American flags are displayed all across our country at home, at work and in prominent public locations. It is amazing to see however, how many people are unaware of the basic rules of flag display and etiquette. Although it is a symbol of our country and it means something to each citizen, that doesn't mean we aren't responsible for following the Flag Code.
Here are some basic guidelines for the people of America to follow as they display their own American flags with pride!
Flag Display In Your Town or In Public Places
Over The Middle of the Street:
If your flag display is in the middle of a street, square or green, the compass dictates your flag display. For instance, the American flag should be hung vertically with the stars, or the "Union," to the east in a north/south street or direction and north in an east/west street or direction.
Displaying a Flag in an Auditorium of Church:
When creating a flag display in a public space, like an auditorium, meeting house or church, the general rule of thumb is to ensure that the American flag is placed in a prominent location at the front of the space. It should also be to the right of the podium or location from where the speaker is to present. Any other flags can be placed to the left of the American flag, or more appropriately, to the left of the speaker or podium.
Flag Display at Home
Displaying a Flag from a Home or Porch at the Edge of a Sidewalk:
Many people have a flag pole extending from the front of their home. If your flag pole extends over a sidewalk, there is a specific guideline for US flag display. Essentially, the flag should be raised stars, or "Union," first so that the stars sit at the peak of the flag pole.
Displaying a Flag from a Home or Porch Horizontally at an Angle from a Window:
If your flag pole extends at an angle from a higher level of your home, like a window, or balcony, again, the "Union" portion of the flag should be raised first so that it flies at the peak of your flag pole.
Flags on Flagpoles:
Displaying Multiple Flags:
Here is a simple guide to flag order for National, State, Territory and Military flags. First, the general correct order is National - State - Territory - Military.
National flags should be displayed in alphabetical order with the US Flag first within the United States and in its territories, etc.
State flags should be flown with the "host" state first and all other states in order of their admission into the Union.
Military flags should be displayed in conjunction with their establishment: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and then other groups.
From the Same Flag Pole:
If you are flying several flags from the same flagpole and your display includes the USA Flag, it should always be at the topmost position.
From Multiple Adjacent Flagpoles:
If you are flying several flags from multiple flagpoles that are positioned in an adjacent manner, the US flag should be raised first and lowered last from the flagpole. If you have adjacent flagpoles, no flag should be flying to the right of the US Flag.
From a Circle or Grouping of Flagpoles:
If you have a circular grouping of flagpoles, then the American flag should be placed in a central position and it should fly at the highest point of all of the flags being flown.
Displaying Flags from Multiple Nations:
If you are flying the flags of more than one country or nation, the flags should be of equivalent size and they should be displayed on separate flagpoles at the same height. According to proper flag etiquette, in peacetime you may not fly the flag of one country above that of another.
Flag Display in Special Circumstances:
Displaying the Flag at Half Mast:
You may only display the flag at half mast when the President or the Governor decrees it and on Memorial Day until Noon. When you do need to fly the flag at half mast, you should raise it completely and then lower it to the mid-point of the flagpole. At sundown, you should repeat this procedure. If you are flying several flags on the same flag pols, the American flag should be at the mid point of the flagpole and the other flags should be below it.
Using a Flag to Cover a Casket:
The American flag is used frequently in funeral processions as a sign of respect. If you are planning to use the US flag to cover a casket, the "Union", should be placed at the head of the casket and over the left shoulder. The flag should be removed prior to burial and folded properly.
Flag Display, Not from a Flagpole:
The American flag should be displayed flat if it is not hanging unfurled and free from some sort of flag pole. The stars of the flag, or the Union, should always appear to be at the top left to the viewer. If you want to display the flag in a window, these rules still apply. If you are decorating a space with banners, festoons, fans or rosettes you can use red, white and blue bunting but never the actual USA flag.
Displaying the Flag in a Parade or March:
The US flag should always be in a place of prominence among other flags in a parade or March. If you are carrying the flag in a parade or a march, the US Flag should be marching on the right side (the flag's own right) or if you have a line of flags, it should lead the procession in the front of the center.
With this simple guide, you should have no problems displaying your American flag properly. Remember, as a symbol of our great country, the US Flag should be treated with respect and deference and should be displayed with pride and thoughtfulness.
About The Author:
If you own an American flag, the chances are you've had questions about how to properly display it. Use our US flag display guide to answer your questions about how to fly your US, State or Country flags the right way.
Hurricane Evacuation
For homeowners making the decision about whether or not to leave your home during a hurricane can be a difficult one. Once a hurricane has been announced most homeowners know what the proper precautions are. You should prepare you house the same way whether you are planning on leaving your home or riding the storm out. Follow the path of the storm and monitor the intensity your area should be expecting. Go through the local papers and find out what where your hurricane shelter is and what the evacuation procedures are. If you can't find the listings in the paper check the city listings in your local phone book. It is always a good idea to call ahead before there is the threat of a hurricane to ask questions about any special needs you might have. Elderly relatives, young children and pets are some areas that might require special attention.
As the storm rolls in follow the local and national news to find out if you should evacuate. If you are in a structurally sound home located inland often times you will not have to evacuate. If you are not ordered to evacuate and you feel confident in your home you should ride the storm out there. Evacuating when you don't have too causes more traffic and may overwhelm the local shelters. Make sure to store enough food to last two weeks and provide enough fresh drinking water to provide each person with three gallons. Make sure to bring any outdoor furniture or potted plants into the house and place in a secure location. Check to make sure that you have enough batteries for flashlights and a battery powered radio.
If you are asked to evacuate you should follow the advice above for preparing your house for the storm. Cover any windows with either plywood or storm shutters. Tape placed on window will not make them any more secure, it only helps to prevent shattering if the window is broken. Make arrangements for your pets before a storm is announced, and make sure to allow yourself enough time to get your pets to their shelter and then get your family to yours. Make sure to take any necessary medications for you and your family with you to the shelter.
About the Author:
Find out everything that you should know about hurricanes at http://my-hurricane-guide.info
What is a Storm Surge
Storm Surge is a phenomenon that occurs most often when a tropical cyclone, either a tropical storm or a hurricane pushes water onshore. The winds associated with these types of storms are remarkably fast and as they rush across the surface of the water they push the water forward causing it to rise above normal sea level. Also the center of these circular storms, the eye, is a low pressure area compared to the surrounding storm and this causes a second rise in sea lea called a pressure surge. This creates a front of waves and water that rush towards the shore and can flood and destroy coastal areas. The extent to which your area is going to be in danger depends on the strength of the storm and the topography of the ocean floor around your coastline.
The damage that a hurricane can inflict comes not only from the ferociously high winds but also from flooding and waves caused by these storm surges. Much of the reason that Hurricane Katrina was a deadly and caused as much damage as it did was because of massive flooding. In some coastal cities nearly 80% of the metropolitan areas were completely flooded. In New Orleans waves 15 feet above normal rushed over seawalls to flood the city. In the deadliest and most costly hurricanes in United States history the storm surge associated with the storm is how most lives are lost and the most damage caused.
The threat of a storm surge should be monitored as you track a hurricane in your area. If you are in an area that is considered close to sea level you should monitor your evacuation status. If you are ordered to evacuate proceed immediately to your local hurricane shelter. The storm surge can be just as deadly as the high winds brought on by the hurricanes.
About The Author:
Find out everything that you should know about hurricanes at http://my-hurricane-guide.info
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