Begin with the applicable order. Confirm the flag, location, covered facilities, start instruction, and ending instruction. Then follow the Flag Code's sequence for the display.
When the Half-Staff Display Begins
Raise the flag to the peak briefly, then lower it to the half-staff position. Keep the flag clear of the ground and surrounding objects. Use your equipment's operating instructions, and do not attempt to adjust a damaged pole or work in unsafe conditions.
When Taking the Flag Down for the Day
Raise it to the peak again before lowering it for the day. If the display continues overnight, review nighttime illumination guidance and the actual order. A direction tied to sunrise and sunset needs to be interpreted for the place of display, rather than borrowed from another state's clock.
Before Returning to Full Staff
Check whether the instruction has ended or been extended. Another applicable order may still require the same flag to remain lowered. A calendar entry or an old email may not reflect a later change, so use the current status page and official notice when uncertain.
The Memorial Day Exception
The Flag Code calls for half-staff display until noon on Memorial Day, then raising the flag to the top. Review any additional applicable instruction before deciding that the noon transition resolves every situation.
Sources: U.S. Flag Code, 4 U.S.C. 6 and 4 U.S.C. 7. Related: Memorial Day guidance; Multiple Flags; Fixed Brackets.