How to Survive In the Desert

Deserts are believed by most people to be one of the most harsh enviroments on earth. While this is not neccesarily true, there is still good reason for this stereotype. Deserts all over the world have been inhabited for thousands of years. To desert natives, "survival" is simply a way of life. But, for those that have lived there life in a moderate or cold climate, the desert can be uninviting and sometimes deadly. This article will give you some basic rules of survival, and tips specifically dealing with desert survival.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. First, here's an acronym to help you remember the rules of survival. SURVIVAL
   S- Size up your surroundings, physical condition, and equipment.
   U- Use all of your senses.
   R- Remember where you are.
   V- Vanquish fear and panic.
   I- Improvise and improve.
   V- Value living.
   A- Act like the natives.
   L- Live by your wits.

2. Preparation is key to survival. A survival kit must contain at least, a knife, compass, water, and matches. Remember that I said AT LEAST. Basic survival kit components can be found anywhere online.

3. Water is your first priority. Finding a water source in the desert can be difficult. Vegetation and the flight path of birds in the early morning or late afternoon can be indicators of a water source. Valleys are also good indicators. If any digging has to be done to get to the water, try to do it at night when it is cooler. A minimum of 2 quarts should be drank per day.

4. DO NOT drink urine.
   DO NOT drink fish juices.
   DO NOT drink blood.
   DO NOT drink alcohol.
   Drink surface water such as streams or lakes.
   Drink precipitation.
   Drink from subsurface wells.
   Drink from ground water as last resort.
   Potassium Permaganate can be used to purify water. This comes in liquid or tablet form.

5. Finding food can be difficult, but not impossible. Animals can be found by tracks, droppings, or bedding areas. Insects can be found in and around vegetation, and by water sources. Fish can obviously be found in certain water sources.
   DO NOT eat fish with spines, unpleasant odors, pale or slimy gills, sunken eyes, flabby skin, or flesh that remains dented when pressed.

6. Fire is important for heat in the desert winter, signaling, and cooking any food you find. Some fire starting techniques can be difficult for people who have never practiced them. Therefore, the best option is to have a fire source, such as lighter or strike anywhere matches, in your survival kit.

7. The desert sun, in the summer, can drain your energy in a matter of minutes. It is important to use any and all resources available to build a shelter. It has to be big enough to provide shade for your entire body. As desert are prone to flash floods, the shelter should be built on high ground.

8. Once you have a water and food source, and a shelter, it is time to signal for help. Flares, smoke, and whistles are all good signals that will help hasten a rescue.

9. Learn all that you can about the terrain and wildlife in the area, before you go there. If lost, do not panic. Remember the acronym SURVIVAL.

Tips & Warnings

• The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This will help with navigation.

[wscoggin]

on 3/12/2009 lkrause2... You absolutely CAN drink you urine safely... By the way, you can drink it up to 3 times. BUT, most people will have will vomit after drinking urine. By vomitting you will dehydrate yourself further. That's why I say that you should stay away from drinking urine all together. I have been forced to drink my urine before. I have a very strong stomach, and I still had a slight gag reflex. Good point though.

[lkrause2]

on 3/12/2009 According to a book I just read, "Skeletons on the Zahara", by Dean King, you CAN drink urine. There is, however, a maximum number of times you can use the drink and urinate cycle. If you are interested in a great, true desert survival story (I'm sure you have some, yourself), this book is a good one. 5*

[slphilbrick]

on 12/21/2008 I know you've spent time in this type of terrain so you're giving accurate info. Good job ! 5*

[dsarokin]

on 12/21/2008 Thanks, Whit. Hope I never need it, but it's helpful to have some of it tucked in my brain, just the same.

[LilacGirl]

on 9/14/2008 Great article. Excellent survival advice. Everyone, in every wilderness situation, should always carry survival gear. I think it's better to prepare your own, and all you need should fit in a fanny pack or a day pack, carefully packed. Your suggestions were spot on.