How to Survive in a Forest Fire?

Practical advice and recommendations in case of fire in the forest

So, it's warm dry weather (albeit not everywhere) and in newsfeeds you can often find stories about forest fires in various parts of the world. Do you remember how in June 2015 in Canada during a forest fire killed 9 professional fire brigade commandos?

They were thrown into the taiga in order to prevent the spread of a grassroots fire, but the last one from the grasshopper crossed into the upper fire. Of the 12 members of the group, only 3 survived...

The terrible incidents of fires in London and Portugal also raise serious concerns.

Also you can read  Causes of forest fire and 45 Survival Tips!

Wildlife in itself is a very extreme environment for survival. However, it happens that not only harsh obstacles arise on the way of the wanderer, but the elemental forces themselves threaten his life. To such deadly phenomena it is possible to carry hurricanes, typhoons, floods, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and fires. We will talk about survival in fire traps in this book. So, you are in the forest enveloped by fire or steppe. It is not so important what caused the fire: from a lightning strike or human activity. This does not change the fact that the fire is on you, burning everything in its path. We must save ourselves.

Causes of forest fire

Causes of forest fire:

• Careless treatment of a person with fire;

• Non-compliance with safety measures when breeding fires in the forest belt;

• Children’s pranks with matches in the forest park area;

• burning of garbage, dry grass in close proximity to the forest;

• Accidental sparks from the exhaust pipes of a car or motorcycle;

• Lightning strikes a tree;

• Ignition of the wiping material impregnated with oil, gasoline or other spontaneously combustible composition;

• Accidental focusing of sunlight with bottle glass.

Diseases arising in cold climates

Diseases arising in cold climates

Multi-layer clothing can cause profuse sweating and, therefore, dehydration.

Symptoms. Urine acquires a rich yellow color, a headache appears.

Treatment. Make sure that water consumption is sufficient and the balance is maintained. You should know that when your urine becomes clearer and your head stops hurting, it means that everything is in order with you and the cells of your body are filled with water. Do not let dehydration, because it will affect your ability to think and plan.

Preventive action. Drink plenty of water every day and do not sweat too much. Clothes should match the weather.

Hypothermia

This means that the body temperature is below normal.

Symptoms. Reduced resistance to cold, trembling, sluggish movements and thinking.

Treatment. Restore normal body temperature as soon as possible. Place the torso in warm water (37.7 - 43.3 ° C). Care must be taken in this case, since immersion in the warm water of the whole body can cause shock and cardiac arrest. In conditions of survival, the victim is best placed in a sleeping bag with someone who has a normal temperature. Ideally, if both of them are completely without clothes. Take action as quickly as possible and, if the person is conscious, start giving him a hot sweet liquid. After the temperature of the victim is normalized, do not immediately remove it from the heat source, because it can again drop the temperature. Give him the opportunity to restore the heat reserve in the body and, if necessary, continue to drink it with hot drinks.

Preventive action. Do not allow a long stay in the cold without food, hot drinks or other heat sources and do not expose yourself to danger if you are wet and especially if you are in the wind.

If you fell into the water while in the polar region:

Quickly and vigorously swim to shore;

Lie in the snow, which will absorb some of the water;

Quickly run into the shelter and keep warm there as soon as possible;

Before entering the shelter, shake off the snow;

Dry your clothes, eat and drink a hot drink.

Frostbite

Symptoms. This is a serious damage to the skin and sometimes other tissues of the body by frostbite or the formation of ice crystals in the cells of the tissue. This usually occurs when the temperature is below -12 ° C, but can also be at 0 ° C when there is a factor in the weather sharpness factor or when the victim is wet. Since the cold has an anesthetic effect, the victim may not immediately notice frostbite. Usually frostbitten there are those parts of the body that are least protected, namely the face, nose, ears, hands and feet. The first signs are dull, whitish skin color, then the formation of vesicles, the death of some skin cells and subcutaneous tissue.

Treatment

Warm up the affected area of ​​the skin and make sure that there is no frostbite again.

