Rule of Threes: You can generally survive three minutes without air, three hours in extreme conditions without shelter, three days without water, and three weeks without food.
Water Purification: Boiling water for at least one minute can make it safe to drink by killing harmful organisms.
Hypothermia Prevention: Stay dry to prevent hypothermia. Wet conditions accelerate heat loss from the body. Layering clothing
Signaling for Help: Use the universal distress signal of three—three fires or piles of rocks in a triangle shape, or three blasts on a whistle.
Navigation Basics: Remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. At noon, the sun is generally in the southern part of the sky in the Northern Hemisphere.
Fire Starting: Carry multiple ways to start a fire, such as a lighter, matches, and a flint striker.
Edible Plants: Learn about local edible plants, but also the toxic ones to avoid. Always err on the side of caution; if you're not sure, don't eat it.
First Aid Basics: Know basic first aid procedures, such as how to treat a wound, splint a broken limb, and perform CPR.
Staying Calm: Panic can be your worst enemy. Staying calm allows you to think clearly and make better decisions.
Wildlife Encounters: Learn about wildlife in the area you are in and how to safely interact or avoid them. Generally, it's best to keep a safe distance from wild animals.