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2 min Read

5/7/22 By Bill Petros

Desert Survival

Emergency Desert Survival Tips

Family car breaks down

A fun day out can soon turn scary if your not careful

 

5 Tips to Survive a Car Breakdown in the Desert

Most of the survival documentaries shown on TV are set either on a deserted island or in the middle of a jungle. You can only find a few of them set in the middle of a desert. 

  Like it's not also a harsh environment you could get stranded in. Well, TV producers probably think deserts are less likely places people go to when they are do soul-searching. But you never really know where life throws you and what could happen in the future. Most of the survival films start with that, actually.

You can also get yourself stranded in a desert whether you're exploring the desert or driving through it. What if your car chooses to act up in the middle of nowhere where it's so hot you couldn't even breathe? A bag is not the only thing you pack when going on a trip. Here are 5 life-saving tips to bring to help you live despite the heat of the desert.

 

1. PLAN AHEAD

Do not underestimate the power of the desert to bring harm to you. Desserts look beautiful yet they make people paranoid with thoughts of getting stranded or lost. There's this concept in Psychology referred to as UNREALISTIC OPTIMISM which makes people believe that nothing could go wrong with them in the future, ever, so they go unprepared. 

Too much optimism is dangerous because, although, it may seem less likely for your car to break down in the middle of a desert, it still can happen. But you've got nothing with you to help you live because of you being too optimistic about the future. 

What to pack? Bottled water is the most important thing, snacks to calm your growling stomach, and blankets because during the night the desert gets as cold as how it's hot during the day. Pack extra clothes, flashlights, matches, and a map to navigate your way when a phone signal becomes unavailable. 

Make sure to have your gas tank full and your car battery check before you embark on the road because those are the most common reasons for a car breakdown.

 

Stay calm

 Carefully examine your surroundings for people and houses or other cars and vehicles nearby

2. CALM YOURSELF DOWN

It's normal for people to feel anxious whenever they are faced with life-threatening situations and isolation. Their automatic response when they get scared is to either fight or flee. Actually, Alex Michaelides, in his book _The Silent Patient,_ added the word _'freeze' _in the fight or flee response, that other people are too scared to either fight or flee, so they freeze instead.

 

Its Normal to Panic But try not to!

It's normal for you to panic but don't let it get a hold of you. Panicking can't get you out of the desert nor fix your car. It can only worsen the situation by corrupting your mind. Get out of your car because panicking can make you feel suffocated. Take deep breathes and clear off your mind with negative thoughts. Start planning on how you will manage your future days in the desert until help comes.

 

3. MAKE YOUR CAR YOUR TEMPORARY SHELTER

When people get stranded on the road, most of them leave their cars and start walking. But instead of finding their way, they get even more lost and worst encounter dangers that got them killed in the end. Stay in your car! That alone can help you survive the desert. You have your items and even your packed bag with you to live for days. You can easily be seen by passing vehicles or even a helicopter up ahead with your vehicle than being alone. Raise your car's hood so passing vehicles will know that something is wrong with your car and that you need help. You freeze for a moment then you fight but do not flee.

 

desert survival

Do not panic and walk away from your vehicle

4. Dont Try To Fight Your Way Through The Desert

The heat from the sun will make you want to leave the car but tell you what, it's hotter outside. There are no trees in the desert to give you shade and too much exposure to the sun can burn your skin. It would be better to just stay in your car. Fight your way through the desert inside your car with these simple tips:

Suggestions

* Ration your food and water. You have limited resources packed in your bag so you have to make that last long. People usually get help after being stranded for 24 hours. But prepare yourself for a much worst-case scenario.

* Keep hydrated. You have limited water but you have to drink water because the heat in the desert can kill you. Avoid moving a lot because it can make you sweat thus making you feel more thirsty and draining your energy easily.

* Stay under the shade of your car. There are no other places to get shelter other than inside your car. If the heat still is unbearable, you can sprinkle some water in a towel or a shirt then wrap that around your body to cool you down.

 
* Avoid eating too much because it can make you feel thirsty. Eat just enough to stop the discomfort that your growling stomach brings you. * Use your packed blankets to warm yourself at night because it can get colder than you expected when it gets dark. .

5. KEEP ON SIGNALING FOR HELP

You're staying in the car so that someone will notice you and get help as soon as possible. Work on that. During the night is the only time you can spend a lot of time outside. Light up a flare because that can easily be seen when the surrounding is dark.
Look for lights around you because that would mean nearby houses or civilization you can ask for help. While doing that constantly look for a signal to make a call or send a message. When you are near running out of water and food, setting one of your tires on fire can be your last resort. The thick black smoke coming from it can easily catch people's attention during the day.

 

TAKEAWAYS

Being too optimistic is dangerous, however  a lack of hope is dangerous as well. Being stranded alone can make you feel a lot of negative emotions. You only have yourself, and might not have anyone with you to keep you hopeful.

In short, your survival will mainly depend on you. Water and a shelter can make you last in the desert but a positive mind can make you last even longer. Survival of the fittest is not a physical game but is a mind game, actually. Remember that those who are strong-willed always win the survival game.