Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares. They include the Orange Distress Flag and the Electric Distress Light. The distress flag is a day signal only. It must be at least 3 x 3 feet with a black square and ball on an orange background. It is most distinctive when attached and waved on a paddle, boathook, or flown from a mast.
All distress signals have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
No single device is ideal in all conditions or suitable for all purposes. Pyrotechnics are universally recognized as excellent distress signals. However, there is potential for injury and property damage if not properly handled. These devices produce a very hot flame and the residue can cause burns and ignite flammable material. Hand-held pyrotechnic devices, such as flares and smoke signals, may expel ash and slag as they burn.