How to Survive in the Desert

Staying smart while being stranded in an unfamiliar place

Being prepared for a vacation or road trip is always important. In different climates and parts of the globe, supplies may be limited; therefore, if you’re traveling an unfamiliar area, it is good to know what to bring and do in case of emergency. Today, Survivalists Outfitter is here with a few tips on how to survive when stranded in desert conditions.

Before you travel anywhere, the first step is always to get organized for your long trek. If you know you will be traveling through the desert, here are a few supplies you should consider bringing:

·         Extra water

·         Extra snacks (energy snacks such as mixed fruit and nuts are beneficial)

·         Lightweight, white or light-colored garments that fully cover arms and legs (to reflect sun)

·         Lightweight hat with visor

·         Sunglasses

·         Sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher

·         Blanket

·         Coat or jacket (It can get very chilly at night in the desert)

·         Small tent or sun shade

·         Emergency car kit with jumper cables

·         Spare tire

·         Extra gas can with gas

2 Gallon Enviro-Flo Plus Gas Can

·         Paper map or road atlas

·         GPS

·         Regular magnetic compass

·         Cell phone, charger

·         Backpack

·         Flashlight

·         Matches or lighter

·         Survival knife

 SOG Aegis Folding Knife 

Another thing that is recommended, get your vehicle checked by a trustworthy mechanic to make sure your engine is running well and all of your fluids are topped off before you leave. Also, it might come in handy to print off a cellular service coverage map to see if your provider has service where you’re traveling.

If you have checked off everything on the preparation list and your car still ends up turning into a stranded hot-mess on a deserted, desert highway, miles away from the nearest exit, here are a few things that you can do:

1.       Don’t panic. Fear can cause excess sweating and retaining water is crucial

2.       Call for help. If there is no cell phone signal, shut it off or keep it on standby to conserve your battery.

3.       Check your map or GPS to see how far you are from the nearest exit

 Bushnell BackTrack GPS Gray/Orange GPS w/Compass

4.       If the sun is beating down, change into white or light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen to exposed skin, find shade nearby or set up your sunshade or open tent near your vehicle. Try to limit walking or movement to avoid sweating. Do not stay in your car. Stay hydrated.

5.       If you still haven’t been rescued by dusk, pack water, snacks, blanket, coat, tent/sunshade, flashlight, matches, map, GPS, compass and coat in your backpack and get ready to head down the road to search for a cellular signal.

6.       Travel in the direction of the nearest exit.

7.       If you are many miles from the nearest exit or from a cellphone signal on your handy cellular printout, many experts would advise you to stay close to your vehicle and keep waiting for a passerby and signal for help. 

Worst case scenario

If you have been stranded for a few days and have run out of supplies, here are a few things you can do to survive:

·         Locate water by finding green vegetation such as a cactus (cut pieces off and squeeze it), digging by dry creek beds, noticing where birds fly and following animal trails.

·         Dig a hole about two feet deep by three feet across and put a cup in the middle of the hole. Cover the hole with a plastic bag and add rocks around the bag to hold it steady. Place a rock in the middle of the plastic and condensation will drip into the cup once the air and the ground heat up. 

·         Keep a fire going at night to frighten off animals and to signal vehicles that could pass by

·         Hungry? Eat insects. They are actually high in protein and are nutritious. If you are a little more daring, you can always cook up a snake

·         Beware of poisonous snakes, spiders and Gila Monsters

·         Experts say if you don’t have enough water to aid in digestion, avoid eating if you can. If you do eat, you can dehydrate faster. 

Hopefully getting stranded in the desert isn’t anything that happens to you; however, if it does, these tips may become useful.

Have any other comments or suggestions? Let us know!

Stay safe and happy traveling!

~Charlene Marie

Three Cheers for the New Year!

Here are some practical things to do to make it a smooth-sailing 2012

Now that a brand new year just about here, it is time to get your resolutions in gear! If you haven’t thought about your resolution, here are a few good suggestions to make life a little better in 2012!

1. Take care of your wheels

Your mode of transportation is extremely important. Make sure you have your oil changed regularly and schedule preventative maintenance on your automobile. Need tools for the job? www.mechanicsdiscount.com has a ton!

2. Improve your lighting

Save money and your eyes with natural lighting. As of Jan, 2012, the new energy efficiency law goes into effect and older light bulbs will start to be phased out. Get yourself into the ‘green’ spirit and visit www.thelitesource.com for some great energy-saving bulbs!

25 Watt HD Compact Fluorescent Bulb

3. Be a fashionista

Get your glamour on and let you style shine through! Add a little extra zing to your wardrobe with a fabulous pair of TAG Heuer sunglasses! Check out some of the sleek and chic styles at www.sunglassesavantgarde.com!

