Seven Steps to Survival

The Seven Steps to Survival were developed by search and rescue personnel based
on interviews with survivors. The Seven Steps are a list of priorities that can serve
as a blueprint for dealing with any emergency.

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1. Recognition

In an emergency, recognize the seriousness of your
situation and accept that you need to act to save your life. Decide
to think and respond like a survivor. Learn more...

2. Inventory

What do you have with you? What should you do. Decide what there is in your surroundings that can help you and what can hurt you. Do first aid, if needed. Learn more...

3. Shelter

You need to stay warm if it's cold and you need to stay cool if it's hot. Preserve body heat with materials that insulate and protect you from a cold environment. Find or make shade if you are in a hot and sunny environment. Learn more...

4. Signals

Help rescuers find you by using emergency signals that
attract attention and convey the need for help. Learn more...

5. Water

Find a safe source of water and drink two to four quarts a day. Learn more...

6. Food

After you are safe and warm, food will help to ease a long wait for help. However, know which foods are safe to eat and avoid eating if you don’t have water. Learn more...

7. Play

Stay busy and keep a positive mental attitude. Improve your shelter or signals, build a fire, gather food, sing songs, or play a game. Anything that helps to improve morale boosts your odds of survival. Learn more...