faq

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, FF Manufacturing, Inc (owner and operator of Windsockusa.com) is the manufacturer of the Wind Tracker windsock. All of our products are made right here in the USA!

Learn More

Yes, FF Manufacturing, Inc (owner and operator of Windsockusa.com) is 889 compliant. Please contact our office at support@ffmanufacturing.com to request a copy of our Merchant 889 Representation documentation if needed.

Old style windsocks are designed primarily for airports. They cannot accurately detect wind below 8 miles per hour. This is a serious flaw in the design and creates a safety issue when used for tracking air contaminates.

The Wind Tracker Windsock solves this problem by being able to track wind movement below 1 mile per hour!

Yes, and helicopter pilots confirm that it is more visible, and detects the wind movement better than the old style windsock. The Wind Tracker Windsock System can even show wind shears, and erratic wind gusts.

For use by personnel on site the key factors are line of sight, and the primary location of a possible incident in relationship to the designated areas of reasonable safety. In other words, “Where did it happen, where am I going to go, and can I see the wind on the way’. One unit should be visible by workers when using an exit. The Wind Tracker can be seen up to 1/4 mile away but obstructions along the evacuation route may necessitate the need for one or more additional units.

For inbound traffic such as helicopters, and first responders one or two elevated units may be all that is required. They should be visible from the air taking into consideration the approach lanes, and the elevation of the inbound traffic.

Wind Tracker adheres to OSHA Compliant Colors. Our “Alert Orange” is widely used in most applications. Safety black & yellow is another choice along with our solid yellow. Please click below to see our complete list list of OSHA Compliant Colors.

Learn More

Yes, we offer our super strong telescoping fiberglass Wonder Pole. We have 3 sizes, 10′ 15′ and 20′ windsock poles. Call us for more information on the best choice for your application or visit our Wonder Pole page.

Yes you can. Choose the Wind Tracker 134 (Item# windtracker134).

This kit allows you to integrate our Wind Tracker Pivotal Harness and Directional Vane unto an existing pipe or pole.

Yes, the Wonder Pole will mount to structures, combined with our various mounting solutions. The telescoping fiberglass poles help eliminate the need to reach overhead to replace the sock making it safer for personal working above ground.

You get the industry standard 200 Denier all weather nylon windsock, two polyester 1000 pound test harness cords, and two pocket wind speed cards for your field personnel added safety. Made in the USA!

Learn More

Several factors will determine the longevity of any windsock. The geographical location, placement, application, and weather conditions to name a few.

The Wind Tracker Windsock is hand sewn using our Lock Stitch method, and the fly end is reinforced with 4 rows of patented Gore Tenara® thread. Our Wind Tracker Windsocks will last as long as or longer then any of the old style windsocks.

Yes, we realize that in some circumstances a customer may experience unusual wear. If you experience unusual wear, please contact us. We value every customer and will replace your Wind Tracker Windsock if this should occur.

We cannot guarantee wear and tear due to severe storms, excessive weather conditions, and some applications that stress the windsock system beyond reasonable use, but we will still offer you a prorated discount should this occur. Our guarantee is the best in the industry, and we know of no other windsock company that does.

Yes, we accept purchase orders from qualified accounts. Please call us for more information at 800-707-3524.

Most orders ship the same day or next business day. Please contact us if we can help you by adjusting our shipping to meet your requirements.

Yes, we are eager to help. Please contact us at 1-800-707-3524 during normal business hours 9:00AM to 5:00PM PST. If we are closed or away from the phone, please leave a message with your phone number and we will call you back.

Yes, we proudly make our Wind Tracker™ Windsock in the USA.

Wind Tracker™ – Detects Low Wind Movement

Exceeds OSHA standards
Detects wind below 1 mile per hour
Strongest windsock constructions
No tools required, assembled
No metal cages to jam or maintain
Industry Standard Size
Storm Tough® Construction
LockGuard™ Stitching
Made in the USA!

Reliable & accurate for Evacuations, Emergency Action Plans (EAP), Commercial Use, Industrial Airport Windsocks, Oil fields, etc.US Patent 5,701,840

Why Do I Need a Windsock?

