Avoid panic. Keeping yourself calm is the most important thing you can do to increase your chance of survival. (Reference 1)
Conserve water. You can do this by avoiding exertion. If you must perform strenuous tasks, such as walking, hunting, or digging, try to do so at night. During the day, stay in the shade as much as possible. (References 1, 2)
Find water. Look for areas of green vegetation, and dig there. If there are birds flying nearby, note the direction of their flight and follow it. Look for animal tracks: converging animal tracks will often lead to water. If you can locate a dry stream bed, you can dig for water, particularly in the outside of a bend in the bed. (Reference 1) Depending on what materials you have, you can also construct a solar still or transpiration bag. These devices, however, can be unreliable. (References 1, 2)
Drink water. The water you have worked so hard to locate will do you no good if you don't drink it. Do not just sip, but take real drinks when you need them. If your urine becomes darkly-colored, you should increase your water intake. (References 1, 2)
Build a fire. While this may seem counter-intuitive, a fire can provide heat on cold desert nights. You can also use your fire to signal to rescuers, to cook, or even to purify water. Finally, a fire will help to ward off any predators or other dangerous animals in your area. (Reference 1)
Construct a shelter. The type of shelter you make will depend upon the materials available to you. The most important considerations, however, are shade and breeze: do not construct an airtight shelter. If possible, do not sit directly on the hot ground. (References 1, 2)
Signal to rescuers. Again, your type of signal will depend on what you have available. Whatever you do, your goal is to appear distinct from the natural environment. If you have a mirror or other reflective device, this can be an excellent method of signaling to aircraft, vehicles, or dust clouds (which may be vehicles). Bright colors and smoke are also effective. If you are going to burn a tire, make sure you puncture it first to avoid explosions. If you use a sound signal (a horn, gunshot, loud whistle, etc.), make the sound in groups of three, to distinguish it from natural noises. (References 1, 2)
Locate food. You can eat the inside of a cactus (not the "bark"), bugs, snakes, fish or animals, and some plants. Do not eat much, however. Most adults can go for weeks with no food at all, and food takes extra water to digest. (References 1, 2)
Be alert for small hazards. Deserts can contain snakes, spiders, centipedes, lizards, scorpions, and brightly-colored insects. Shake out clothing and shoes before putting it on, and use particular caution at night. (Reference 2)
