TIPS on safe and effective flare use

 Never light flares in the presence of spilled flammables or where there are fumes emitting from the vehicle.

 Light the first flare, placing it at least 10 feet behind the vehicle. Normal rain and wind will not affect the flares' performance, but be sure not to immerse flame in a puddle of water.

 Light the second flare, then walk with it, holding the flare away from your body, to a spot some 300 feet behind the vehicle. Place flare on ground. (Carrying the lit flare will help protect you from oncoming traffic.)

 If on a two lane road, place a third flare at least 10 feet in front of the vehicle, to warn traffic passing in the opposite direction - or keep the third flare as a spare in case you are stalled for more than 15 minutes.

 For longer emergencies, flares may be stacked to provide additional warning time. Place lighted flare on the ground, then uncap the second flare and place it on the non-burning end of the first flare to form an "L". The second flare will light automatically as the first flare burns down to provide a full 30 minutes of protection. Additional flares should be carried to provide for long term emergencies.

 Before leaving the scene, make sure that lit flares have burned completely. If not and the remaining flare length permits, extinguish them by tapping the burning end on the pavement, separating the burning portion from the rest of the flare. Never extinguish by stepping on the flare.