Half-Mast Etiquette

[DebbieP]

When should a governement agency fly the flag at half-mast? Who is authorized to determine when a flag should be flown at half-mast? What events are authorized to fly the flag at half-mast?

If a governement agency flys the flag at half-mast, are they required to post a notice of why it is being flown at half-mast?

Is there an official code/standard that provides proper procedures for flying the flag at half-mast?

A lot of questions, I know. However, I work for a government agency and answer the phones, without the knowledge of why the flag in front of our building is being flown at half-mast on many occasions.

Thank you,
Debbie

[NAVA1974]

The United States Flag Code dictates when the President my direct flags to be half staffed. For civilian agencies, the General Services Administration is the one who is supposed to spread the word, at least that is how it works here in D.C.