How to Make Homemade Signal Flares

A signal flare is a lighted rocket or smoke flare that alerts someone to your presence. Since the early days of rocket design, military and civilian authorities have counted on smoke and burning-light flares to communicate and save lives. Commercial and military units vary in size and functionality. Smaller units are now readily available for campers and hikers. Since many people prefer to make their own camping and hiking supplies, there is a general interest in both smoke and color-burning flares. While DIY projects to build mercuric oxide-based burning-light flares are prohibited, smoke flares can be easily produced.

Things You'll Need

  • Potassium nitrate
  • Powdered sugar
  • Mason jar or shake tumbler
  • Propane camp stove
  • Heavy steel skillet
  • Safety goggles
  • Gloves
  • Cap
  • Wood strike-anywhere matches
  • Tissue paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 3/4 cup potassium nitrate in a shakable container or jar. Shake and turn the container to allow the material to be thoroughly mixed.

    • 2

      Light a propane camp stove in a safe, outdoor location. Crank the flame down to a low level. Most propane stoves will produce a 1/4-inch high flame at this level.

    • 3

      Place the flare mixture in a heavy skillet and heat it slowly. Stir the mixture constantly. As the flare gum heats it will take on the consistency of melted plastic or chewed gum. Once the material gets to a consistency that allows it to be rolled over in the skillet, it is done.

    • 4

      Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 30 minutes.

    • 5

      Shape the cooled flare material into a long, rectangular bar. Insert three matches -- wood-end first -- into one end of the flare. Push them in until the base of the match head is touching the material.

    • 6

      Wrap the flare in tissue paper and provide a 2-inch long paper end. Twist the end of the paper and put the flare in a self-seal plastic bag.