In yesterday’s article we discussed the first steps to establishing a plan if you should find yourself lost in the great outdoors. Today we will address the different types of shelter, and materials that can be used when building your emergency shelter. Although there may be circumstances where an explorer will have no necessary tools for basic survival, it should be noted that any outdoor adventure should include at least a knife. That knife will come in handy for a multitude of uses! But even without tools, an emergency shelter can be prepared.
Naturally Formed Shelters
While executing the steps of S.T.O.P., did you notice if there were any rock formations or overhangs that could be utilized as a temporary shelter? Rocks make for outstanding shelter due to their ability to radiate heat at night that has been absorbed from the day’s sun, and will reflect heat from a fire made next to it. Be sure to inspect the area beforehand for any signs of a possible rock slide.
Caves are naturally occurring in many forest and desert areas, and these can be immensely welcome as emergency shelter. Building a fire just outside the cave can help smoke out any rodents or creatures that may be hiding in the shadows.
When utilizing rocks, especially removing them for building shelter or fire pits, keep in mind that many creatures enjoy the cool ground underneath the rock, some of which can be dangerous, like scorpions or snakes. Exercise caution, and if you hear anything that sounds like a warning, leave the rock where it is!
Available Materials
If you are stranded in the woods, it is incredibly likely that there are abundant materials around you for building shelter. Fallen trees can serve as the base upon which you build a lean-to shelter. Search for sturdy fallen tree limbs to serve as framework for your shelter, and branches for constructing the main wall that will serve as the roof over your head. Vines or hardy plants can be used as a substitute for rope to secure the main pieces of your frame together. Once the frame is complete, you can cover the roof wall with debris, like leaves and tree boughs, to create a layer that will insulate you from the elements and keep heat inside the structure.
Materials You Have
If you packed for wilderness adventuring, you may have useful materials already in your possession, like a tarp, poncho, emergency blanket, or even a garbage bag. A knife and a length of rope would be definite bonus materials. These materials can help enhance a lean-to shelter, but can also create a simple tent or a-frame structure by stringing rope between trees grouped closely together. An emergency blanket is a great thing to have on hand, as it will also help to radiate heat within your shelter.
Once you’ve got a shelter built, you will want to create a layer on the ground upon which you will sleep. This layer, which can be the same debris you made your roof layer from, will help to retain your body heat while you’re in the shelter. A garbage bag can even be stuffed with leaves to create a makeshift sleeping bag!
Before embarking on any adventure that takes you far from immediate communication or rescue, do some research on the area, and research on survival techniques in general. Having no idea what you’re doing is the best way to set yourself up for failure. A proper pack with basic materials will go a long way to helping you in an emergency situation. We’ll be discussing that soon, so check back for more tips!
Wrapping up our post on the basics of building your emergency shelter, we thought you might also like:
Featured Image from Kyle Glenn/Unsplash
