What should you do when a flare has expired?

What should you do when a flare has expired?

• A. Replace expired gear; keep track of expiration dates; inspect other gear as per manufacturer.
• B. Use expired flares in practice exercises.
• C. Discard without replacement.
• D. Use only during the next season.

Answer: (A)

Expired signaling devices lose reliability, so you should replace expired gear to ensure you can signal effectively if needed. Keeping track of expiration dates helps you stay prepared and ensures items are replaced before they fail. Inspecting the rest of your gear per the manufacturer's guidance catches moisture, corrosion, or other damage, making sure all safety equipment is ready for use. Using expired flares risks failure when you need them, and discarding without replacement or waiting until next season leaves you unprotected.