when a flag is to be flown at half mast what is the procedure?

The correct procedure is that the flag is raised to the top of the mast/flag pole as normal and then lowered to half mast.

Half-mast is a sign of mourning. When a person of national prominence passes away the flag is placed at half-mast. The Flag is raised to the top, held for a moment, then lowered to the half-mast position. When lowering the Flag from the half-mast position raise it to the top, hold for a moment, then lower in accordance to proper procedure. The half-mast position is to be rendered on each Memorial Day and is held only until noon, then raised to the top of the staff until sunset.

It is preferred that other ensigns are removed when flying the American flag at half-mast. If other flags are to be flown they likewise are lowed and positioned below the American Flag.

When a President or past President passes away the flag is to be set at half-mast for a period of one month from the date of his passing. The term is ten days from the death of a Vice President, a retired or current Chief Justice of the United States or the Speaker of the House. In the passing of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or: the Governor of a State, territory or possession the Flag is flown at half-mast from the date of passing until the day of internment. In the event of the passing of a Member of Congress the flag is flown half-mast the day of passing and the day after.

The passing of other dignitaries when ordered by the President of the United States; a Governor of a state or territory; County Executive; or Mayor of a municipality may require the flag to be placed at half-mast as specified for no more than one week from the date of death.

The Governor of a state may declare a Half-mast position of the National Flag within his state for the passing of a dignitary of that State. Cities may lower their flags when ordered by the Mayor for the passing of that city's dignitaries. Half-mast positions should only be ordered by Federal, State, and City governments.

The American Flag should not be placed at half-mast at the whim of any private person, organization or corporation. Personal, organizational and Corporate flags may be placed at half-mast while the U.S. Flag remains flying high at the top of the pole or staff.

The American Flag is not lowered to half-mast for foreign subjects unless specifically ordered by the President of the United States. One such example is when President G. W. Bush ordered the half-mast for the passing of the pope in 2005. The pope holds much esteem to a substantial segment of the American citizenry.

the only thing i know is that someone important died