Stranded in the Desert Part 2
With a snow storm in Utah today and a hail storm in Nebraska it seems odd to be talking about the hot desert. Soon the weather will change and summer will arrive and surviving in harsh environments will be a real issue. As with all emergency situations the wise plan ahead, learn all they can and prepare, just in case.
Signals Save Lives
There is an entire section on signaling in the January 2010 Newsletter devoted to signaling for help. If you have not done so review that and copy and include it in your preparedness binder.
Signaling for help can absolutely increase your chances of a swift rescue. Signals of any type must be able to be distinguished from the sounds and sights of the nature around you. A signal mirror is great for sunny desert conditions and can be seen for miles. A CD will also work in the same way so look around to see what you have in your car that can help. Last week we talked about a mylar blanket so I won’t discuss that option again here.
Audible signals should be made in bursts of three. A long whistle burst sounds like a bird from a distance, 3 bursts will be distinguishable as a call for help. Your voice should be your last option when trying to signal. Your voice can be heard only for a short distance and yelling will use more energy, thus using the water in your system, creating dehydration much more quickly. Car horns can also be used to signal.
You should always have a whistle in any good auto kit. If hiking everyone in the group should have a whistle. Children, who may become separated from the group will become frightened quickly, especially at night. Teach your children to signal often, in three blasts. Also teach them that a loud whistle will scare off animals.
If you see a dust cloud in the distance this may indicate that people are present so be sure to make as much noise and reflect as much sun as possible to call attention to yourself. A flash of bright light will let people know there is something unusual going on and they will investigate.
Shelter in Place
Even when you are with your car an additional shelter may be necessary. We have all heard horror stories about children and pets who die in cars. It will always be cooler to sit under a shelter with open sides than in a car. A shelter such as a lean-to can help to cool you both day and night as it will catch breezes. Once your shelter is built be sure to drape a mylar blanket over the top, reducing the heat even more and acting as a huge signaling device.
It is important to avoid sitting on the hot sand, even under a shelter. Place clothing, newspaper, floor mats or even pull out the car seat and sit on that. If you have a van and the seat comes completely out, perfect, now you will have air moving around you and under you providing even more cooling. Build shelter in a safe place on higher ground and away from dry creek beds which can become dangerous very quickly as they are subject to a flash flood.
Another reminder: if you are stranded in a desert never: drink alcohol, drink sodas, smoke, or eat salty foods.
If you missed it check out Desert Survival Part 1
Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/
Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=6dd8b977-f540-4d1a-8bee-c28448775990)
These dessert survival posts could have not come at a better time for me. I leave Friday going on a 10 day mission trip to Mexico. We will be staying in the heart of the Senoran dessert.
Thank you for all this information!!!
I knew there had to be a reason I kept feeling like I should do this. Good luck on the trip, have fun and stay safe! We’ll be anxious to hear your tips when you get home.