A windsock provides an immediate visual indication of wind direction, helping employees and emergency responders make informed decisions when conditions change. Unlike electronic wind measurement devices that rely on batteries, sensors, or external power, a windsock is always operational and requires no electricity to function. This simple, dependable design makes a windsock one of the most reliable tools for improving situational awareness and supporting emergency preparedness in any outdoor environment.

OSHA Requirements

While OSHA does not specifically require every facility to install a windsock, many employers use them to support workplace safety and emergency preparedness. Facilities that handle hazardous chemicals, ammonia refrigeration systems, or other airborne hazards often incorporate windsocks into their Emergency Action Plans to help employees quickly determine wind direction during an emergency. A windsock is a simple yet effective safety tool that complements OSHA’s goal of protecting workers from recognized hazards.

EPA Recommendations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages facilities that store or use hazardous materials to develop effective emergency response plans that minimize risks to employees, the public, and the environment. Although the EPA does not specifically mandate the use of windsocks, knowing real-time wind direction is an important part of responding to airborne chemical releases. A windsock provides a dependable visual reference that can assist emergency personnel in making informed response and evacuation decisions.

Best Windsock Height

For the most accurate wind indication, a windsock should be mounted where it receives clean, unobstructed airflow while remaining highly visible. Based on our experience and field testing, an installation height of approximately 15 to 18 feet above grade provides the ideal balance between visibility and wind exposure for most industrial and commercial applications. Local site conditions should always be considered to ensure the windsock is clear of nearby obstructions.

Windsock Placement

A windsock should be installed where it is easily visible to employees, visitors, and emergency responders while also receiving the best possible airflow. In most applications, visibility is the primary consideration, but placement should also avoid nearby buildings, trees, or large equipment that may disrupt natural wind patterns. Selecting a location that balances visibility with unobstructed wind flow ensures the windsock provides the most accurate indication of prevailing wind direction.

What Size Windsock?

The Wind Tracker™ windsock is available in a single 24″ x 60″ size, which we have found through extensive testing to provide the ideal combination of visibility, responsiveness, and durability when manufactured from high-quality nylon fabric. This size performs exceptionally well across a wide range of wind conditions, making it suitable for industrial facilities, emergency response applications, and general commercial use without the need to offer multiple flag sizes.

Tubular vs. Flat Windsocks

Traditional tubular windsocks rely on a fabric tube supported by a rigid metal cage, while the Wind Tracker™ features an innovative flat windsock design that eliminates heavy metal components. The flat design responds quickly to changing wind conditions, requires less maintenance, and avoids the corrosion issues commonly associated with metal support rings. Its lightweight construction, durable plastic hardware, and highly visible profile provide dependable wind indication while offering a simpler, longer-lasting alternative to conventional tubular windsocks.

Wind Speed vs. Wind Direction

Although often associated together, wind speed and wind direction serve different purposes. Wind direction identifies where the wind is traveling and is essential for emergency response, evacuation planning, and hazardous material incidents. Wind speed measures the intensity of the wind and influences operational decisions in many industries. A windsock primarily indicates wind direction while also providing a visual estimate of relative wind speed based on how fully the windsock extends.

Emergency Action Plans

A windsock is an important component of many Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), providing instant wind direction information during fires, chemical releases, hazardous material incidents, and other emergencies. Because it is always visible and requires no power source, employees and emergency responders can immediately identify safe evacuation routes and determine the safest approach to an incident. Including a windsock in an emergency preparedness program helps improve situational awareness and supports faster, more effective decision-making.

Hazardous Material Response

During a hazardous material release, understanding wind direction is critical for protecting personnel and limiting exposure to airborne contaminants. A windsock provides an immediate visual indication of prevailing wind direction, allowing emergency responders to establish safe evacuation routes, incident command locations, and response strategies without relying on powered equipment. Its simplicity, reliability, and continuous operation make it an essential safety tool for facilities that handle hazardous materials or other potentially dangerous airborne substances.