When you travel in the desert, the road seems to have no end. There is nothing around you for miles and miles. Nothing but desert plants, sand and heat If your car breaks down, and you find yourself stuck in the desert, you can try ways to survive, until help arrives or until you reach the nearest town.
Steps
Step 1. Hydrate as much as possible before you hit the road
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sodas. Also make sure you bring plenty of water with you! It may not be the drink you love the most, but every ounce of carbohydrates and salts will increase your need for water.
Step 2. Carry nutrient-dense foods with you
For example, granola bars, dried meat or dried fruit. Experiment and prepare. When you can't count on your car, only your legs will be able to allow you to reach the next city and you should avoid carrying unnecessary weight with you.
Step 3. Wear breathable fabrics as a base layer, and carry a layer that warms you (wool or flannel) and a layer that protects you from the wind
Light colors are recommended, as they reflect light and allow you to be better spotted at night. While it is unlikely that anyone will stop by to help you, at the very least you will know that you can be seen and not run over. Long sleeves and pants, along with a wide-brimmed hat, can reduce or eliminate the need for sunscreen.
Step 4. Sandstorms are common in many deserts:
wear goggles (avoid masks) and a mask or bandana to keep dust out of your lungs.
Step 5. Travel at night if possible; cooler air allows you to travel farther and faster without risking too much heat
A front and rear headlight can minimize traffic hazards.
Step 6. Try to stay as warm as possible at night
Bring a good sleeping bag - it can get very cold at night in the desert.
Step 7. Watch out for nocturnal animals which can be dangerous:
- Coyotes alone shouldn't present a problem unless they're ferocious - in packs they can be dangerous if they take an interest in your food. Coyotes will generally be much more scared of you than you are of them.
- In some areas there may be wolves; even a single hungry wolf can be a formidable enemy.
- Wild pigs can also cause problems; they are small but have fangs that can pierce the skin.
- Violin spiders and scorpions pose dangers much larger than their size. While some people recommend carrying a "snake bite kit", not everyone agrees on its effectiveness, and it can increase the chances of a dangerous infection. Those traveling to areas where poisonous insects are present should focus on prevention, such as wearing pants and long sleeves and avoiding areas where these animals' burrows are present, etc. Diphenhydramine and epinephrine can help slow or stop allergic reactions to the venom, but they require training to use. If you can't find water, make a hole in a cactus, which can hold gallons and gallons of water.
Advice
- Try exposing yourself to high temperatures before heading out to the desert to get used to the heat - stop using the air conditioning and learn to appreciate natural wind on hot days.
- As a last resort, you can crush cacti to find water and satisfy your thirst for some time; however, its juices, which contain carbohydrates and salts, can have a dehydrating effect over time.
- Make sure you recognize the symptoms of dehydration - if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
- If you are close to a mountain, walk along its north face to take advantage of its shadow; direct sunlight can cause heatstroke and be life-threatening.
- If you are on the street - the most likely eventuality - take a wheeled suitcase with you to carry water and food. Your back will appreciate it.
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If you have the necessary materials, you can distil drinking water from contaminated or salt water in these ways: (1) by placing a pot on the fire in a shady place and recovering the steam to condense it in a clean container. (2) Using the heat of the sun to evaporate water at the bottom of a plastic sheet with a small stone in the center to form a cone, which you will collect in a clean container.
Neither of these distillation methods will work if the climate is not cold enough to allow condensation. In addition, wind and dry air can greatly interfere with this process
- Bring plenty of water with you: 2.5 liters a day is the bare minimum, and it is possible to dehydrate even with this amount. If you sleep during the day and walk all night, you can travel 30 kilometers per night, assuming you know the way; So if you know that the nearest town is 60 kilometers away, take at least 5 liters of water with you. Drink water and don't ration it - don't risk fainting from dehydration with still water in your bottles. If you run out of water, try purifying your urine using a condensation well. Urine contains toxins - do not drink it directly.
Warnings
- Remember, if you get lost in the desert driving a vehicle, try using it as a shelter. Do not leave it, and use everything you have to survive, until the water starts to run out; at that point you will have to move to survive.
- If you find that you will not be able to reach the nearest city, create an SOS signal to be identified.
- If you are on a highway, or you can reach one, don't expect someone to stop to help you. Use all your energy to reach the nearest source of water.
