You have to be hardcore to survive Arizona
Living in Arizona isn’t just about enjoying the gorgeous sunsets and giant cacti. It’s about learning how to handle the desert like a pro.
The heat, the critters, and the wild weather make life here an adventure. Here’s how they survive and thrive.
Always Carrying Water
Arizonans don’t mess around when it comes to water. Whether it’s a reusable bottle or a full gallon jug, they have it with them at all times. They know that staying hydrated is the key to making it through a hot day. They’re also pros at spotting dehydration and love their electrolytes.
Sunscreen is a Way of Life
Sunscreen isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Arizonans wear SPF 50 like armor, and they’ve perfected slathering it on without missing a spot. They never leave home without a hat or sunglasses, and they’ll find the tiniest bit of shade to stand in when it’s blazing outside.
Dealing with Monsoon Madness
Monsoon season means crazy rain, sudden floods, and giant dust storms called haboobs. Arizonans know better than to drive through flooded streets (“Turn around, don’t drown!”), and they’re naturals at securing their outdoor furniture when the winds start howling.
Dust storm rolling in? Time to pull over and wait it out.
Handling Hot Cars Like Experts
Getting into a car that’s been baking in the sun feels like climbing into an oven. Arizonans have tricks for this: park in the shade when possible, toss a towel over the steering wheel, and let the A/C blast before touching anything. Hot seatbelt buckles? Nope, not today.
Living With Rattlesnakes
Arizonans know the drill when it comes to rattlesnakes. Stay calm, give them space, and wear sturdy shoes on hikes. They also teach their kids to look before stepping into tall grass or reaching under rocks. Snakes are just part of desert life. No need to panic.
Cooling Down Without AC
Sometimes the power goes out, and the A/C stops working. Arizonans have tricks for that, too: use fans, wet towels, and keep the windows covered during the hottest part of the day.
When it’s really bad, they might head up to the mountains for cooler air.
Knowing Cactus Secrets
Cacti aren’t just pretty. They’re useful! Arizonans know which ones have edible fruit (prickly pear is delicious) and which might hold water in an emergency. They also know to stay far away from jumping cholla unless they want to spend hours pulling out spines.
Dealing With Scorpions Like It’s No Big Deal
Shoes left outside? Shake them out first because there might be a scorpion hiding inside. Arizonans keep UV flashlights handy to spot these critters at night, and they know how to stay calm if they get stung. It’s just another part of desert living.
Grilling No Matter What
Even in triple-digit heat, Arizonans fire up the grill. They’ve learned to cook outside without melting by using shade, misters, and lots of cold drinks.
And yes, it’s true that eggs really can fry on the sidewalk during summer. They’ve probably tried it at least once.
Laughing About the Heat
“It’s a dry heat!” is the unofficial motto of Arizona. Arizonans don’t just survive the sweltering summers. They joke about them.
Whether it’s about their flip-flops melting on the pavement or the air being hotter than their oven, they’ve got a sense of humor to match the temperature.
The post 10 Desert Survival Skills That Make Arizonans Tougher Than the Rest of the US appeared first on When In Your State.
