Gotta go with A! That 3-3-3 rule always stuck in my head, mostly because it rhymes and because my grandkids once made up a song about it—"Three minutes, three days, three weeks, OH MY!" (They’re adorable menaces.) Definitely makes sense though: if you can’t breathe, nothing else matters, and water’s got to be next up (especially in this heat lately). Food might be my favorite, but I know I can live without my morning bagel if needed… begrudgingly.

Bonus tip: I always stash a little cotton ball soaked in petroleum jelly in a film canister in my purse. If I ever need to start a fire (or just win a campfire competition), I’m all set. Didn’t think I’d still use film canisters in 2025, but here we are.

Here’s a question for y’all: Has anyone actually ever tried to make fire with just sticks? I tried

A for sure! Tried the ol’ rubbing-sticks-together trick once—nearly set my nerves on fire instead. Anyone else’s arms feel like jelly afterwards, or just me?