Winter Weather and the American Flag: Proper Care and Storage Tips

As your American flag flies all year long, it’s important to acknowledge that your flag needs more care when winter weather rolls around. This season put flags at a much higher risk of damage. High winds, freezing temperatures, and increased precipitation can all pose major threats to those stars and stripes, so you need to take extra measures to ensure that your flag makes it safely through to the spring. 

To help you do that, we’ve compiled the following set of tips regarding proper flag care and storage over the winter:

Know When to Bring Your Flag Once Winter Starts

Sometimes, your best option is to bring your flag into a warm, safe place when you expect severe weather. Even the finest flags are at risk when the forecast calls for high winds and icy conditions, but once the rough weather has passed, it can go right back to flying high on your flagpole.

Keep Your Flag Clean

Even before the weather gets unforgiving, it may be best to bring your flag inside and give it a thorough cleaning. Use warm water and a mild detergent, then lay it out to dry. Doing so will go a long way toward protecting your flag throughout the entire season.

Swap It for a Smaller One

Whipping winds can do a number on your beautiful flag, and even though they’re something you don’t have any control over, there is a way to mitigate the wear and tear regardless. 

Swap your flag out for a smaller one, and it should be able to handle those winds with greater ease, in addition to relieving some strain on your flagpole. You can also opt for a polyester flag during the winter season, as the material is tougher and more wind-resistant.

Keep an Eye on It

The simplest way to protect your flag during the winter months is to simply remain aware of its condition at all times. If it is beginning to wear down, then leaving it out in the cold and windy weather can trigger a snowball effect (no pun intended) that leads to more rapid deterioration. Bring your flag in for a quick repair, and it’ll be much safer to continue flying until the springtime rolls back around.    

Protect Your American Flag in Winter Weather

If you’d like to know more about keeping your flag safe throughout the winter season, contact Elmer’s Flag & Banner today.