Fly flags safely
Be patriotic and proactive
INDEPENDENCE DAY is a good time to revisit flagpole safety. Show your patriotism this season by treating the American flag with respect and by observing both national codes and safety guidelines.
Flagpole safety
Being patriotic is important, but so is being safe when working with flagpoles. Whether you are installing a fiberglass or a metal flagpole, follow these tips to be safe:
Check local regulations and building codes before installing a flagpole and call 811 before digging.
Be overly cautious when working around power lines. Maintain at least a 20-foot clearance around power lines and any nearby trees. Consider both the flagpole length and the flag size for the 20-foot clearance.
If a pole comes in contact with a power line, serious injury or death can occur to anyone holding the pole or standing nearby.
Any object touching an overhead power line could serve as a conduit for the electricity should it reach the ground, including humans.
Flag guidelines
The United States Flag Code is a federal law that establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag. Here are a few of the guidelines it lays out.
The flag is usually flown between sunrise and sunset. It’s a sign of respect to bring it inside at night. However, the flag can be flown overnight, as long as it’s illuminated during the hours of darkness.
The flag should never be used for advertising or used as a costume or athletic uniform. A flag patch, however, is appropriate for military, fire, police and patriotic organization uniforms. When a lapel flag pin is worn, it should be on the left lapel near the heart.
When a flag has become too worn to display, it should be disposed of “in a dignified way, preferably by burning,” according to the code. For additional guidelines, visit uscode.house.gov and search “U.S. Flag Code.”
