How to Survive Breaking Down in Your Car in the desert in the summer

Flat tires, motor troubles and overheating can cause your car to break down in the summer. Walking to safety when the temperature is over 95 degrees is neither wise nor safe in the lonely desert.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Always keep emergency supplies in your car according to the weather. Don't even think about setting off across the desert on a hot day without water and shoes "just in case." It's also a good idea to keep an old blanket, a road flare and some duct tape in the trunk.

2. If you find that you are unable to drive because of poor visibility from blowing sand and dust or your car breaks down, get off the road as well as you can and stay with your car! Most people who die from exposure do so because they left their vehicle. Your car is the most obvious thing in the desert and can be spotted much easier than you.

3. Your are in little danger from mammals of the desert but rattlesnakes and scorpions are a different matter. Just be aware. Roll the windows down on the car to keep air flowing. If it's night time, leave your flashers on and sleep inside your car. If it's day time or you're still stranded come morning, turn off the flashers to conserve the battery.

4. During the day, use your blanket to make a tent on the shady side of the car. If it's noon, build the tent on the east side of the car so that it will begin to make shade as soon as the sun has traveled to the west. Make the tent by closing the top of the blanket in the car door to anchor it. Stretch it out at an angle away from the car and hold the bottom in place with rocks and/or sand. Stay in the shade.

5. Put your jug of water in the shade. Unless the sand feels cool to the touch, don't bury your water. It probably won't keep it cooler. Keep the lid on your jug so that the water doesn't evaporate. You can go without food for many days but without water you'll be dead within a short time.

6. If you have anything that is a bright color - like a red t-shirt - lay it on top of the car and keep it there with rocks. It will help you be spotted.

7. If you have no service on your cell phone, leave it on anyway. Some phones still send out a signal that may help emergency help to find you.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay with your car.
• Always dress for the weather or bring clothes appropriate to the weather along.
• When driving through deserted areas, let someone know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive at your destination and the route you will be following. That way if you don't arrive on time they can call for help to find you.
• Remember the four steps -- limit physical activity, keep your loose clothing on, stay in the shade and drink your water.
• Even if you can see buildings or lights in the distance don't be tempted to walk for help! Distances in the desert can be deceiving, mirages really happen, and an abandoned building will not help you be found as easy as your car will.
• Warning signs of heat exhaustion are muscle cramps, heavy sweating, cold clammy skin, dizziness, rapid pulse, throbbing pressure in the head, chills, flushed appearance and nausea.
• Warning signs of heatstroke are warm, dry skin with no sweating and cold clammy skin, low blood pressure, confusion and/or unconsciousness, high fever, slow pulse and ashen skin. During the final stages of heatstroke a person may vomit, run a temperature of 105 or higher and lose alertness.

[Gardengates]

on 1/1/2009 Great advice for breaking down in your car in the desert. I hope I never need it!