Staying smart while being stranded in an unfamiliar place
Being prepared for a vacation or road trip is always important. In different climates and parts of the globe, supplies may be limited; therefore, if you’re traveling an unfamiliar area, it is good to know what to bring and do in case of emergency. Today, Mechanics Discount is here with a few tips on how to survive when stranded in desert conditions.
Before you travel anywhere, the first step is always to get organized for your long trek. If you know you will be traveling through the desert, here are a few supplies you should consider bringing:
· Extra water
· Extra snacks (energy snacks such as mixed fruit and nuts are beneficial)
· Lightweight, white or light-colored garments that fully cover arms and legs (to reflect sun)
· Lightweight hat with visor
· Sunglasses
· Sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher
· Blanket
· Coat or jacket (It can get very chilly at night in the desert)
· Small tent or sun shade
· Emergency car kit with jumper cables
· Spare tire
· Extra gas can with gas
· Paper map or road atlas
· GPS
· Regular magnetic compass
· Cell phone, charger
· Backpack
· Flashlight
· Matches or lighter
· Survival knife
Another thing that is recommended, get your vehicle checked by a trustworthy mechanic to make sure your engine is running well and all of your fluids are topped off before you leave. Also, it might come in handy to print off a cellular service coverage map to see if your provider has service where you’re traveling.
If you have checked off everything on the preparation list and your car still ends up turning into a stranded hot-mess on a deserted, desert highway, miles away from the nearest exit, here are a few things that you can do:
1. Don’t panic. Fear can cause excess sweating and retaining water is crucial
2. Call for help. If there is no cell phone signal, shut it off or keep it on standby to conserve your battery.
3. Check your map or GPS to see how far you are from the nearest exit
4. If the sun is beating down, change into white or light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen to exposed skin, find shade nearby or set up your sunshade or open tent near your vehicle. Try to limit walking or movement to avoid sweating. Do not stay in your car. Stay hydrated.
5. If you still haven’t been rescued by dusk, pack water, snacks, blanket, coat, tent/sunshade, flashlight, matches, map, GPS, compass and coat in your backpack and get ready to head down the road to search for a cellular signal.
6. Travel in the direction of the nearest exit.
7. If you are many miles from the nearest exit or from a cellphone signal on your handy cellular printout, many experts would advise you to stay close to your vehicle and keep waiting for a passerby and signal for help.
Worst case scenario
If you have been stranded for a few days and have run out of supplies, here are a few things you can do to survive:
· Locate water by finding green vegetation such as a cactus (cut pieces off and squeeze it), digging by dry creek beds, noticing where birds fly and following animal trails.
· Dig a hole about two feet deep by three feet across and put a cup in the middle of the hole. Cover the hole with a plastic bag and add rocks around the bag to hold it steady. Place a rock in the middle of the plastic and condensation will drip into the cup once the air and the ground heat up.
· Keep a fire going at night to frighten off animals and to signal vehicles that could pass by
· Hungry? Eat insects. They are actually high in protein and are nutritious. If you are a little more daring, you can always cook up a snake
· Beware of poisonous snakes, spiders and Gila Monsters
· Experts say if you don’t have enough water to aid in digestion, avoid eating if you can. If you do eat, you can dehydrate faster.
Hopefully getting stranded in the desert isn’t anything that happens to you; however, if it does, these tips may become useful.
Have any other comments or suggestions? Let us know!
Stay safe and happy traveling!
~Charlene Marie
