Desert survival tips:

Technique:
Work or move only at night or dawn.

Wear all clothing fully buttoned up during day to create cooling microclimate and conserve or optimally utilize skin expiration.

If you are with a vehicle STAY with the vehicle (it was prepared for the Desert right?). Rescuers will be looking for the vehicle not you.

A burning spare tire will make a lot of black smoke for daytime signal use. Put oil, rags, seat cushions, etc. on it to make it black and highly visible during a typical desert windless day. Please put it on carefully before you ignite it. Never put combustables on a live fire cowboy, your asking for trouble then.

Find a shady spot and move/create more to stay in it during the day.

If you are near a good source of water, stay there. People will be by soon. There will also be lots of game to sustain you.

In the real-deal (think great sand dune monument) desert you are largely screwed without a supply of water.

You could bury yourself at dawn (body/legs about 18” deep) and get largely out of the daytime heat. That would increase your chances some.

Gear:
(On foot or in vehicle (*) while traveling)
Lightweight nylon SPF 30 pants, hat, shirt.
Pack with (2) 3l bladders and (3) 1l nalgene
Lightweight shade tarp
Water Purifier
Signal Panel
PSK
insulating mat for ground. (use car window reflector if no insulating pad availible) That ground is HOT man...
SUNGLASSES
sunscreen
Car Kit*
5 Gal water*
Heavy Duty tarp*
Cell Phone charger*
Medical Kit*
Food*