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Heat & Drought Life-saving
Desert Survival
In the desert, shade and water are everything. Travel cool, rest hot, and conserve sweat.
What to do
- 1Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down — it's shelter, shade, and far easier to spot than a person.
- 2Rest in shade during the day; travel at dawn/dusk if you must move.
- 3Cover skin to slow water loss; don't ration water to the point of impairment — drink when thirsty.
- 4Watch for flash floods in washes even when it's not raining where you are.
- 5Signal: a car mirror, horn, and bright cloth draw rescuers.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Walking in the midday sun
- Leaving your vehicle to 'find help'
- Sweating in heavy exertion
Good to know
- Sweat is your radiator — staying covered and calm preserves it longer than rationing water does.
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