SHELTER, WATER, FOOD AND  LOCATION  ARE THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF SURVIVAL. IN MOST SURVIVAL SITUATIONS, THIS IS ALSO THE ORDER IN WHICH YOU SHOULD PRIORITIZE THEM. 

SHELTER
You must stay in a condition that allows you to be proactive in your continued survival and rescue. Physically, protect yourself against injury, the elements, and wildlife. Mentally, guard yourself against emotions that could rob you of the will to live: fear, guilt, and depression, for example. The best way to achieve this is to light and maintain a fire. Not only does it offer physical protection, but it also provides a sense of security and familiarity that can help normalize even the direst situation.

WATER
You should understand how a lack of water affects you and learn how to procure water in your environment. While you may be able to survive for a few days without it, your ability to perform even simple mental and physical tasks will be dramatically reduced in less than 24 hours. However, if you’re injured, if the weather conditions are hot, and if your workload is quite heavy, your survival time without water could be reduced to a few hours

 FOOD The importance of food is directly related to the length of time you are in a survival situation: the longer the situation lasts, the more crucial food will become in helping you stay fit. Even with a moderate workload, going without food for five to seven days will not kill you. You will, of course, feel hungry, grow tired, your movements will slow, and your body will lose its ability to repair itself. However, unless you are malnourished before you enter a survival situation, you’re unlikely to starve to death within a week. 

LOCATION
Recognize the importance of your location to your chances of survival and rescue. You will usually have two options: to stay or go. Your preferred option should be to remain where you are and use anything at your disposal to mark your location to help rescuers find you. If you can’t stay where you are (perhaps due to imminent danger), you may have to move to another location that provides either a better chance of survival or rescue or both. Select a location aid that offers you the best chance of attracting attention.