How to Survive in the Desert

The desert can be a dangerous place to have your car breakdown. Sometimes there are many miles between gas stations and even fewer houses to stop and ask for help. Knowing desert survival techniques can mean the difference between life and death. Please read on to learn how to survive in the desert.

How to Survive in the Desert
How to Find Water in the Desert

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The desert can be a dangerous place to have your car breakdown. Sometimes there are many miles between gas stations and even fewer houses to stop and ask for help. Knowing desert survival techniques can mean the difference between life and death. Please read on to learn how to survive in the desert.
Introduction
- Whether you're a lost hiker, or someone who's car unexpectedly broke down in the middle of the desert, it never hurts to know desert survival. The intense dry heat of the sunlight hours could leave you dehydrated, and the frigid temperatures after sundown may come as a bit of a shock, especially if you've been sunburned.
Step 1: Water
- If you know that you are heading into the desert, it's a good idea to take an extra supply of water with you. You never know when you might break down and find yourself in need of a drink to rehydrate yourself. If you do find yourself without water there are a couple strategies you can use to obtain water.
1. Stream beds: even if you come up on a stream that appears to be dried out, you can dig in the sand to find more water.
2. Plants: there are a number of plants in the desert that are a great source for water because they store it longterm in their roots and leaves.
  1. Morning dew on plants
  2. Try placing plastic over a plant to gather condensation
  3. Dig around tree roots.
- Do not try to get water from a cactus or plant you are unfamiliar with, as you may risk poisoning yourself. Some cactus flowers are poisonous and you don't want to take any chances.
Step 2: Keep Your Cool
- You might thing that as you're sweating it out, stripping away your clothing is a great way to cool off, but the opposite is true. Sweating is part of the body's natural hydration process, and clothing helps to keep sweat from evaporating too quickly. So keep those clothes on, and cover your head too. If you've got an extra shirt, wrap it around your head turban style to keep your head cool. Clothing will also minimize your chance of sunburn, which could turn into dangerous sun poison with continued exposure.
Step 3: Travel By Night
- If you're not sure how long you're going to be stranded in the desert, it's best if you travel by night and rest during the scorching daylight hours. There are dangers to traveling by night, so be prepared. Wild animals like mountain lions, wild boar, poisonous snakes, wolves and coyotes and dangerous insects like scorpions and poisonous spiders are always a risk.
- How to Prepare for the Wilderness -- powered by ExpertVillage.com
Step 4: Desert Survival Kit
- Again, if you know ahead of time that you're going to be traveling through the desert, it's a good idea to put together a desert survival kit ahead of time. Necessities you should include:
1. Flashlight
2. Bottled water
3. Energy foods like trail mixes and nuts
4. Goggles and dust mask
5. Flares
6. Compass
7. Mirror
8. Sunscreen
9. Lip balm
10. Waterproof matches
Conclusion
- Staying hydrated is key in desert survival. Many people try to ration out their water to make it last, but this is a mistake that can lead to a quick and painful death. Keep your clothing on and always be on the lookout for water. If you're traveling longterm in search of safety, consider traveling at night, which will reduce your chances of dehydration. If you know you're going to to be traveling through the desert, it's a good idea to prepare a survival kit ahead of time just to be on the safe side.