Abstract: A portable, temporary, emergency distress signal capable of being collapsed and carried in the dash compartment of an automobile or quickly erected and placed on the outside of a stranded vehicle includes a telescopable, rod type staff, a magnet base and a fabric flag. The flag is rollable into a small roll, but held outstretched in use by a three section, pivot jointed, rod fitted into the edge seams. The telescopable staff is pivoted to the magnet base so that the staff may be vertical on top of the vehicle or at right angles, on the side of the vehicle. A sleeve lock slides over the pivot to hold the staff vertical, a sleeve lock stop holds the sleeve lock out of the way when the staff is at right angles to the magnet and the sleeve lock is threadedly secured.