Create a plan for survival and rescue.

Use your resources in an efficient manner. Ration food, but never ration water. Find or create a simple shelter for now, and improve it after you have rested.

Prepare an area for a fire and gather plenty of fuel for it. Consider making several small fires if you are in a group. Avoid hazardous areas such as dry river beds, rockslide areas, or narrow canyons. A rain shower miles away can cause a flash flood. Also, watch for standing dead trees or avalanche areas.

Valleys are generally colder than higher ground. Always avoid windy areas. Seek shade during hot summer days.

Never sleep on the bare ground. Hypothermia can effect a person in temperatures as high as 55 degrees.

Remain close to the wreckage or last known location if possible. Do not consider travel unless you are within sight of civilization, or are positive of the exact location of help.

Remember, searchers are not looking for you! It’s easier to see the wreckage or a fire than to see one person. Black smoke is good in Fall and Winter, but white smoke is more visible among the green trees of Summer.

Footprints in snow or mud are very obvious to search planes. And several planes will search the same area over and over again. If they didn’t see you the first time, they might on the next pass. Make sure your car or plane is visible.

Learn ahead of time to use signaling equipment. Practice with the signal mirror, and understand how to use your flares. These items are not as easy to use as you think, and you do not want to miss any opportunity to signal for help.