The best way to show your patriotic side is with a flag pole that displays the American flag. Though you might think that only schools and government buildings use flag poles, they come in sizes that are perfect for homes. Not only can you display the country flag, but you can choose one that has room for your state’s flag or one that shows your favorite organization or event. When you choose the right size, you can rest assured that it will work in your yard. Think about some of the other safety tips to consider before you install a home flag pole.
Pick the Right Spot
Before you install a flagpole, you need to pick the right spot. The experts at The Home Depot recommend that you check local zoning codes as many cities only allow poles a certain distance from your home.
You might place it close to your front door or near the edge of your lawn where everyone can see it. The right spot is out of the way and won’t block light from reaching your home. You want to make sure that it won’t crash into your house during a storm either.
Consider the Size
One of the best things about picking out a new flag pole is that you can pick any size you want. You might go all out with a huge pole that would look right at home outside of the White House or a smaller one that you can use by your driveway.
Make sure that you pick a size that is suitable for your city or neighborhood, too. If you buy one that is too large, it might distract people driving by and cause accidents. A larger pole is also a safety hazard because it can blow the flag against your home and whip it through one of your windows.
Anchor the Pole
Once you know the pole size you need, you need to find a way to anchor it to the ground. Concrete is the most popular option because you can mix dry concrete with water yourself. You need to use a shovel or a post digger to remove a minimum of two feet of dirt.
The diameter of this hole must be at least twice as large as the pole’s diameter. If you use concrete, mix it and pour a small amount into the bottom. You will then insert the flag and add more concrete to fill the areas around the sides. It’s helpful to make sure that the pole is level before the concrete dries.
Remove the Flag as Needed
Do you hate the idea of hanging your flag every morning and taking it down every night? With the right pole, you can display the flag all day and every day. When the weather is rough though, you should take the time to remove the flag.
This is much easier when you have the best telescopic flag pole because you can quickly raise and lower the flag. A telescopic pole is also a good idea if you have a bad back or physical issues that worsen with regular activity.
Install an Anti-Theft Device
When you display a flag outside, you probably expect others to respect it as much as you do. Not everyone respects the nation’s flag as much as others do. You also risk people trying to steal or damage any other flags you hang from the pole because they don’t agree with your opinions or lifestyle.
An anti-theft device will prevent anyone from reaching your flag. You can choose a device that locks the winch that pulls the flag up and down. Many of these devices are quite small and fit right on the side of the pole.
Another option is a removable winch. You can remove the winch after putting the flag up to prevent others from getting to it. Keep in mind that people trying to steal or vandalize your flag may damage the pole, too.
Bottom Line
You can display the American flag outside on the Fourth of July and other holidays with the right flag pole. Before you make it a permanent addition to your lawn though, make sure you know how to keep it safe with tips such as anchoring the pole and using an anti-theft device.
