How to Create an Emergency Shelter
Sometimes, a hike in an unfamiliar area can turn into an emergency. Surviving the ordeal is the top priority. Keeping yourself safe is important. The most basic way to do this is to build an emergency shelter. Below are some useful pointers for building an emergency shelter:
- Find a good location
It is crucial to see where you are. Choosing a good location to build your shelter will make or break it. Look for a location that can protect you from strong winds and rain. Make sure that a water source is near but will not ruin your shelter when a storm hits the area.
- Do not forget to insulate
Get some logs and make a rectangular frame. Fill the inside of the frame with dried leaves, branches, and twigs. The debris will insulate your shelter. It will prevent your body from losing heat. If you do not do this, your body will lose heat because of ground transfer.
- Make a frame large enough to cover your body
You are building an emergency shelter. It does not need to be big. It should only be large enough to cover your body. An A-frame will be enough. Make sure to adjust the sticks at the sides so they all join at the top. Place sticks in the front and back. Be creative in keeping the sticks together.
- Pile everything on
Add more debris over the outer part of your shelter. This is the most time-consuming part. Get more branches, leaves, and sticks. Pile them over the entire A-frame. This should be four to eight inches think. This is enough to block the rain and keep the inside of your emergency shelter dry. You can add more warmth by making a small fire outside.
Losing your way can be a crisis. But knowing what to do can make a difference. Constructing your emergency shelter will help keep you alive and safe. It can also make you comfortable and dry. Having a safe place to rest is better than being exposed to the elements. Your shelter can protect you from harsh weather and even predators until help arrives.