8-1. Temperature extremes, both hot or cold, are stressful on equipment and can impede their use. For example, electronics require batteries, which have a limited amount of stored energy. Radios, GPSs, flashlights, cell phones, beacons, and blue-force trackers need battery power to function. If exposed to temperature extremes, a battery’s power can be degraded and internal parts can become damaged. This could leave isolated persons stranded during critical times when the equipment in needed. Extreme heat can cause batteries to overheat and potentially explode or degrade the stored-up energy. Batteries should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from the open flame of any fire.
Protection
8-2. In extreme cold weather, electronic equipment and spare batteries should be kept between layers of clothing to stay warm or in shelters out of the cold. Moisture has damaging effects on all types of equipment, and isolated persons should do everything possible to keep their items dry. Humidity encourages mold in enclosed spaces such as optics. Items such as optics should be kept in as dry a condition as possible so condensation does not form inside the sealed compartments. If the equipment becomes wet, it should be opened up and dried out thoroughly. Metal items can rust and moving parts will need lubrication if equipment is not completely dried. Metal items should be cleaned and lightly lubricated when not required for immediate use.
Lubricants and Glue
8-3. Animal fat can be used as a lubricant and fuel for an improvised lamp or heater. A strong glue can be made that is perfect for gluing organic material together. It is made by boiling animal hide scrapings or rawhide until it dissolves into a thin liquid. This glue must be used while it is hot, as this type of glue will set quickly upon cooling. This type of glue will stretch if it gets wet and it will break down if it is exposed to high heat.
8-4. Plants that produce sap, mainly conifers like pine and spruce trees, can produce a glue that is waterproof. The sap from these trees is found as blisters of tree resin on the trunk and will also collect near wounds in the bark of the tree. These resin accumulations can be collected and placed in a container and cooked down over a fire. Once the material starts to melt the isolated person will notice a turpentine smell. Do not allow the resin to boil because this will weaken the product. The resin should be covered as it is cooked down because it is highly flammable.
8-5. Once the liquid glue is cooked down, it should be filtered to remove large impurities. The isolated person should add some type of tempering material. Tempering material makes the glue stronger and more stable. Types of tempering material are charcoal from the fire, beeswax, and animal scat from herbivores like rabbits or deer. For the right amount of tempering material to add, mix in a small amount, test the glue if it is sticky and soft, then add more material till it thickens to the desired consistency. The final product should be separated in usable portions and stored until needed for a project.
8-6. To use the glue, heat the glue and apply it to the surface of the project with a stick. Heating the project’s surface before gluing or repairing the joint of the project increases the effectiveness and strength of the glue joint.
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