Frozen hand brushes wrap up in clothes and keep them pressed to the body.

Place the frostbitten feet in the clothes of your friend.

Do not pierce the blisters, but powder them with an antiseptic.

On the affected area, place a surgical dressing or other clean cloth.

Do not immerse the affected area in hot water or keep it near a fire. Instead, use body heat.

If a person experiences severe pain, use morphine.

Serious cases of frostbite with deep tissue damage should be treated by health professionals.

Warnings and Precautions

Do not wear tight clothing that obstructs blood circulation and increases the risk of frostbite.

Avoid staying in the wind as much as possible.

Do not leave the room in light clothing.

Make sure that the clothes are dry.

While in the cold, move the limbs and muscles of the face.

Do not touch the cold metal with your bare hands.

Especially be careful if you are tired and you do not have the strength.

Take care that naked skin does not get gasoline.

Trench stop

Symptoms. Long term stay in the cold and in dampness can cause the feet to numb, freeze, become white and stiff. They will swell and hurt when walking. If you do not take action, then the situation will be serious, so as soon as possible, dry your feet and shoes.

Treatment. Do not rub or massage the feet. Wash them with water and soap, dry and keep in a raised position. If your legs hurt, do not go. Wear dry socks; Make sure that you always have a spare pair of dry socks.

Preventive action. Take care that shoes are dry, and often change socks.

Snow Blindness

Its cause is bright sunlight, reflected by snow or amplified by ice crystals of clouds.

Symptoms. Hypersensitivity to bright light. Reddened and watery eyes. Strengthening of reddening of eyes and such sensation, as though in them sand. Loss of vision, sharp pain in the eyes and a red veil before the eyes.

Treatment. Immediately put a bandage on your eyes and place the victim in a dark room. A cool, moist dressing can help relieve pain. It takes time to normalize the eyes.

Preventive action. Wear sunglasses. If they are not, make yourself a goggle from the bark of the tree, carving out the cracks in it. Rubbing charcoal in the skin around the eyes will help reduce the impact of bright sunlight on the eyes.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

This is especially dangerous in a very cold climate, because shelters are usually small, with well-sealed slots and insufficient ventilation. Carbon monoxide, which has neither color nor smell, is released by any fuel from any stove.

Symptoms. They are difficult to identify, especially when this happens to you, they include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and sometimes vomiting; The victim can also suddenly lose consciousness.

Treatment

Remove victim to fresh air or a well-ventilated place and make sure that he breathes deeply.

If it is unconscious, apply artificial respiration; Place should be well ventilated.

If possible, give him oxygen.

When the victim comes to himself, he needs to rest and drink warm drinks.

The victim should not perform hard work until full recovery.

Preventive action. Make sure that the shelters are well ventilated - they must have at least two ventilation openings. Do not forget that the flame should not be too high. Before going to bed, douse all the stoves and lamps.

10 survival skills that need to be trained by the child!

10 survival skills that need to be trained by the child!

Orientation on the ground

Basic survival skill. The child should understand what a compass and map is. And also be able to navigate them. Also should know about the main landmarks of the area in which it is located - rivers, mountains, lakes, main roads. Is it difficult? No. Already something, and on the cards in the strategic games, the kids are perfectly oriented, and here the same principle plus a minimum of additional knowledge.

First aid

Perhaps the most popular reason why a child was left alone in the forest - something happened to the adults. Bruising, fracture or loss of consciousness, a sudden attack of the disease. If the child knows the basic rules of first aid, he will not only be able to save his life, but also, perhaps, yours.

The main difficulty here is to learn not to panic, but to act quickly and clearly. To practice skills before automatism, so that the child knew exactly that if this is what happened - you need to take or give out such and such tablets. That if someone broke his arm, then you need to build a tire. Can the child remember this? Of course, it can - in games, algorithms are necessary and it is more difficult to remember and apply.

