopper too close to the flag to avoid crumpling the flag material.
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Should a flagpole sway?

Flagpoles are made to sway, but a flagpole that bends can't be fixed. We use sand within the sleeve to allow the flagpole to have wiggle room. The flagpole is going to move, they are too tall and lean of structures not to have movement.
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Is a fiberglass flag pole better than aluminum?

Generally, fiberglass can handle a much higher wind load and is often used near high wind locations and near the ocean. Aluminum poles are more substantial looking metal poles, and are frequently used for commercial applications.
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Do I need to ground a flagpole?

No protection is needed for a television antenna or flagpole whose mast enters the earth. Both are automatically grounded, and lightning will simply travel down their length into the soil. But an antenna or other pole that does not contact the earth has to be linked to it by means of grounding equipment.
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What is a flagpole flash collar?

Flash collars are used to sit at the base of the flagpole to cover the hole where the flagpole sits. A finishing touch for your flagpole.
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What are 3 things one should never do out of respect to the flag?

Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don'ts:
  • Don't dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
  • Don't let the flag touch the ground.
  • Don't fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
  • Don't carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
  • Don't use the flag as clothing.
  • Don't store the flag where it can get dirty.
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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.
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What does no gold fringe on American flag mean?

Of course, if you look through the U.S. Flag Code – the federal law governing the display, maintenance and retirement of the American flag – you won't find any mention of gold fringe. Neither older versions of the U.S. Flag Code nor the current version mention anything about gold fringe.
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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).
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Can you bury an American flag with a person?

General American Flag Etiquette

A flag should not be lowered into a grave or touch the ground. A flag should never be used as a covering for a statue or monument. A flag should never be used in such a way that will allow it to be torn, dirtied or damaged.
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