During the many towing service stops or accident in Charlotte NC, we’ve seen a number of customers employ road flares near their stranded vehicle, we’ve also seen our fair share of people with serious burns from improper handling.  While they may be easy to light, a road flare functions like most pyrotechnics such as fireworks so a few safety precautions should be adhered to when using them.

With safety in mind, below are the five steps to follow that will ensure the safe and proper use of road flares during an accident.

Road Flares For Roadside Assistance

Also referred to as freeway flares, fusees, or ground flares – road flare are used in a number of applications where signaling is important.  For road emergency situations, they are used to indicate to other drivers that they are incapacitated, and emit an extremely bright light that makes the accident scene visible especially during instances of low visibility or during the night.   The most common type of road flares can burn burn for over 30 minutes at temperature exceeding 2500 degree F.    They are a common addition to most roadside emergency kits though they can also be bought separately.

1. Find The Right Location

The ideal place to put up a road flare is on a flat surface on the ground that has does not have things that may obstruct the light or be set ablaze fire by the flare. Do not place the fusee next to the car, take around a hundred steps from the scene of the accident.

2. Remove The Cap

Check both ends of the flare to see which has a cap, that side covers the rough striking surface that ignites the fusee. The cap may have a flat or raised side that will keep the flare to rolling when placed on the ground.

3. Light The Flare

Stand parallel to the wind with one shoulder (with the hand that is not holding the flare) facing the wind and other. Hold the fusee at the middle and then strike it onto the ground (road or pavement) using the other hand as you would when lighting up a match; ensure the motion is away from your body. The flare will have a few sprays before it lights up, so hold it firmly away from your body to avoid injuries.

4. Position The Flare

Place the cap on the unlit end of the stick to use it as a support when you put the flare on the surface with the flame pointing downwards. Do not do this with haste, take your time to ensure the flare is secure.

5. Extinguish Flames

Remember to put out any flare that is still burning once you are ready to leave the accident scene. Do thing of smothering it or using water or liquids to douse the flame. Pick up the stick and tap it against the road to break off the burning part and it will die out.

Need a Roadside Assistance?  Call Top Dogz Towing Service

Roadside assistance is a wonderful service when you need it, and some breakdowns are simply unpredictable, but it is far better to remain prepared for emergencies by doing everything you possibly can to keep your car in top working order so the chance of the breakdown is reduced or prevented.

If you do happen to need emergency road service why not call the best? Top Dogz Towing Company in Charlotte NC offers comprehensive, professional roadside assistance services available 24 hours a day – every day. And because we’re centrally located in Charlotte, we can guarantee our arrival at your location within 30 minutes of your call or sooner.

Whether you’re in need of jump-start assistance, lockout services, or you’ve been involved in an accident and need a flatbed tow truck, you will always receive best-in-class service from Top Dogz Towing.

Simply give us a call at 704-774-8669 and one of our knowledgeable towing service reps will be ready to assist you.