Meeting with wild animals

One of the possible causes of injury and incapacity of parents – are wild animals or snakes. Most often - it's snakes. Therefore, the child must clearly understand that this crawling garbage is better to avoid, rather than throw stones or sticks into it. Also, it is worthwhile explaining to the child the danger of ticks and how to get rid of them. This survival skill will surely come in handy.

Extraction of fire

If staying in the open area is delayed, the child will have to build a fire for himself and for you (you are considered to be conditionally alive, but absolutely incompetent). And yes, it's extremely difficult. Even a skilful survivor does not always breed a bonfire without matches, what can we say about the child. Therefore, yes, teach him the basic and most simple methods of obtaining fire, but put in his pocket a flint or a full-fledged inviolable stock. Provided, of course, which the child understands what it is, why it is needed and how it works.

Preparation of a campfire

Teach your child how to properly build a bonfire, which branches to use for this and where they can in principle be found. After all, even successfully divining the fire, the child can stupidly not cope with his support without adequate knowledge. Also, it would be superfluous to tell about two basic principles - either the bonfire burns hot (for cooking), or long (for overnight and warming). This survival skill can be critical if the incident occurred in the autumn or winter and the immediate survival of all the participants in the incident depends on the presence of the fire.

Shelter construction

Logically continues our situation. The animals have left, the first aid has been rendered, the fire has somehow been divorced and the night is approaching. We need to build some shelter in case of rain. It is hardly rational to teach a child to use a knife or an ax at such a young age, but without them something simple can be built. Any one-story hut with a litter bed (hi, ticks, but you already know how to fight). Also an important part of this survival skill knows where the shelter can be put, and where it's dangerous.

Extraction of water

Because of the extreme situation, the body begins to lose significantly more fluid than normal. Therefore, the search for water and water treatment is an extremely important survival skill. The child should know what water can be drunk, which one should be boiled beforehand, and which one should be ignored altogether. For this, we will have to explain in detail about microbes, parasites and poisoning. And do not be afraid that the children will not understand - if it's normal to explain, and not just say "do it just like that" - it's a good idea what's what. It is also not bad to teach him the simplest way to extract water with the help of condensation.

Finding a Fodder

Honestly, this survival skill is extremely useful, but also very dangerous. Even an experienced survivor does not always correctly determine what is possible and what is not. And the child's critical thinking is much less, so the instruction follows the simplest principles. Berries, which certainly do not mix with poisonous, the basics of fishing, edible roots, which again, with nothing can be confused - that's what the child should know.

Physical training

Perhaps, the most important skill of survival, as a child should be physically able to do what you teach him. And for this you need to instill in your child a love of sport and training. And no, forcibly having written into the karate section, you will not plant it. But a personal example - very much so. Seriously, you should be an example for your child to follow in everything - then there will be no problems with training. The child will want to be as steep as the folder, and not as the invented characters of computer games and movies.

Psychological training

Okay, the child knows everything, can by heart list the edible roots in the nearby forests, can wander for hours on the rough terrain. Now it's up to practice. After all, the best way to survive in an extreme situation is to do what you know at the level of automatism. Therefore, practice, practice and practice again. And, of course, a positive personal example.

The main thing that must be learned: your child is not an infantile idiot who does not understand what is going on around him. He has your genes, so in your power to help him realize his potential. Yes, it will be difficult. But when you succeed, the child will thank you. And not only for an interesting and rich childhood, but also for the fact that you helped him become a real man.

Psychological recommendations for survival

Psychological recommendations for survival

Tourist trip - it is not just a fascinating journey in good company with guitars and tents. Anyone, even a short and simple, hike - this is primarily a test. Test yourself, your physical and spiritual strength.

If you enjoy hiking, then this article is for you. From it you will learn 11 lessons of psychological survival in nature.

1. Do not isolate

You are not a superhero. You are a man. A man - a social being. In the campaign the most important thing - it's his friend's shoulder. In Nature, without the "vest" Urbana, everyone understands how it is vulnerable. And it helps to establish a really strong spiritual connection. Even if you like Christopher Johnson McCandless, we decided to test him and went into the woods alone, remember that no one can help you, if you happen to trouble.

