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How To Participate In The Flag Program

Participating in ADEQ's Flag Program is easy:

Step 1: Get Your Flags — Upon approval from your organization to participate, contact the Flag Program Coordinator at ADEQ to register and request flags. You will receive four flags (green, yellow, orange and red), along with educational materials and training, at no cost.

Step 2:  Educate and Inform — Choose a date to begin flying your flags, and inform students, staff, contractors and the community of the date. Train facility personnel about the Air Quality Index, the Flag Program and actions to take on days when air quality is unhealhty, so they can help administer the program, and make announcements to the community through newsletters, emails, flyers and other communication routes. You can also notify members of the larger community through a local newspaper, newsletter or radio station. 

Flag colors and recommended activities | View >

Step 3: Plan a Daily Process — Work with staff to designate roles and responsibilities each day. According to the schedule you set, assign someone at your facility to check the daily air quality forecast and to raise the corresponding color flag that shows the current day’s Air Quality Index (AQI) color in a visible spot | Learn More About AQI >

To access ADEQ's air quality forecasts:

  • View today's air quality forecast for your area | View >
  • Sign up to receive air quality forecasts | Subscribe >
  • Download air quality smartphone apps for your county (available in iTunes and Google Play) | Maricopa > | Santa Cruz > | Yuma >

Step 4: Fly Your Flag — Each day, raise the current AQI color flag in a visible spot and follow guidance to help keep your community healthy.