Desert Safety and Common Sense

“The problem with common sense is its not all that common”

The desert is a place of extremes not only from stock truck to full blown race truck but from hot to cold, dry to wet.  The change can sometimes be sudden and even deadly if you are not prepared for them. In the summertime temperatures can reach well over 120 degrees, prolonged exposure to the sun can even cause 2nd and 3rd degree burns. In the winter the wind will chill you to the bone, and a slight rain can turn into a down poor causing flash floods turning that nice quiet wash where you decided to set up camp, into a river. Believe it or not people have drowned in the desert.

So how do you prepare for something you think will never happen to you? First off don’t believe that it will never happen to you! Don’t panic should something happen to you. Before you leave for the desert, plan on running into problems and what the consequences could be if you are unprepared for then. Be sure to carry plenty of water with you. A simple tire change is nothing in your driveway but to do it in the desert at midday with the sun beating down on you in deep sand can drain you. Even if you only plan a short trip away from camp I would rather have too much water then not enough. Remember you vehicle may need some water too!

Never go out alone, and always let someone know where you are going. If you are unfamiliar with the area take mental notes of landmarks that will help you find your way back should you get lost. Also, be aware of the weather and possible changes that could happen when you are away from camp.

Remember that even the flattest terrain can change overnight from heavy traffic or windstorms that can build up small dunes or uncover a once buried trench. The midday sun can also make terrain appear flatter then it is since there are no shadows being cast. Rain can quickly create drop-off holes and trenches, and turn slight inclines into impossible impasses.

Carry a spare tire and the proper tools to change it, work gloves to protect you hands, metal surfaces get hot in the desert! Carry a strong tow rope; never depend on someone else to have one. Carry a shovel to dig yourself out of being stuck should there be no one around to yank you out. A working flashlight and matches is not a bad idea either. Sunglasses, a good hat and a light weight windbreaker are also good additions to your vehicle.

Now should you break down, always stay with your vehicle it is a lot bigger then you and is much easier to spot then just you alone. More often then not the vehicle is found before the person who decided to walk for help. Your vehicle will also provide you shade and shelter from the elements. Should you decide to walk out please stay on marked trails if possible, you are more likely to run into help this way. Avoid the peak hot hours of the day and seek shade but leave a signal out in the open. If you have a cell phone take it with you but don’t rely on the batteries and coverage can fail. If there is a ranger station, stop by and pick up a map of the area to carry with you.  

Drive safe and we will see you in the dez!