2. Take care of nature

Being in nature, remember that you are not at home, you are at a party. Any your action in one way or another causes environmental damage. But all you can do - is to minimize it. First of all learn how to deal with fire. Do not dilute the fires near the trees, shrubs, in areas with dry grass. Before you build a fireplace, remove the top layer of turf, and after the burning of wood, carefully put it into place.

3. Help yourself

You are obliged to take care of them. Always. Under any circumstances. Tired? Hungry? Wet? Spit! If you put the tent, then do it on the conscience - otherwise it will blow away even the light breeze. If you are a tourist-conductor, always carefully check whether tied catamaran well - or go on foot. And do not expect that someone will do the work for you - at your mates have their hiking duties.

4. Do not be a sissy

In the forest and in the mountains no one has done for you showers and toilets are not set. You can not normally be washed for several days or even weeks. Toilet paper can end. Hot water is not always the case. Chances are, you (and your friends) will smell bad. And that's fine. "Stink" All sometimes. But if this is not acceptable to you, then you do not camp life in the teeth.

5. Accept the facts, as they are

If you get caught in the rain and soaked to the skin, just accept this fact. It has already happened, nothing can be done. Moreover, Humble yourselves and the fact that you may not be able to for a long time to dry things. Just take for granted such cases. And always remember: sooner or later you will dry up. And even the "facts" you can always outsmart - always pack clothes and other belongings in plastic bags.

6. Be light

Heavy backpack = strong physical and emotional exhaustion. Do not take unnecessary things. After the campaign - it's not forever. Of course, everyone loves the comfort, but take care only of the essentials. If you want to travel you will enjoy, go to the path of light.

7. Play

Trek - it's not just test yourself for strength, it is also an adventure. So use every opportunity to play. Throw the bag and dive into the opened suddenly the river over the hill. Play hide and seek. Eats blackberries. Positive emotions are necessary to continue the hard way. BUT! Not for a moment do not forget about safety. For example, swim in the river only if you know it and you are sure the water is clean, no dangerous craters and too strong currents. In other words, play, if you are sure that it will not harm you and your comrades.

8. Be grateful

Everything is relative. Houses for what you become is not badly cooked meal, and after a 12-hour transition, and you seem half-baked rice delicacy. Be grateful for what you have in the campaign, and also do not forget to say "thank you" to your comrades, sharing it with you.

9. Know how all

To survive in the wild, you should be able to very much. You need to be a little carpenter, little chef, a little bit of a psychologist and a doctor. It is particularly important to be able to provide first aid: stop the bleeding, splint, apply artificial respiration. Including, without special tools and medicines.

10. Believe in yourself

Your mind and body are more than you think. If you feel that your strength to the limit, remember - you think. Always, even when you are sick and dead tired, look for the strength to continue the journey.

11. Be bold

During the trip you do not have time to be scared. While crossing the river, you are climbing the wobbly rock, a night in the forest. This is normal. Fear - a natural reaction to extreme conditions. Be bold - does not mean not to feel fear, therefore, be able to overcome it.

145 tips on how to survive in horror movies

145 tips on how to survive in horror movies

1. If you think you have already killed a monster, never come closer to make sure of it.

2. If you find that your house is built on or near the former cemetery, that it was once a church where black masses served, that former tenants have gone mad, committed suicide, died a terrible death (no matter what) Were engaged in necrophilia or Satanism in your house, immediately move.

3. Never read aloud the spells that invoke demons, even as a joke.

4. Do not go down into the basement, especially if you suddenly turned off the light.

5. If your children turn to you in Latin or any other language they do not need to know, or their voices are not like their own voices, immediately shoot them. In the end, it will bring you much less frustration. Note: One bullet may not be enough; be ready for this.

6. If you are many, never step aside, alone or singly.

7. If your company decided to have fun at midnight in an abandoned house on the outskirts of the city, do not trudge along with everyone. If all go in pairs, and you do not have a partner, it is generally strictly prohibited. If you are generally recognized as a wit, you will hardly have time to write a will on the way.

