Being stranded on the side of the road is dangerous enough. Without proper warning devices, you're invisible to oncoming traffic - especially at night or in poor weather. Orion Safety Products is the most trusted name in emergency flares, and for good reason.
Why Flares Still Matter in 2026
With all the digital safety technology in modern vehicles, it's easy to assume flares are obsolete. They're not. A burning road flare is visible from over a mile away in any weather condition - fog, rain, snow, or bright sunlight. No battery to die, no app to crash, no signal required. For roadside emergencies, flares remain the most reliable warning device available.
Orion Safety Product Lines
Orion Road Flares (Classic)
The standard Orion road flare burns for 15-30 minutes with a brilliant red/orange flame visible from over a mile. Made from a perchlorate-free formula since 2010 - safer for the environment without sacrificing performance.
- 3-pack: Minimum recommended kit for one roadside incident
- 6-pack: Better coverage - place flares at 50-100 ft intervals behind your vehicle
- Burn time: 15 minutes (standard) or 30 minutes (extended)
- Visible distance: Up to 1 mile
How to use: Remove end cap, use cap to strike ignitor (like a match), point away from face and body. Place on road surface - never hold a burning flare.
Orion LED Road Flares
Reusable electronic alternative to traditional flares. No open flame, no smoke, no disposal concerns. Magnetic base sticks to any metal surface. Multiple flash patterns including steady, slow flash, and SOS.
- Runtime: Up to 40 hours per charge
- Visible distance: Up to 1/4 mile (less than traditional flares)
- Best for: frequent travelers, commercial drivers, anyone who prefers reusable safety equipment
- Note: Not a substitute for traditional flares in extreme visibility conditions (heavy fog, blizzard)
Orion Marine Flares
USCG-required safety equipment for vessels operating beyond 2 miles from shore. Orion makes the complete range of USCG-approved marine pyrotechnics:
- Handheld flares: Red, burns 60 seconds, visible 3+ miles at sea level
- Aerial flares (parachute): Reaches 1,000 ft, burns 40 seconds, visible 30+ miles
- Smoke signals: Orange smoke for daytime distress signaling
- Combination kits: USCG-approved kits with the required mix of day/night signals
USCG Requirements: Vessels under 16 ft must carry 3 USCG-approved visual distress signals. Vessels 16 ft+ must carry devices that work both day and night.
Building a Proper Emergency Kit
A complete roadside emergency kit should include:
- 3-6 road flares - minimum 3 for one incident, 6 for full coverage
- Reflective triangles - backup to flares, reusable, required for commercial vehicles
- LED flare - for longer duration warning while waiting for help
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables or jump starter
- Flashlight with extra batteries
Flare Safety and Legal Notes
- Place flares behind your vehicle, at 50-100 ft intervals, not alongside it
- Never place flares near gasoline, oil, or vegetation
- Flares are considered hazardous materials - store in a cool, dry location away from heat sources
- Check expiration dates - Orion flares are typically rated for 4 years
- Some states restrict use of road flares near wildfires - check local regulations
- Marine flares expire after 42 months - USCG requires current (unexpired) devices
Shop Orion Safety Flares
We carry Orion road flares, LED flares, marine flare kits, and complete emergency kits. Be prepared before you need it.
