S.T.O.P.: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan
Planning and preparation should keep you from having an outdoor misadventure. If an emergency does occur, you should remember and follow the S.T.O.P. principle.
Stop: Remain calm, and analyze the situation.
Think: Decide what you need to do to survive.
Observe: Survey the terrain, and look for familiar landmarks.
Plan: Figure out the next best course of action. Don’t wait until dark to plan!