8. The general rule: never solve puzzles that open the gates of Hell.

9. Never approach the grave, the tomb, the crypt, the mausoleum, or any other place of repose.

10. If you hear any noise, and find that it's just your cat, immediately run away if you value your life.

11. If household appliances, including a food processor, turn on itself, move, dropping everything.

12. Do not take anything (even borrow) from the dead.

13. If you come to an unfamiliar city, and do not see a single person on the streets, it's possible that it's not just that. Understand the hint and do not stop here.

14. Do not engage in genetic engineering unless you know exactly what you want to get in the end.

15. If you run away from a monster, be prepared for the fact that you will surely stumble and fall at least twice (more if you belong to the weaker sex). Also keep in mind that, despite the fact that you run with all your might, and the monster slowly hobbles after you, it still moves fast enough to catch up with you.

If you want to learn more about survival in horror movies, buy our new book!

From it you will learn a lot of interesting things.

Ten Survival Tactics for the Arctic

Ten Survival Tactics for the Arctic

BY: BAFFIN ISLAND EXPEDITIONJANUARY 12, 2008

1) Stay hydrated

It’s not easy to make yourself drink water when it’s really cold, but staying hydrated is crucial to surviving cold temperatures. When you’re well-hydrated, you have enough blood volume to keep warm blood pumping to your extremities.

2) Consume lots of calories and food high in fat.

Exercising in the cold burns a lot of energy. Global Warming 101 expedition members need to consume around 5000 calories per day including one stick of butter per person per day. Burning these calories produces much needed body heat.

3) Protect yourself from the wind.

Wind robs heat from your body as it sneaks into your clothing, replacing warm air with cold. Wind also dries and chills any exposed skin. At -20°F with a 30 mph wind, exposed skin will freeze in less than five minutes. A windproof outer layer and a fur ruff around the face are necessities. Inuit people always turn their back to the wind or take shelter behind a komatek sled when possible.

4) Insulate yourself from the cold.

The thicker the insulation in your clothing and the more air it traps, the warmer you’ll be. Any gaps in the insulation, for example between your coat and pants or between your sleeves and gloves, can let a lot of your heat escape. You can also lose a lot of heat by standing, sitting or kneeling on cold surfaces. Thick boots and foam pads can help retain your heat.

5) Protect extremities.

As your core temperature lowers, your body, in an attempt to maintain its core temperature, restricts blood flow to your extremities. Your body is basically sacrificing your non-essential parts to maintain vital organs. For this reason, hands and feet are often the first parts claimed by frostbite. If you feel your feet or hands getting cold, take aggressive action to re-warm them.

6) Stay dry.

Your body will lose heat 240 times more quickly to water than to air. If you let your insulation get wet from sweat, snow or water, your insulation will lose much of its ability to keep you warm. Try to adjust your layers before you start sweating and if clothing gets covered in snow, brush off the snow before it melts.

7) Don’t get lost.

Flat light conditions combined with blowing snow and sometimes featureless topography can make navigation difficult. In addition to a GPS and maps, bring enough food and gear with you when you travel on the land. If conditions deteriorate you can dig in and wait for the weather to clear instead of trying to travel in a whiteout.

8) Avoid weak ice.

A changing climate, warmer ocean currents and shifting winds can make ice conditions unpredictable. Even traditional travel routes may now be unsafe. Travel with caution. If you do fall through the ice, “swim” out and roll in the snow to get as much of the water off as possible and then change into dry clothes.

9) Practice with all gear before heading out.

In cold temperatures even small tasks like putting on skis, tying a knot or stuffing a sleeping bag take longer and are more difficult. Fumbling with unfamiliar gear or discovering that a crucial item is missing or broken could lead to injury or disaster.

10) Take care of each other.

In cold and windy conditions, always check your partners’ faces for frostbite and let them know so they can fix it. Try to notice if someone seems cold or low energy and help them get more food, water and warmth. To be a good safety-net for others, however, you must make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well.

26 Tips for Surviving in the Desert

The Desert Can Be An Unforgiving Place.

