• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day.

If stranded

• Stay with your vehicle and signal for help.
• If you must walk for help, wait until sunset & leave a note telling which way you went.
• If you have water, drink it, don't ration it.

Walking in the desert

• Always adapt gradually, going into the heat for short periods at first.
• Drink fluids frequently and eat small meals regularly.
• Avoid alcohol, which decreases your ability to tolerate heat.

Heat illness

The 3 commonly identified types of illness resulting from exposure to the desert heat include:

• Heat Cramps
• Heat Exaustion
• Heat Stroke

  The symptoms, becoming progressively more serious, range from abdominal cramps and muscle spasms (Heat Cramps) to nausea, dizziness, headache, weakness, goose bumps, and cold, clammy skin (Heat Exaustion) to mental confusion or loss of consciousness with hot dry skin and no sweating (Heat Stroke). The categories may overlap. Heat Stroke can be fatal.

  • Get out of the sun, and out of the heat if possible.
  • Cool the person with water, not ice (which may cause shock).
  • Get medical advice ASAP.