Survival in The Desert
Every year millions of tourists venture out on road trips often searching our scenic routes through natural parks and undiscovered back country. But if you're in the middle of nowhere, in an unforgiving environment and your vehicle breaks down, the results could be catastrophic. If you ever find yourself in this worst case scenario, here are a few key points to remember:
- Before any trip, be sure of your vehicles condition. Going into the desert with a car that can break down is asking for trouble.
- Call 911 for help
- Stay with your vehicle. You've got a much better chance of being discovered by your car, than alone in the desert.
- Don't waste vital resources on your engine. Reserve water for yourself, and family members.
- Use makeshift tools like a licence plate if you need to dig for water or create a ground shelter.
- No matter how hot you get, keep your skin covered at all times. Your sweat will help keep your body cool.
- Use your mirrors to signal for help.
- Create an SOS sign (low flying aircraft will recognize it as a distress signal).
- If you have to spend the night in the desert, create a fire using whatever resources you can find.
- Burn a tire to signal your location to someone far away. But puncture it first to allow hot air to escape.