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Finding Shelter
In this section we will go over the basics of finding
or building an emergency shelter. Instead of going into
details about the different methods of constructing
shelters, we will go over the basic principles that
apply to all shelters. For an in-depth shelter building
guide check out our advanced shelter guide.
When to look for, or build a shelter.
- Immediately if your in a survival situation that
requires you to get warm fast (cold, rain, snow),
or if you have the need to stay hidden.
- At least 2 hours before dark in most other situations.
Were to look for, or build a shelter.
Your shelter will be determined by your unique situation.
The following or some things to conceder; will I need
a quick way to signal for help, do I need to stay hidden,
is there a good water source nearby, are there any dangers
in the area (avalanche, dead trees, rock slides, creepy
crawlies, possible flooding, etc.)? Look for areas that
have adequate materials for building, and plenty of
room for you to lie down.
Widow Makers
- Avoid creek bottoms, dry river beds, and low lying
areas in foothills; in mountainous areas melting snow
and thunder showers in the mountains can cause a rush
of water to come poring into low lying areas (many
campers have died this way). Always shelter
below the highest water lines.
- Always make sure there are no dead trees, or limbs
that could fall on your shelter.
- Avoid areas that have a potential for rock slides
or avalanches.
- Watch out for the wild life; don’t shelter
on game trails, or too close to watering holes. Keep
an eye out for insects, spiders, scorpions and snakes
(you don’t want to unknowingly
build your shelter on a snake den, or ants nest).
- Use caution in and around caves; caves are usually
a habitat for rodents, bats, snakes, insects, and
even large predators’. If you use a cave, be
careful when heating it up with your camp fire; heating
cold rock rapidly can cause the rock to break and
the cave ceiling to collapse.
- In urbanized areas keep in mind that abandoned buildings
may already have guest living in them (You
don’t want to wake up in a crack house).
Finding/Building a Shelter
Things to conceder:
- What type of shelter do I need to protect me from
the elements (Rain, Snow, Wind, Sun, etc.)?
- Do I have the materials available (natural or man-made)?
- Do I have the tools (natural or man-made)?
- How much time and effort will it take?
We will not get into the details of shelter building
in this section; instead we will show diagrams of several
types of shelters that will provide adequate protection
from the elements. For an in-depth shelter building
guide check out our advanced shelter guide.
Quick Shelters
Poncho Tent
One man shelter (Man-made
Materials)
One Man Hidden Cave Shelter
(Natural Materials)
(This shelter can keep you very warm even in the coldest
weather!) (This is my favorite shelter for concealment
and warmth, but it is only recommended in cold weather
because of the creepy crawlies that will try to share
it with you.)
Lean-to Shelter
Tree-pit Snow Shelter
Desert Shelter
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