Let’s imagine that you are alone in the desert. Unlikely? Life is such a thing that you need to prepare for such a situation.
In conditions of unbearable heat and hot sand, it is possible to survive if the following rules are strictly observed:
Desert Survival Rules
Never take off your clothes. It significantly slows down the evaporation of sweat, and therefore
Move around at night.
Try to move around at night. In an emergency in the desert, it is best not to travel during the day. On cool nights, you can walk further and
avoid the danger of heat stroke. Such a simple tactic will allow you to save up to 3 liters of water per day.
Find shelter
Stay in cover during the day. Make a shelter in the evening or at night. If you make it during the day, there will be hot air. You can also hide under an overhanging rock or in a cave. However, approach such a place cautiously, as animals may be hiding there.
Send distress signals
Send out distress signals, and build a fire- this is a great way
to call for help since smoke is visible during the day and at night. While driving, use a signal mirror to reflect light towards overflying aircraft or vehicles passing in the distance.
If you want to stay in the same spot until help arrives, put the word “SOS” or another message on the ground from stones or other objects that can be read from above.
Desert travel
It is essential to decide whether it is worth staying where you are. Anyone knows where you are headed if you have an adequate water supply. After answering these questions, you should decide for yourself: stay in one place while waiting for help or go to a safe place on your own.
When moving, you are tired and will use your water supply much faster. If you don’t find a water source along the way and you’re running low on water, you’ll have to look for ways to replenish it. Without water, you won’t be able to last more than a few days.
Find a source of water.
If it has recently rained, water may have remained under rocks and shady areas.
However, more often, it is necessary to look for groundwater sources that come to the surface. Follow the tracks of animals, pay attention to birds circling over something, and even flying insects.
Look for green vegetation and huge broad-leaved plants.
Move along canyons or up dry riverbeds. Pay attention to depressions, especially on the outer side of the channel bend. Look for
a solid rocky slope where rainwater could drain into the soil. Dig sand or earth at the base of such a slope.
When the Sun is low on the horizon, its rays are reflected in distant metal objects and objects to collect water. Try to get to the
underground waters when you find one of the above objects. Dig a
hole about 30 centimeters deep in the soil. If you feel that the ground is wet, then expand the depressions to about 30 centimeters in diameter. Wait
a few hours for the hole to fill with water.
Be sure to clean your water.
Always try to purify the found water. If you are unable to filter it,
drink unpurified water. Even if you get sick, symptoms will appear in a few days, while dehydration will take effect much earlier.
Monitor the state of the body
Watch for possible signs of dehydration. Often people do not calculate their strength and underestimate the water they need.
Trying to limit your water intake severely is wrong and could cost you your life.
Drink more water if you detect any of the following signs:
- dark colors;
- the strong and pungent smell of urine;
- dry skin;
- dizziness;
- weakness.
Rest if you feel heat exhaustion. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, or your skin becomes cool and clammy, try to find shade and a more relaxed place immediately.
Dangerous animals and plants of the desert
Beware of dangerous animals before sticking your hand into any secluded place or, for example, under a pile of stones. Be sure to poke it with a stick. Scorpions, spiders, or snakes can hide in such places. In areas where killer bees live, stay away from bee hives.
Please stay away from thorny plants, don’t touch cacti, and be aware
that some types of cactus scatter seed spikes on the ground around them. Although
not necessary, it is best to avoid areas where cacti grow.
Carelessness can lead to cuts and infections, which is undesirable when your body is struggling with dehydration.
