U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist Timothy Mucherin lights off a flare during a flare demonstration at Sector Long Island Sound's open house hosted in New Haven, Conn., May 17, 2014. Flares are essential visual signaling devices that can be used day or night to alert emergency responders and fellow boaters to an emergency situation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Himes)