Lady TAG Heuer 9100-204

4. Enjoy the great outdoors

Need a break from the same old rigmarole? Take in a breath of fresh air and enjoy the serenity of an outdoor adventure. Being one with nature can definitely be therapeutic. If you need supplies, www.survivalistsoutfitter.com has a ton of gear!

5. Embrace your inner geek

Do you love electronics? Update your gadgets for optimum enjoyment. Technology is booming and new toys can be a boatload of fun! Get some new gear this year at www.imagineshopping.com!

IIC-ME100 Imagine Portable Multimedia Player

Have any other suggestions for a New Year’s Resolution? We’d love to hear it!

Best wishes for a fabulous 2012!

~Charlene Marie

Classic Holiday Movies

Survive boredom with these great holiday films

 

Are you looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit? Look no further than your trusty television! The big networks are playing plenty of great flicks that can turn a frown into a happy holiday smile. Check out what movies made this year’s top ten list courtesy of myfoxny.com! These movies are in no particular order:

                                                    1. Elf

                                                    2. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

                                                    3. A Christmas Story

Photo courtesy of stefannholm.com

                                                   4. Home Alone

                                                   5. The Holiday

                                                   6. White Christmas

                                                   7. It’s a Wonderful Life

                                                   8. Miracle on 34^th Street

Photo courtesy of setsailmotivation.com

                                                  9. White Christmas

                                                 10. Bad Santa

What’s your favorite?

If you don’t see what you’re looking for on your local TV guide, check out your provider’s On Demand list. Most cable and satellite will have a special category for holiday films for you to view for free. Some providers even offer holiday music and a channel with a burning yule log for your enjoyment!

Relax, have fun and enjoy a great classic film this holiday season!

~Charlene Marie

Pair This with That: Survivalist Tools

There are some gift ideas out there that can complement each other; let us show you how.

Ever wonder what to get for the person who has everything? You’re not the only one! Just when you feel that there is nothing more that you could possibly get, think about what you can do to enhance or make use of what that special someone already has. For instance, if your recipient has a swanky, new coffee maker, why not get them some gourmet coffee to brighten their morning?  Below are some great gift ideas to pair or add on to products that may get a lot of use:

Here are a few gifts that can be paired with survivalist tools:

Do you know a knife collector?  Pair a sturdy knife with an informative knife book or guide!

5.11 Tactical Scout Folding Knife

If you know an avid hunter, combine a new holster with a gun cleaning kit!

5.11 Tactical Thumbdrive Hip Holster



 

           Pelican LED Tactical Flashlight                                                                                Springfield flashlight holder

Delve into your recipient’s interests and see what he or she enjoys.  A practical, yet personalized gift can go a long way!

Have any questions or comments on today’s blog? Let us know!

Happy shopping!

~Charlene Marie



Green Holiday Tips for 2011

 Give a gift to our planet this holiday season

After choosing gifts for your friends and family this holiday season, why not give a little something back to nature? Since it is the season of giving, we’ve put together a list of things you can do to help make our Earth a happier and healthier place this year.  After all our planet puts up with, it could probably use a little pampering once in a while!

Even if it’s snowing, you can let the green shine through with these tips:

•          Skip wrapping paper and present your gift in a reusable item such as a basket or tin
•          Put your light strings on a timer and save money as well as energy
•          Upgrade your holiday lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs
•          Recycle your live tree or wreaths
•          Use china or glassware when entertaining
•          Use wooden or biodegradable ornaments such as real pinecones or pine branches
•          If you’re in a colder climate, build a snowman for that extra holiday yard décor
•          Instead using a holiday aerosol freshener, boil cinnamon sticks, orange essence oil and nutmeg in  water
•          Instead staying indoors and using electricity, enjoy a natural holiday adventure such as going skiing, sledding or ice skating.
•          Send e-cards instead of paper ones

Want to spread some green cheer with your friends and family? Help the environment with eco-friendly gifts such as:

•          Bird feeders
•          Live trees or plants
•          Personalized reusable shopping bags
•          Steel water bottles
•          Solar charger for electronics
•          Wireless solar keyboards
•          GreenWash balls for detergent-free laundry
•          Mountain bikes
•          Solar light caps
•          Organic herb garden kits

A healthier planet keeps us happy too; so help share the green this holiday season!

Have any other green ideas? Let us know!

~ Charlene Marie

How to Make Aspirin in the Wilderness

A nifty little guide to the wild-side of aspirin

Have ever gotten stuck in the woods with a pounding headache or had a nasty sprain, but did not have anything to relieve the pain? Believe it or not, there is a way you can take care of these issues without ending your jaunt in the wilderness early and running to your local pharmacy. The key is in part of a tree and Survivalists Outfitter has the answer.

