Emergency distress signal

An emergency distress signal device for use on vehicles and the like having a semi-adaptable magnetic base member and a telescopic mast whose base is secured within said base member. The mast has a semi-circular, fixed loop at its peak for attachment of a flag. A flexible flag of a generally rectangular shape has a grommet on its upper and lower interior corners. A wire loop running through the upper grommet and the fixed semi-circular loop attaches the flag to the upper end of the mast. A second wire loop passing through the lower grommet and around the mast serves to fully secure the flag to the mast and permits the mast to be telescoped inwardly and outwardly without removing the flag. When the mast is fully retracted, the flag may be folded and wrapped around the short segment of the mast remaining above the base member, thus providing a very compact device for storage in a convenient pouch.