By Felice Prager

To the casual observer, the Arizona desert is a strange yet beautiful place. It has some of the most unusual and enticing landscapes, wildlife and plants in the world. The sun shines relentlessly. Shadows mystify. Hills beckon. Exotic things grow. What is over the next ridge? What might I miss if I don’t look?

Yet, for the unwary, unsuspecting or uninformed visitor, the Sonoran Desert can be an unforgiving place. A small blunder can turn an afternoon drive off road or an overnight camping trip into an emergency. People sometimes die in the desert.

With so many moving to desert areas or vacationing in the desert region, it is important to be aware of the desert's dangers so that safety precautions can be taken. Even being caught on the side of a road without enough water can be dangerous.

Yearly, residents of the southerwestern desert hear helicopters flying overhead, searching the desert arroyos for a winter visitor or an unlucky resident who has not returned from an outing. Regularly, the news carries stories about someone who climbed a cliff and could not negotiate his way back down. Stories abound about people caught in flooded washes during monsoon season. People simply underestimate the severity of a desert environment.

15-year-old Hiker Rescued (JASON BEAN/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL)

Even the experienced hiker can get into a dire situation. Fortunately, they usually travel prepared for emergencies, so they survive. They have learned from past errors. With a bit of knowledge and a lot of common sense, tragedies can be avoided. There is no such thing as being too prepared when you are in an environment that can pose danger. After all, surviving in the desert is nothing more than plain old common sense with a few added bells and whistles.

Here are a few tips:

1. Share your plans. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. Let them know your route, the type of vehicle you will drive, and communication methods you will use. Leave a map, and do not change your plans without letting someone know. Leave the following information, in writing, with someone whom you will notify upon your return:

·                                 your route and destination,

·                                 vehicle description,

·                                 traveling companions,

·                                 any potential health issues, and

·                                 what type of emergency supplies you already have with you, including medications.

2. Do not depend exclusively on a cellular/mobile phone. They don’t always work in remote areas. If you are in doubt, check with your service provider or the link below to confirm coverage areas. It is wise to be skeptical of promises made about battery life and coverage area. Load apps that will help you in an emergency.
3. Instead of relying unduly on a cell phone, especially for your more ambitious wilderness excursions, consider the rental or purchase of a satellite phone. A satellite phone, or “satphone,” is a mobile phone that communicates directly with orbiting communications satellites. The handsets can be the size and weight of the original mobile phones of the 1990s. They also have a large retractable antenna. (Visit the site http://www.allroadsat.com/rentals/globalstar-rentals.aspx for more information.) Two large satellite networks cover the U. S.: Globestar and Iridium. Satellite phones work better than cell phones although they do require a wide “view” of the sky to get a reliable connection.
4. A CB or ham radio is another option. Ham radios have the potential to work from very remote locations; however, they are a do-it-yourself proposition, and they require a government license. They also require training and informed gear selection to be of full use.
5. Consider carrying one of the handheld GPS devices now available. These can provide very helpful topographical maps, aerial photography and satellite imagery for the desert traveler. An example is the Earthmate GPS PN-20 with Topo USA 6.0 National & 1GB SD Card/Reader. This device is low-cost, has high-sensitivity, and delivers capabilities previously unavailable at any price. Most smartphones have GPS chips, but remember GPS also has a downside.

You can also purchase a personal locator beacon (PLB) - emergency life-saving devices that can be used when all else fails. A PLB is a small transmitter that sends out a personalized emergency distress signal to the nearest rescue service. They are becoming a highly effective and internationally recognized way of summoning help, though they should be used only in life-threatening situations.

