How to Send a Distress Signal With the American Flag
- 1). Take an American flag down from its normal display location.
- 2). Flip the flag upside down, so that the stars are at the bottom left-hand corner of the flag.
- 3). Find a spot most visible to the public, such as a window. boat mast or flag pole.
- 4). Use the haylard rope to raise the flag, upside down, on a flagpole if you are using one.
- 5). Secure or hold the flag upside down at any other highly-visible location for your distress signal. If you have an emergency at sea, wave the flag vigorously when you see other vessels or aircraft. If your home is flooded, hang the flag in a visible location for rescuers. If your vehicle is broken down, hang the flag from your radio antenna.
Source...