The following is something I wrote for our SAR team to print and pass out to people going into the desert. The motivation for doing it was to help people avoid doing the wrong things or getting them out of a jam they've gotten themselves into. I finished it at the request of the parents of a young man who lost his life while out exploring the desert.

The desert can be a beautiful and enjoyable place to visit. It can also be dangerous and life threatening if unprepared for the unexpected. Taking a few minutes before you leave can mean the difference between some inconvenience and delay or DEATH!

Let someone know. Before you leave, let someone responsible know exactly where you are going and when you expect to return. A map with your intended route of travel is helpful along with a description of your vehicle, equipment taken, and number of people in your group.

Bring lots of water. Things to take with you should include enough water for your planned trip and at least an extra day. Plan on a minimum of one gallon per person per day during the summer.

A wide brimmed hat and loose fitting light colored clothes will help you stay cool in the summer. In the winter make sure to have warm clothes as the weather can become cold, windy, and wet. Check your vehicle. Your Vehicle should be in good condition. This includes your tires and spare (check the pressure before leaving). Check your oil, gas, and coolant. Make sure you have a tire jack, some tools, flares and tow chain or rope. It is also a good idea not to travel with a single vehicle in case of mechanical troubles.

Driving off roads in the desert with a single vehicle can spell disaster. Vehicles(including 4 wheel drive) often become stuck in the sand, mud or on rocks.

Be careful driving. Drive only when well rested and not under the influence to prevent accidents. Stay in the middle of dirt roads when safe to avoid soft shoulders or an edge that may breakaway. Watch your speed as it takes longer to stop on dirt and gravel roads. Be careful turning around or backing up, use a spotter to help keep you on firm ground. Be careful on rocky ground as they can destroy tires or your oil pan. If the road starts getting bad it often means it will get worse, turn back if in doubt. Avoid sandy washes as they are good spots to become stuck.

If you get stuck. If you become stuck, it is important not to spin your tires. Apply slow and even pressure on the gas pedal to "rock" the vehicle out. Releasing some air out of the tires may help. If you find your tires getting buried deeper, clear dirt away from the front and back of the wheels and place sticks, plants, rocks, floor mats or other things under the tires to help improve the traction.

The vehicle won't go. For whatever the reason, raise the hood of your car (universal distress signal) and take some time to THINK about your situation and what to do to stay alive and get help.

Stay with your vehicle. Staying with your vehicle is the best thing to do unless better shelter or help are VERY CLOSE and EASY TO GET TO! Searchers usually find the vehicle first and then the people. Your vehicle may become hot during the day but the shade may offer you the best chance of survival. Remember not to sit on the hot ground that has been in the sun as the temperature could be 200F or more.

Stay clothed. Don't remove your clothing as this helps keep you cool by the perspiration evaporating from your clothes and also insulates you by keeping the direct sun and heat away from your skin. It is especially important to keep your head covered for keeping cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Make yourself seen. Make yourself visible by making yourself larger. This can be done by spreading out materials around your vehicle that can be seen from the air. Use rocks, vegetation, or just scrape the ground to make large (10 foot high ormore) letters for HELP. Make smoky fires by burning rubber or oil from the vehicle and vegetation during the day and bright fires at night that can be seen long distances. Remember not to burn all your fuel at once but rather have some fuel ready to burn if you should suddenly see someone in the distance. A signal mirror, made from a mirror on the vehicle, in a purse or even just a piece of shiny metal can be used to signal someone miles away if done correctly. Flares can also be seen miles away at night.

Don't ration water. Few people can survive very long without water especially in the summer. Without any water resting in 120 shade, you may only live a couple of days. If you walk in the summer sun your survival time may only be a few hours. Ration your sweat not your water. Drink whenever you are thirsty. If possible, avoid eating because it uses body water for digestion and causes dehydration.

Deciding to walk out should only be made after careful consideration of your situation. This should be based on several factors:

1. Will someone report you missing and are you near the reported area?
              - IF SO THE BEST THING MIGHT BE TO WAIT FOR YOUR RESCUE.

2. Can you safely walk to help? An injury could spell disaster. Try to stay on the roads as it will be easier walking and your chances of getting help are greater.

3. What time of day is it? You are able to travel much farther during the coolness of evening, night and early morning.

4. How long will it take to reach help? You might start out fresh and energetic but time and the heat will sap your strength quickly. Travel slowly to conserve energy and avoid excessive sweating. If you get caught out in the open during the day you may not last long.

5. Do you know which direction to travel? This may sound stupid but many times people travel in the wrong direction for help. Use a map or compass, pick a distant landmark, or use the stars. Again, stay on road.

6. Can you still be found? Make it easy for searchers to quickly find you. Leave a note describing when and why you left and where you are going. Leave good tracks or arrows for searchers to follow.

7. Can you bring water and shelter with you? Bring as much water with you as you can along with clothes to shelter your body. Loosen your clothes if hot but do not take them off!

8. Do you have important signaling and survival gear to bring with you? Things like a flashlight, mirror, and matches will allow you to still signal someone.

9. Are you physically fit? If you're not in condition to make it out on foot do not attempt it.

10. What is your mental attitude? Your success may depend on a POSITIVE THINKING attitude whether you decide to stay or walk out.