6. Make sure you are using a vehicle meant for desert terrain. If your vehicle does not have offroad capability, it is unwise to make the trip. Make sure you are skilled at maneuvering an offroad vehicle in difficult terrain. Many people buy vehicles with four-wheel drive and assume owning the vehicle makes them an expert. Offroad driving requires having the proper vehicle and the skill to handle it in rough areas. Classes are available for those wanting to learn the “how to’s” of offroad driving. Since many problems in the desert start with a car that breaks down due to ill repair, be prepared for everything. Make sure your car is in good condition with good hoses, a spare tire, spare fan belts, necessary tools, extra gas, water and oil. A tune-up is wise prior to offroad adventures. Using a mechanic who is informed about the proper maintenance of an offroad vehicle is a wise choice. Make sure your gasoline tank is full, and bring extra fuel.
7. Listen to your body. Bring sufficient water for each person traveling with you. A good measure is one gallon per person per day. With water, the rule is, “More is better.” You can always drink it when you get home if it is not used, but if you don’t have it when you need it, it can be a matter of life and death. With water, make sure you drink it as needed. Rationing water can become very dangerous. Often when a person is dehydrated, the thinking processes malfunction. Drink what you need. Don’t tell yourself you’ll save it for when you really get thirsty. That just doesn’t work in the desert. Soda is not a substitute for water because it tends to dehydrate the person drinking it.
8. Respect the heat. If water is limited, keep your mouth closed. Do not talk, eat, smoke, drink alcohol or eat anything salty. Limit activity.
9. Be prepared for emergencies. Have adequate first aid supplies, including proper medication for anyone who requires it. If someone is diabetic or asthmatic, for example, it is vital to have enough of their proper medication with you. Bring more, rather than less, than you need.
10. STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE. It will be the first thing found by searchers because it’s much easier to detect from the air than a human being. In addition, your car has many things to help with your survival such as mirrors, hubcaps, a horn, a battery, lights, a lighter, gas, oil and floor mats. Raise the hood and trunk of your vehicle to show distress. Pilots and rescue workers look for this as a sign of emergency.
11. Make sure you have a flashlight with new and extra batteries. An investment in a better quality flashlight might be worth your while in the end. Remember, a cheap flashlight is...a cheap flashlight.
12. If you feel absolutely certain about your location and route and feel you must leave your vehicle, make sure you leave a note for rescuers telling them who you are, when you left, and the exact route you plan to take. If you don’t know exactly where you’re going, stay put.
13. Do not sit or lie directly on the ground, which may be 30 degrees hotter than the air temperature. Improvise a sunshade and elevate your body. Think creatively with the supplies you have. Use a car seat or something to raise yourself at least a foot and a half off the surface. There is also a greater possibility of having a problem with a poisonous insect or a snake when you are directly on the ground. In addition, stay outside of your vehicle, especially in the mid-day heat, until things cool down.
14. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Even though desert glare might not seem to make a difference, it will impair your distance vision and hamper your adaptation to night vision. It can cause severe headaches. If you have no sunglasses available, improvise with a sun shield made from cardboard or cloth, a hat or bandana. Applying charcoal, soot, or oil around your eyes may help.
15. If you have lip-gloss, use it. Do not lick your lips, as it will hasten chapping and splitting.
16. Dress properly. Wear the proper foot protection and keep your body covered. The sun can be a killer. Change your socks regularly, even if you are changing to used socks. Sunning and aeration of socks and undergarments have a marked freshening value, physically and psychologically.
17. Do not remove clothing in an attempt to stay cool. This hastens dehydration. Wearing clothes helps you avoid sunburn. Cover up your arms, legs and face as best you can. If you have sunblock, use it.
18. Be watchful. If you see a dust storm approaching, cover your face as best you can to keep the dusy out of your lungs.
19. If the weather is cool, start a fire in a cleared out pit without overhanging branches. Always bring waterproof matches.
20. A roadway, even a remote dirt roadway, may signal passing traffic. Stay on it. It can bring help.
21. Watch the sky. Flash floods may occur any time thunderheads are in sight. Weather can change in the desert quite rapidly. Do not remain in dry washes (arroyos) which can flood suddenly, becoming dangerous.
22. Try to keep control of your emotions. There is nothing more dangerous than blind panic.
23. In any survival situation, everything you do must be preceded by the thought: Am I safe in doing this? If there’s any question, don’t do it.
24. Use common sense! Hire a guide if you must, but never undertake something for which you are not fully prepared. Finally...
25. THINK!