Bark up the right tree

The solution to making your own aspirin is getting the right type of bark. Trees with the right elements are listed below:

·         Quaking, trembling or American aspen (also known as poplar trees)

·         Bigtooth aspen

·         White willow/European willow

·         Black willow/pussy willow

·         Crack willow

·         Weeping willow

·         Purple willow

Weeping Willow

All of these trees contain salicin. This is the main ingredient that is used to treat aches and pains, just like in the store-bought, synthetic version, acetylsalicylic acid or ‘aspirin.’

How to harvest salicin

To turn salicin into what we know as aspirin, here are the quick and easy steps:

1.       Break a small branch off of a willow or aspen tree.

2.       Using a knife, peel off the woody, outer layer of bark.

3.       Scrape or peel fragments of the inner bark that are small enough to chew

4.       Chew the fresh inner bark and swallow the liquid. If you would rather dilute the bitter taste, simmer 2 teaspoons of inner bark in a cup of water and let cool. Strain the inner bark and enjoy.

Bark shavings photo courtesy of survivaltopics.com

Whether it is in tea form or straight inner bark, salicin can be consumed up to four times daily.

Have any questions about today’s blog? If so, let us know!

Keep informed and stay healthy!

~Charlene Marie

Holiday Fire: A True Story

A fire and the heroic deeds of a concerned neighbor

Since the weekend is hours away, I was planning on writing a more upbeat blog; however, due to the fact this can happen to anyone, I figured I’d share a true story that could save a home or possibly even a life.

Since the weather has been becoming quite chilly, the homeowners felt that there’s nothing better than warm, relaxing fire to wrap up the evening. After the logs were in place and the fire was set, the couple went about their business.

About an hour later, a loud, hard banging noise at the door alarmed the homeowners. Bam, bam bam! “What in the world?” the lady of the house thought to herself, as she sprung up from her computer. As she scurried down the stairs, she saw that her husband was nowhere in sight. Bewildered by the situation, she decided to investigate and went outside to find her significant other. What she saw next, was a shocking sight.

Flames were shooting out of the side of her house, while her husband and neighbor were dousing the flames with a garden hose and fire extinguisher! “Holy cow,” she exclaimed as she ran back in the house to check on the fireplace. On the inside, the fire was still burning as it normally would. The only thing she noticed was that one of the logs seemed to be touching the back wall of the fireplace.

Seconds later, the flames were out, due to the handy work of the neighbor and a trusty fire extinguisher. Armed with a few pot holders and a shovel, he quickly loaded the burnt logs and fireplace grate into a wheelbarrow and dumped them out into the driveway to cool. After dousing the inside of the hot mantel with water, the fire department arrived and tore what was left to the wooden siding off the damaged area of the house.

Actual photo of the damage

Apparently, the fire in the fireplace heated up the blocks so much, that it cracked the cement sealant and started a fire on the outside of the house. At least that is what is understood. After the house is inspected, the couple will know for sure.

As for the lady of the house, that was me.

I wanted to share this story to make my readers more aware what can happen when you least expect it. I’ve also compiled a few fire safety tips to help keep you and your own family safe. One can never be too careful when it comes to fire.

Fire safety tips:

· Have your chimney swept and cleaned once a year

· Have heating equipment inspected once per year

· Clean all ducts including clothes dryer ducts every year

· Test some detectors once a month

· Change batteries in a smoke detector once a year

· Avoid overloading electrical outlets

· Discard holiday light strings with frayed wires, cracked sockets or loose connections

· Keep decor, curtains and furniture at least three feet from any sources of heat

· Do not leave candles burning without being watched

· Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach

· Use clothes dryers ONLY while someone is home or awake

· Never leave the room while cooking

· Keep fire extinguishers around the house in case of emergency

· Do not purchase a dry or brittle Christmas tree

· Turn off space heaters and extinguish fireplaces while sleeping or when leaving home

· Make sure halogen lights are away from anything flammable

· Have a fire escape route and meeting place mapped out

· Do not smoke in bed or while sleepy

· Stop, drop and roll, if clothing catches fire

· Always stay low to the ground, if escaping a fire

Hopefully this situation doesn’t happen to you.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story as well as these fire safety tips. I also would like to thank my company for allowing me to share my story and most of all, a huge thank you to my neighbor for his kindness, concern, quick thinking and action. If it wasn’t for him and his son, I might not be writing this article today! I don’t think I can say thanks enough!

Please feel free to pass my story along and keep these fire safety tips in mind.

Stay safe!

~Charlene Marie