Guide to Highway Flares
Introduction: What Are Emergency Flares?
An Emergency Flare is a general term used to describe devices such as Highway Flares, Road Flares, and Safety Flares. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they all refer to the same category of devices: flares designed to enhance visibility and ensure safety during roadside emergencies. Highway flares are essential tools for managing traffic, alerting motorists to hazards, and protecting responders and stranded vehicles. At Traffic Safety Store, we proudly offer Orion Safety brand flares, the industry leader in flare manufacturing. Orion flares are trusted for their reliability, effectiveness, and ease of use in critical situations.Proper Storage and Handling of Highway Flares
The following storage and handling guidelines are based on expert recommendations from Orion Safety Products:Storage Guidelines
- Store flares in a sealed bag to protect them from moisture. Damp or humid conditions can degrade performance.
- Maintain storage temperatures between 40°F and 90°F. Avoid exposure to temperatures above 120°F for prolonged periods.
- While flares have no expiration date, periodic inspection is recommended to ensure optimal performance.
Handling Safety
- Keep flares away from children and flammable materials.
- Always wear eye protection and avoid inhaling flare smoke.
- Handle with care to prevent accidental ignition.
Why You Should Use Emergency Flares
According to Orion Safety Products, highway flares are the universally understood emergency distress signal that communicates the need for caution and immediate attention. Here’s why they stand out:- Create a visible “safety zone” equivalent to a police car with an activated light bar.
- Channel traffic around obstructions and illuminate surrounding roadway elements.
- Bright, flickering glow is visible at great distances without distracting drivers.
- Self-consuming design eliminates the need for retrieval after use.
- Effective in all environmental conditions, including fog, snow, and rain.
Why Emergency Flares Are Better Than Alternatives
Compared to Strobes and LEDs
- Not battery-dependent, avoiding environmental and cost implications.
- Brighter and less prone to theft or breakage.
- Self-consuming, eliminating the need for retrieval after use.
Compared to Chemical Lightsticks
- Provide insufficient brightness and are ineffective during daylight.
- Weather-dependent with reduced performance in extreme temperatures.
- Lack the universal recognition of flares as an emergency signal.
How to Use Highway Flares Safely
- Initial Deployment: Light the first flare at least 20 feet (8 paces) behind your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic.
- Additional Flares: Light a second flare and place it 40 feet (16 paces) behind the first. For two-lane roads, place a third flare 15 feet in front of your vehicle to warn oncoming traffic.
- Extended Emergencies: Stack flares to increase burn time. Place a lit flare on the ground and position another unlit flare on the non-burning end to extend duration.
- Post-Use: Allow flares to burn out completely. If extinguishing is necessary, tap the burning end on the pavement to separate the flame front.
Our Highway Flare Product Offerings
- Orion 30-Minute Road Flares – Case of 36: Ideal for intermediate roadside emergencies with extended visibility.
- Orion 15-Minute Road Flares – Case of 36: A cost-effective solution for quick incidents.
- Orion Road Flare Kits: Comprehensive kits for versatile emergency preparedness.
Order Your Orion Flares Today
Be prepared for any roadside emergency with Orion Safety flares from Traffic Safety Store. Explore our full selection of road flares and take the first step in protecting yourself and others on the road.
Case (36) 30-Minute Road Flares
Case (36) 30-Minute Road Flares
Quick Facts:
- Case contains 36 Orion flares
- Waxed Flare w/Plastic Cap
- 30 Minute Burn Time - Non Perchlorate Formula
- Choose with or without Wire Stand
Please note:
Due to US Department of Transportation HAZMAT shipping restrictions, road flares are not returnable.
Individually Wrapped Orion 30-Minute Road Flares
Individually Wrapped Orion 30-Minute Road Flares
Quick Facts:
- Exact same flares as Orion 0730 simply individually bagged so no HAZMAT shipping surcharges apply
- Case contains 36 Orion flares
- Waxed Flare w/Plastic Cap
- 30 Minute Burn Time - Non Perchlorate Formula
- No Spike & No Wire Stand, simply lays flat