Read more: http://www.desertusa.com/

10 TIPS FOR WILDERNESS SURVIVAL

10 TIPS FOR WILDERNESS SURVIVAL

Communication is KeySometimes we forget how easy we have it. Amid our crazy life schedules we tend to take for granted that purified bottle of water when thirsty, or the push of a button to light a fire. But it’s important to remember that in the blink of an eye, it can all be gone. The unexpected happens you get in an accident or lose your way; now, it’s just you and the wilderness with no ties to civilization. Here are ten basic survival tips to get you prepared- just in case.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Please please please tell someone where you are going before you set off for a trip. No matter where you go, even if you end up stranded unexpectedly, you started from somewhere in civilization. Tell close friends and family where you are going and if you have a specific route or amount of time you will be gone.

KEEP YOUR HEAD ON

Now is the time to be calm and think positive. It doesn’t sound like much, but optimism goes a long way, and in a survival situation, it starts with you, your attitude and your will no matter how scared and alone you may feel. First, keep a realistic outlook and diligently plan to keep yourself in the best possible physical and mental state. If something isn’t working out, like building a fire or shelter, don’t rush, because that can lead to panic. Stop, breathe and think about what you need, observe your surroundings and organize a new plan.

TAKE INVENTORY

Keep everything you’ve got, because the second plans go south, these items will become your most prized possessions and could save your life. Don’t underestimate the worthiness of even the smallest knick knack-inn Gary Paulson’s classic, The Hatchet, Brian Robeson used his shoe lace to make a nifty bow and arrow for survival!

Build a ShelterBUILD A SHELTER

It’s time to get creative. Familiarize yourself with how to build a lean-to; there are various types of shelters you can build and each has different pros and cons. Obviously you want overhead covering for warmth at night and protection from the elements. If you are in rocky, mountainous terrain, look for overhangs. Otherwise, use limbs and leaves or anything that can provide insulation. Pine needles usually blanket the ground in thick batches, excellent for bedding.

AGUA POR FAVOR

Your body will not last more than three days without water. If you are lucky enough to be near a body of freshwater – good for you, just make sure to boil before quenching your thirst. No water in sight? Continue your search and construct a rain catcher or water still.

KEEP THAT BELLY HAPPY

Things can get frustrating when it comes to finding adequate sources of food when you are in survival mode, especially since malnutrition will work you mentally and physically, making you feel weak, cranky and delirious. It’s a good idea to get familiar with edible wild berries and plants for future reference when out in the wild. Also, it’s time to grow up and banish the word  “picky” from your vocabulary. When it comes to survival, embrace anything and everything (carefully) including bugs, eggs, fruit, leaves. Learn to build some simple traps to catch small animals and don’t rely on just one single food source. Protein is important for strength; know what various nutrients your body needs for prime sustainability.

LIGHT THAT FIRE

Those glowing red flames provide light, cooked food, warmth and protection from predators and pesky bugs. Here are a few tried and true techniques for conjuring that mighty blaze:

Fire Plow

Bow and Drill

Lens Method

Fire from Ice

Soda Can and Chocolate

Battery method

ONE WORD: TOOL

Keep a pocket knife, or multi-tool with you at all times, because you never know when you will need it- and when you do need it, you will rejoice that you have something to cut, protect and prepare food- even if all you have is a crappy, little knife. Now just learn how to sharpen it like MacGuyver.

H-E-L-P

Survival is your first priority, but don’t forget- you need to get rescued as well. Come up with an action plan in case a plane flies overhead or there are are search parties nearby. You’ve seen it in the movies – prepare a giant, easily visible fire pit out in the open or lay out stones in the pattern of HELP or S.O.S. You can also use any shiny, metallic object for reflection purposes.

NAVIGATION

It’s a good idea to have a compass with you at all times, but if not then what? Get old school and use the stars– it’s a lot easier than you think. Also, keep note of rivers, paths or mountains- following these can lead to roads and civilization.