Survival Tips!
Be safe out there!
Make sure your vehicle has a survival kit / First Aid Kit, with
extra water stowed. Check fan belts, hoses, coolant level, and all
lubricants and fluids. Make sure the jack is working properly. Carry extra
water, a flashlight, blankets, flares, first-aid kit, cell phone and
snacks.
Always be prepared and tell friends and family where you're going. Know
basic survival skills and how to signal for help. Be smart! Two years ago,
a lost hiker started a signal fire which became part of the largest forest
fire in Arizona history.
Hiking Kit
Useful items to include on your hike:
1. A map, cell phone, GPS unit and compass.
2. Large, bright trash bag for shelter or signaling.
3. Small flashlight and candles.
4. Extra water, nuts, trail snacks and bouillon cubes.
5. Extra clothing, such as rain gear, sweater and pants.
6. Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat.
7. A sharp pocketknife and water purification tablets.
8. Waterproof matches, lighter, magnesium bar and flint.
9. Tender cubes, cotton balls or steel wool.
10. First-aid kit, tweezers, pocket comb (for cactus spin removal), and
small roll of duct tape.
11. A whistle, signal mirror and magnifying strip.
12. Dental floss, small fish hook, line weights and swivels.
Stay Or Go!
When to walk
If the area is truly unsafe, bad weather is approaching, no one knows
you're missing, or you are not in a good signaling spot. However, it's
best to stay put. Don't make finding you more difficult. If you must move,
leave a note, message or marker. Find a high point to survey your
surroundings, looking for roads, rivers or habitation.
Desert Survival
Adapt to stay alive!
The keys to survival are found in the animals and plants that live
there. Imitate them. Sit out the heat of the day, find a water source, and
become nocturnal. Do not fight things you cannot change. Remember: Ration
sweat, not water. Carry more water than you need. It is important to know
how to locate water and purify it. Look for unusually green patches of
vegetation; good indicators are cottonwood trees or desert willows. Cactus
water might be toxic; use barrel or other cactus only as last resort.
Large animals and birds go to water sources early and late in the day.
Watch for them and follow their lead.
Signaling
Mirror is a must!
Find a hilltop, meadow or clearing in the trees. Only if it is safe,
build a fire ring and fire. During the day, burn green wood, leaves,
grassÑthings that smolder. At night, burn dry items for a bright, clean
flame. A series of three signals, whistles or gunshots is a universal
distress call. A signal mirror can be seen for 20 miles and is a must
bring item.
More Tips
Think ahead
Avoid camouflaged clothing and gear. Carry a bright trash bag or a
silver-sided space blanket. Your feet are critical; hiking boots should be
well-fitting and broken in. Have several latex balloons for water storage,
tourniquet, shoelace or fishing bobber. A small yellow sponge can be used
for sanitary needs, fish bait or water gathering.
Survival Links
www.hikercentral.com/survival
www.survivaliq.com
www.mpioutdoors.com
www.mountainsurvival.com
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