During spring commissioning, I realize I need to replace many of my old and expired flares. How do you get rid of them? I have lots.
Old expired flares
- Thread starter ltinsay
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Ignite them
You don't want to just put them in the trash--for several reasons. You could take them to a hazardous disposal place, but that's a waste of money. Best thing is to just shoot them into a gravel pit or somehwere like that. They're likely still live, but maybe a little less oomph.
You don't want to just put them in the trash--for several reasons. You could take them to a hazardous disposal place, but that's a waste of money. Best thing is to just shoot them into a gravel pit or somehwere like that. They're likely still live, but maybe a little less oomph.
I keep mine
I make sure I have what I need to be legal and keep the rest onboard as well. A few extra flares never hurts. As mentioned they may not work as well, but it never hurts to have extras...
I make sure I have what I need to be legal and keep the rest onboard as well. A few extra flares never hurts. As mentioned they may not work as well, but it never hurts to have extras...
John
David, I always believed it was illegal to have expired flares on board even though you have new ones which are not expired. I guess the thought is that you might grab the wrong one in a panic. I personally ignite my old ones in my back load is a safe fashion. Just a thought John s/v Lady K
David, I always believed it was illegal to have expired flares on board even though you have new ones which are not expired. I guess the thought is that you might grab the wrong one in a panic. I personally ignite my old ones in my back load is a safe fashion. Just a thought John s/v Lady K
Why would it be illegal?
I keep them in a separate bag...in an emergency I'm gonna use anything I can get my hands on...expired or not.
I keep them in a separate bag...in an emergency I'm gonna use anything I can get my hands on...expired or not.
It is Not Ileagal to Have Them Aboard
So long as you have current ones to meet the requirement. Some groups also sponser a "Flare Day" it gives folks a chance to get some training and to use up expired flares at the same time. Check with the folks I mentioned before.
So long as you have current ones to meet the requirement. Some groups also sponser a "Flare Day" it gives folks a chance to get some training and to use up expired flares at the same time. Check with the folks I mentioned before.
Flairs
I bow to the knowledge of this board. At least, until I hear opposite. I will keep my expired ones near at hand as well in the future. Live and learn. Tks John s/v Lady K
I bow to the knowledge of this board. At least, until I hear opposite. I will keep my expired ones near at hand as well in the future. Live and learn. Tks John s/v Lady K
Though my Power Squadron
class was questionable about flare guns in Canada, as long as your minimum requirement of currently dated flares is met, all other outdated flares are just added safety if they fire. The Power Squadron class said to fire the expired flares first if it is a minor emergency. Of course,if you are in a dire situation, I would use the good stuff first.
r.w.landau
class was questionable about flare guns in Canada, as long as your minimum requirement of currently dated flares is met, all other outdated flares are just added safety if they fire. The Power Squadron class said to fire the expired flares first if it is a minor emergency. Of course,if you are in a dire situation, I would use the good stuff first.
r.w.landauMy Experience
I bought a boat with some old stuff on board and decided to see how it held up after the expiration date: 12ga flares fired but did not ignite Small smoke cans; 50% ignition glostick life jacket lights; Worked great lit for over 24 hours. All of this stuff was 4-5 years beyond the exp. date
I bought a boat with some old stuff on board and decided to see how it held up after the expiration date: 12ga flares fired but did not ignite Small smoke cans; 50% ignition glostick life jacket lights; Worked great lit for over 24 hours. All of this stuff was 4-5 years beyond the exp. date
I went to a flare day last year. It's a great
cause. (safety) The organizers call the Coast Guard in advance. And the local fire department wasn't a factor unless you take into account that they sponsored it. And 911 wasn't a factor. My wife was running the place. Result? Good practice for all. Oh, old flares are legal aboard as long as you have current ones.
cause. (safety) The organizers call the Coast Guard in advance. And the local fire department wasn't a factor unless you take into account that they sponsored it. And 911 wasn't a factor. My wife was running the place. Result? Good practice for all. Oh, old flares are legal aboard as long as you have current ones.
I use them
We are allowed to burn yard waste, after calling to get a permit, I use old flares to start the dry brush fires. I had some from the 1970's that lighted with ease, and, they were on a boat all that time! Keep the flares on board, as spares, separate from the legal ones.
We are allowed to burn yard waste, after calling to get a permit, I use old flares to start the dry brush fires. I had some from the 1970's that lighted with ease, and, they were on a boat all that time! Keep the flares on board, as spares, separate from the legal ones.
Fourth of July
It is surprising that flares aren't nearly as bright as the rockets everyone else is firing. It is also good practice and a reality check on the visabilty of our flares. Tom
It is surprising that flares aren't nearly as bright as the rockets everyone else is firing. It is also good practice and a reality check on the visabilty of our flares. Tom
Local household hazwaste dropoff
Check with your county or municipal public works or solid waste department. Some local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs take old flares and ammunition. Our program here takes them. Marc_B
Check with your county or municipal public works or solid waste department. Some local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs take old flares and ammunition. Our program here takes them. Marc_B
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