What To Do For Survival In The Bush And Outback
What To Do For Survival In The Bush And Outback
The outback of Australia can be harsh and if you are driving in remote areas you should take a number of precautions.
The outback of Australia can be a harsh environment, subject to droughts, floods, bushfires and cyclones. Most Australians have a basic awareness of the dangers and survival in the bush and outback.
Before leaving the beaten track try to find out what awaits you. Visit the local visitor information centre or park rangers, listen to the local radio station and read the local paper. You should notify the local police or property owners of your journey and ask about conditions on your intended route and when you expect to return. Check in when you arrive at your destination and when you return. If you have a well prepared vehicle, a supply of tools and spare parts, some mechanical knowledge (or at least a workshop manual) and sufficient food and water for at least 14 days, there is only a very slim chance of running into trouble. If you are going into an isolated or remote area, your most serious threat is that of becoming stranded. Do not assume that a road indicates habitation. It could lead to an abandoned homestead or geological survey site. Note these tips for driving cross country do not only apply to us in Australia, they are appropriate everywhere.
Tips for driving cross country if your car breaks down in a hot, dry region:
Stay with the vehicle and do not panic. If you must leave the car, attach a note to the steering wheel stating your proposed route. Move at night when it is cool and mark your route clearly as you go so you can be followed or find your way back easily.
Ration your food and water supplies. Keep them cool under the car, scraping a shallow hole to place them in.
Cover as much of your body as possible with light clothing; this reduces perspiration.
Rest to conserve energy. Do strenuous jobs only at night.
Make a sunshade from a tarpaulin or blanket strung from the south side of the car. Stay in shade.
Make a solar still if water supplies are low.
Identify the closest high ground. Remove you car's rear-view mirror to use for signalling, and prepare appropriate air search signals.
Becoming stranded is not un-common: cars get bogged; dinghies break down; bushwalkers wander off the track. The best insurance for survival in the bush against a simple mishap turning into a life-threatening situation is to carry a suitable communication device (like a mobile phone).
In addition, observe these basic survival in the bush and outback tips:
Do not try to walk out of a remote area for assistance.
Stay with, or close to, your vehicle or boat.
If the weather is hot or wet, set up shelter from the elements.
Wear sensible clothing including a hat and footwear.
Conserve your food and water supplies in anticipation of a long wait.
Conserve your energy.
Try to signal for help using fire, or scratch the word help into the ground or sand.
The most important thing isDo Not Panic. Even if you do go off the beaten track that never seems to be used, you are rarely alone. A fellow traveller will appear sooner or later (within days, not weeks).
Have a look here for how to make a clock compass, a solar still, other sources of water, air search signals and other useful information about survival in the bush and outback.
Your most important item will be water. Drinking adequate fluids is even more important than eating food. Without a supply of water, you have little chance of surviving in places of extreme heat. If you intend to travel in the desert or remote outback areas, prepare for the worst and carry 4-5 litres of water per person for every day you expect to be on the road. Then carry extra water for 3-4 days to cover you in the event of an emergency.
This is the twenty-third and final page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website atfor the other articles.
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his websitehttp://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. He not only has his tour business operating from Peth in Western Australia, but his site is full of very helpful information. Some of these includes tips on motorcycle holidayshttp://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/motorcycle-holiday.html, driving cross-country, caravanning and generally lots of tips about having a "camping" holiday.
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