Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and gloves. Pack wool or fleece clothing. If an emergency occurs, you may be traveling at night, when it can get quite cold. Light-colored clothing reflects more heat, but dark clothing usually provides better protection from UV light, which causes sunburn. If possible, find white clothing that’s labeled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 30+. [2] X Research source
Divide the water you’re carrying among several containers. This minimizes the amount of water you can lose to one leak. [4] X Research source Store the excess in a cool spot in your vehicle, away from direct sunlight.
Include some foods with salt and potassium, which are lost in sweat. These will help you avoid heat exhaustion and retain more water. However, if you are dehydrated, excess salt can make you feel worse. Food is not a priority in a desert emergency. If you are out of water, only eat the minimum required to function. [5] X Research source
Sturdy emergency blankets Cords or rope Water purification tablets First aid kit Fire starters Powerful flashlight or headlamp. LEDs last longest. Knife Compass Signal mirror Goggles and a dust mask or bandana (for dust storms)
Build this in the evening or at night. If you build it during the day, you’ll trap heat in. You can use an existing rock overhang or cave instead, but approach carefully as an animal may be using it.
If you plan to stay in one spot until rescue, place rocks or objects on the ground to write SOS or a similar message, readable by aircraft.
Follow animal tracks leading downhill, birds circling around something, or even flying insects. Walk to the greenest vegetation you can see, especially large plants with wide leaves. Follow canyons or dry river beds upstream, and look for a depression, especially on the outside edge of a bend. Look for a slope of hard, non-porous rock, where rainwater would run into the soil. Dig in the sand or soil at the base of this slope. In developed areas, look for buildings or troughs. When the sun is low, its glare will reflect off distant metal objects and water collection structures.
Purify water whenever possible. If you don’t have the option, drink. Even if you do get sick, it will usually take a few days for symptoms to appear, while dehydration will get you much faster.
Half-buried rocks have a cool base in the early morning. Turn them over before dawn so a little condensation forms.
Urine with a dark color or a noticeable smell. Dry skin Dizziness Fainting
Remove or loosen your clothing Sip a sports drink or slightly salty water (about 5 mL salt per liter water / 1 tsp per quart). Apply wet cloth on your skin to aid cooling evaporation. Warning: if untreated, this can progress to heatstroke. This causes muscle cramps, red skin that no longer sweats, and eventually organ damage or death.
Do not reach into small spaces or under rocks without poking it with a stick first. Scorpions, spiders, or snakes could be hiding there. In areas with killer bees, be alert and stay away from hives.
