The U.S. Flag Code is a collection of rules designated by the federal government. They’re designed to foster a culture of respect surrounding the American flag. These rules are an essential aspect of keeping our flags safe. Without ways to regulate our flags, we’d be more apt to treat them disrespectfully. Because of this, the government created a code of conduct in the form of these codes that give us that. However, have you considered the ins and outs of inclement weather related to the Flag Code? Read on to find out.
What’s the Purpose of the Code?
As stated earlier, the Flag Code regulates how we treat the flag. Regarding how we should treat the flag in inclement weather, the government recommends that we don’t fly it at all and lower it until the weather clears up. Inclement weather includes heavy rain and winds, hail, and thunderstorms. That said, why is this important on a functional level? What can inclement weather do to a flag? We’ve dived into that below as we continue to explore the ins and outs of the Flag Code for inclement weather.
What Can Inclement Weather Do to a Flag?
Inclement weather can tear a low-quality flag apart. Heavy rain, snow, and wind can cause debris to fly into the flag, making it dirty. Even worse, it can rip a flag from the flagpole, making it crumble to the ground. This is a huge faux pas, and while it won’t exactly get you thrown in prison, it’s considered incredibly disrespectful. One of the many ways you can mitigate this problem is by following the Flag Code and taking care of your flags.
What Should You Do?
Following the Flag Code is the easiest way to prevent your flag from blowing away or becoming dirty. You’re supposed to lower your flag if you know inclement weather is coming or take it off the pole entirely if the weather is too severe.
Another way you can keep your flag in tip-top shape is to invest in high-quality flags. Flags made of lesser quality or ones with cheaper fabrics aren’t ideal for flying outdoors. For instance, avoid using silk, synthetic, or plastic flags. Flags made from strong materials are suitable for outdoor use. If you follow these flag-flying tips, you’ll be well on your way to properly respecting your flag and flying it high.