Building an Emergency Shelter:
After reading the following, you’ll probably want to pack a folding shovel, a folding saw, waterproof matches & steel wool (a fire starter even when wet).
Build a Shelter in Winter
Building a shelter in winter, especially in a survival situation, is essential for staying warm and protected from the cold temperatures, wind, and snow. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build a basic winter shelter:
Location Selection: In a rush? Take a few long deep breaths and carefully, but quickly, consider the options in your immediate area for the best possible place for your shelter. Look for a spot that’s away from potential hazards like avalanches, falling trees, or rockslides. Consider proximity to water sources, but ensure it's not too close to avoid moisture and flooding. Use natural features like rock formations or trees to provide additional protection from the wind.
Snow Cave: A snow cave is one of the most effective winter shelters and can provide insulation against the cold. Here's how to build one:
Dig a hole in a snowbank or drift that's large enough for you to comfortably lie down in. Create an entrance tunnel that slopes upward to prevent cold air from entering. Ensure the walls of the cave are thick enough to provide insulation. The thicker the walls, the better the insulation.
Snow Trench Shelter: If you don't have the energy or time to dig a snow cave, you can create a snow trench shelter:
Dig a trench in the snow that's long enough to accommodate your body when lying down. Create a raised sleeping platform inside the trench to keep you off the cold ground. Cover the trench with a tarp, poncho, or any available material to block the wind and snow.
Snow and Branch Lean-To: A snow and branch lean-to is a simple shelter that can be built using natural materials:
Find two sturdy trees or vertical supports to serve as the main framework for your shelter. Lay long branches or logs across the supports to create a roof frame. Stack snow on top of the branches to create insulation. Use evergreen boughs, pine needles, or other available materials to create a thick layer on top of the snow for added insulation. Create a snow wall on the windward side of the shelter for additional protection.
Emergency Mylar Blanket Shelter: If you have an emergency Mylar blanket, you can fashion a quick and easy shelter:
Find two trees or other supports. Tie or secure one end of the Mylar blanket to one support and stretch it out. Secure the other end to the second support, creating a sloping roof. Use snow or other materials to weigh down the sides of the blanket to prevent drafts.
Insulation:
Regardless of the type of shelter you build, insulation is crucial. Lay down evergreen boughs, leaves, or additional layers of snow inside the shelter to create a barrier between your body and the cold ground.
Stay Dry:
Avoid sweating while building your shelter, as wet clothing can lead to hypothermia. Remove layers as needed to regulate your body temperature. Always stay as dry as possible.
Remember that building a winter shelter can be physically demanding, especially in cold conditions. Prioritize your safety, stay hydrated, and rest as needed. If you have communication devices like a mobile phone, try to call for help and let others know your location. In a survival situation, it's crucial to stay calm and make rational decisions to increase your chances of staying warm and getting rescued.
Build a Shelter from the Rain
Building a shelter in the rain is essential to keep yourself dry and protected from the elements. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build a basic rain shelter:
Location Selection: Choose a location that provides some natural protection from the rain, such as under a thick canopy of trees, a rocky overhang, or a cliff. Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Tarp Shelter: One of the quickest and most effective ways to create a rain shelter is by using a tarp. Here's how:
Find two trees or sturdy vertical supports that are at an appropriate distance apart to accommodate the tarp's size. Attach one corner of the tarp to one support and stretch it out to the other support. Secure the other corner of the tarp to the second support. Adjust the tarp's height and tension to create a sloping roof that directs rainwater away from the sheltered area. Use additional ropes, guylines, or stakes to secure the tarp and prevent it from sagging or collapsing under the weight of rain.
Natural Material Shelter: (watch youtube videos): If you don't have a tarp but have access to natural materials, you can create a shelter using branches, leaves, and other forest debris:
Find two or more sturdy trees or supports. Lay long branches or logs across the supports to create a roof frame. Collect large leaves, branches with leaves, or pine boughs to create a thatched roof. Layer these materials on top of the frame to form a waterproof barrier. Create a raised platform inside the shelter to keep you off the wet ground.
Emergency Rain Poncho Shelter: If you have an emergency rain poncho, you can use it to fashion a simple shelter:
Find two trees or supports. Tie or secure one end of the rain poncho to one support and stretch it out. Secure the other end to the second support, creating a sloping roof. Use additional ropes or materials to weigh down the sides of the poncho to prevent drafts.
Ground Cover: To further enhance your shelter's comfort and protection from moisture, add a layer of leaves, grass, or any available material on the ground inside the shelter.
Stay Dry: While building your shelter, try to stay as dry as possible to avoid getting wet clothing, which can lead to hypothermia. Remove layers as needed to regulate your body temperature.
Maintain Ventilation: Ensure there is adequate ventilation in your shelter to prevent condensation from building up inside, which can make you wet even if it's not raining.
Remember that building a shelter in the rain can be challenging, and it's important to work quickly and efficiently to minimize exposure to the wet conditions. Prioritize your safety, stay hydrated, and rest as needed. If you have communication devices like a mobile phone, try to call for help or inform others of your location.
