The international distinctive sign of civil defence is an equilateral blue triangle on an orange ground when used for the protection of civil defence organizations, their personnel, buildings and matériel and for civilian shelters. (item 4, Article 66 of Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949).

It is recommended that:

1. if the blue triangle is on a flag or armlet or tabard, the ground to the triangle be the orange flag, armlet or tabard;
2. one of the angles of the triangle be pointed vertically upwards;
3. no angle of the triangle touch the edge of the orange ground.

The international distinctive sign shall be as large as appropriate under the circumstances. The distinctive sign shall, whenever possible, be displayed on flat surfaces or on flags visible from as many directions and from as far away as possible. Subject to the instructions of the competent authority, civil defence personnel shall, as far as possible, wear headgear and clothing bearing the international distinctive sign. At night or when visibility is reduced, the sign may be lighted or illuminated; it may also be made of materials rendering it recognizable by technical means of detection.

Download Links:

• Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 for Civil Defence
• List of participant Countries
• Resolution III: Distinctive Sign of Civil Defence, 20th Executive Council, 1 June 1988