Portable flagpoles are a must for outdoor advertisers

Portable flagpoles are an ideal product for every outdoor exhibition, retail site or car forecourt requiring that little extra something. Flags and Flagpoles, part of the One Stop Promotions group have a wide range to choose from but are excited about the launch of the most recent addition to our flagpole range, the AdFlag. This is a smaller telescopic flagpole extending up to approximately 3 metres. It comes complete with a water fillable plastic base and can fly a flag of 60cm x 175cm. The whole unit is the cheapest portable flagpole available and offers fantastic value for money. One of these poles complete with a flag is just £85 reducing to £65 for larger quantities. We have many smaller garden centres and farm shops placing these at the front of their premises to attract the passing trade. We have Estate agents using them for auctions in the car parks of the pub where their property auctions are held as a visible easy way of advertising their presence. Estate agents are also using them to put outside of properties having open days. The usual trade shows and outdoor events where space is more limited is ideal for this product. One Stop Promotions are continually looking to introduce new products to further their product portfolio and are proud to launch the new AdFlag. The verstaility and portability of this new product make it such a hit.

Flag Etiquette

There are no international regulations governing flag etiquette. Some of the general guidelines are detailed below:

• Display the flag only between sunrise and sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs. The flag may be displayed for twenty-four hours if illuminated in the darkness.

• Do not display the flag in inclement weather.

• Do not let the flag touch the ground.

• The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

• Before flying a flag at half, hoist to its peak for an instant before lowering it.

• The flag needs to be positioned 1/3^rd of the way down the pole not halfway. Similarly, when lowering the flag it should again be hoisted to the top of the flagpole then reverently lowered to the ground.

• If more than one flag is flown they should all be raised at half-mast or not flown at all. Flags of foreign nations should not be flown unless their country is observing morning.

• As a sign of mourning the flags on flagpoles should be flown at half mast. A black ribbon is attached to flags hoisted on shorter outrigger staffs, and a black cravat to military parade flags.

• It is not good practice to fly two flags on the same halyard. This signifies the top flag has captured the lower flag.

• The national flag should not be displayed in a position inferior to any other flag. It must be flown on the highest flagpole (senior flagpole).

• If displaying more than one flag, the national flag of the country should be hoisted first and taken down last at the end of the day.

• A guide to the order of precedence of more than one flag in the UK is as follows:

• Union flag
• Any other national flag
• Flag of Europe
• Flag of England/Scotland/Wales
• Regional/City/Council/County flag
• Corporate/House/Club/School/Organisation flag

• When flown with other national flags, all flags should be flown on separate flag poles of the same height. The other national flags should be flown in alphabetical order according to the official language of the country.

• When two flags are displayed the national flag should be on the left of the observer, facing the staff. If the National flag is crossed with another flag, its staff should be in front of the other flag.

• When three flags are flown the national flag should be flown on the centre flagpole.

• When four flags are flown the national flag should be on the observers left.

• When five flags are flown or more a national flag should be placed at each end of the line.

• In a semi circle arrangement of flagpoles the national flag should be in the centre.

• In an enclosed circle, the national flag should be centred and flown immediately opposite the main entrance of the building, or if placed externally should be flown next to the entrance of the main building. The order of the flags should be clockwise in alphabetical order, either in official language of the country or in English.

• A flag used as a coffin drape should be placed so that the hoist is at the head and top edge is over the left shoulder.

• When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle, the canton should be placed at the peak of the staff.

• When a flag is displayed from a staff on a speaker’s platform, it should be on the speaker’s right as he faces the audience.

• A flag carried in a procession should be free flying, if a national flag it should be the first in the procession. If carried in line with other flags it should placed on the right hand side facing the direction of movement. However, if it is carried with two or more flags it should be placed in the centre, or, two national flags should be placed at the end of the line.

Getting the most out of your flag

Life expectancy of a flag
The life expectancy of a flag is impossible to predict, as it is entirely dependent on the climatic conditions and hours of flying. We would advise that since most flags are either an act of courtesy (national flags) or advertising (company logos it is best to have them in top condition by changing them regularly. Flags are an inexpensive and highly visible means to advertise your company.

Wind and Rain
In winds exceeding 30mph flags should be taken down. Remember that if it is windy at ground level it is much worse at the top of the flagstaffs. Heavy rain will increase the weight of the flag which will cause unecessary wear, especially in high winds. The dyes used in our manufacturing process are all tested for UV stability however salt and direct sunlight an have an adverse effect on colour.

Damage
Damage to flags is often caused by objects that the flag beats against in the wind or by old style wooden flagstaffs which do not have a smooth finish. To reduce the risk of damage, ensure that the halyard is taut at all times, and that there is no risk of the flag snagging.

Washing and repair
Air pollution will cause white flags to become grey over time. Flags can be washed in a normal household washing machine set at a 40 degree wash with normal detergents. Avoid the use of soad or bleaching alkali. If the flag starts fraying it can sometimes be trimmed back and re-hemmed.

Storage
Never store your flag when wet, always hang it up and allow it to dry fully before storage. When storing flags, keep them in a dry and ventilated place.