While the likelihood of finding the Orange County couple alive diminishes each day they remain missing—and it’s highly unusual for people to remain missing this long—reporter David Haldane has some suggestions o, how to avoid—and if necessary, survive—becoming lost in the desert…
Imagine a nightmare scenario. You’re hiking in Joshua Tree National Park and get injured or lost. The temperatures are in triple digits and no one can find you. How do you survive?
It’s a question that’s been on lots of minds lately, especially since last week’s disappearance of a young Orange County couple. Ranger George Land has some potentially lifesaving suggestions.
First, he says, try to avoid that situation altogether by not overestimating your abilities. Leave early when it’s relatively cool, hike no more than three or four hours and, most importantly, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Stop by the visitor’s center on the way in for instructions and maps. Carry at least a gallon of water per person per day. Wear a hat and bandanna to cover your mouth. And if your car breaks down, stay with the car.
Not all tragedies can be avoided. But if you follow these simple rules, the ranger says, they’re less likely to occur.
