SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ (CBS5) -
You never know when you can get stuck in this heat. But as long as you have some basic knowledge of the desert, it may come in handy and save your life.
We talked to some search and rescue volunteers and you may be surprised to hear some of their survival pointers. Like number one - don't just keep water with you; make sure you stay hydrated the day before you plan to spend time outdoors, because it can make a world of difference.
"During the summertimes like this, you won't notice it but the next thing you know you're going to be sitting down worried about heatstroke," said Matt Dieu. He and Lindsay Pate own Silver Rein Horsemanship, a horse riding and training business in San Tan Valley. Last week they also helped look for missing hiker Ken Clark in the Superstitions.
"We come off the trails and try to get to the highest vantage point," Dieu said.
Some of what he offers seem like no-brainers: don't stray from the trail, bring a cellphone, stay hydrated and find shade if you get too hot.
"Wait until the sun starts going down, when it gets a little later, when it starts getting cooler, and then move," he said.
But others are not as obvious.
"One particular cactus is the prickly pear, they're edible year round," Dieu said. He added that's pretty much the only edible plant around, in case you need sustenance. But perhaps the most important thing of all, he says?
"Never go alone," he said. "Always have a buddy."
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