99TravelSafe.com
89 – Safety in the Desert!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
NEVER start a DESERT trip on the spur of the moment without adequate PROVISIONS and PLANNING!
Always inform someone of where you are going, your route, and when you expect to return. Then stick to your plan.
Carry at least 1-2 gallons of water per person, per day; a first aid kit, and a personal survival kit. If you CAN'T carry the water, DON'T go!
It is always a good idea to contact the ranger at the site you are going to and ask for their recommendations.
Be sure your VEHICLE has a sound and full battery, good hoses, a spare tire, necessary tools, and sufficient gasoline and oil. Carry five gallons of extra water for each vehicle!
Keep an eye on the sky. Flash floods may occur at any time "thunderheads" may be in sight, even though it may not be raining where you are!
Test the footing before driving through washes and sandy areas. A simple check may save a punctured oil pan or many hours of hard work.
If you think you are lost, Do NOT Panic! Sit down, survey the area and take stock of the situation. Decide on a course of action. Many people DIE in the desert because they get their priorities CONFUSED. Normally, your major priority will be protecting your body, keeping cool and staying out of the heat. It may be best to stay put, especially if there is water and fuel nearby!
Once you decide to remain, do NOT move. If you decide to move, then move with a purpose, never start out and wander aimlessly. Try to hike late in the day (at dusk), when it is cooler.
Stay near your vehicle if it breaks down. Raise the hood and trunk lid to show that you need help. ONLY leave your vehicle if you are positive of the route to get help. A vehicle is very easy to spot from the air and you can crawl under it for shade (the inside is like an oven).
Leave a note on the vehicle for rescuers with the time you left and the direction you took!
Distances in the desert are VERY deceptive. What looks like a hill 5 miles away, can very well be 20 miles away. A good rule of thumb is to multiply every distance you estimate by sight by the number four.
When you are not moving, use available shade or erect some shade from tarps, blankets, or seat covers to reduce the direct rays of the sun. Use sunblock!
Do NOT sit or lie directly on the ground! If possible, sit on something 12 or more inches off the ground. In sunlight, the ground usually is 30 degrees hotter than the air!
Keep your pace SLOW, and try to carry light loads. In life-threatening situations, use common sense! you may have to LEAVE some gear behind. You can always buy more gear!
Rest at least ten minutes for each hour of walking. A normally inactive person should rest 30 minutes each hour!
Find shade, sit down and prop up feet!
If you have water, drink it. Ration sweat, not water. Don't rely on thirst to signal that you need to drink water. You may quench your thirst with just a sip of water, when you really need much more. Instead of rationing water outside your body, conserve the liquids inside your body.
If water is limited, AVOID stressful activities. Breath through your nose and keep your mouth shut to reduce water loss and drying of mucous membranes!
Do NOT talk, smoke, take salt or drink alcohol. Also avoid coffee, pop (especially caffeinated pop) and tea!
Cover your head. Wide-brimmed hats protect your head and neck. Improvise a head covering if a hat is not handy.
Loosen your clothing, but keep it on, as it keeps body temperature down and reduces the dehydration rate!
Shorts and cutoffs are generally unadvisable for prolonged periods in the desert!
In hot weather the proper clothing is lightweight (e.g., cotton), light color, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. They reflect much of the sun's heat and protect your skin. To avoid blisters, wear good HIKING boots and carry extra socks, so you can change them frequently when they become wet!
A roadway is a sign of civilization. If you find a road, stay on it.
To avoid poisonous creatures, put your hands and feet only where your eyes can see. Nasty critters love the cool, moist insides of your shoes. Shake out your shoes in the morning before putting them on.
Start your day early to beat the midday heat!
Respect wildlife and don't feed them. Don't step or place your hands where you can't see.
Be aware of weather as The desert's weather can change suddenly! especially during monsoon season. Watch for lightning and avoid deep canyons or washes during stormy weather.
If you're driving, do NOT cross flooded roads!
Bring a first aid kit, signaling tools like whistles and mirrors, and a GPS or compass.
Take a first aid/CPR course, if possible.
Pack nutritious SNACKS to maintain high energy levels!