Building a Survival Shelter

Knowing how to build a shelter is extremely important when you are facing a survival situation. Unfortunately, our bodies are not fully equipped to face the harsh elements. So it is crucial that you know how to protect yourself from the rain, snow, and sun. Extreme temperatures are harsh to your body, so the skill of creating a survival shelter is valuable in an outdoor survival emergency, a survival shelter can mean the difference between life and death.

This is a Myth! Most people think that building your own survival shelter is too complicated and expensive, or they just simply lack expertise. However, this is not the case. Consider our ancestors and how they constructed their shelters back in the days. Of course, there are many different types of survival shelters, ranging from debris huts (which are temporary shelters) to the underground survival shelters. Below are our easy to follow instructions on how to build your temporary survival shelter in case of an emergency. There is no prior experience necessary. Here are some things you must consider while building your Survival Shelter in the Wilderness.

1. Determine Location of your Survival Shelter.

• The location of your survival shelter must be as safe as possible. Try to create a shelter that is easily visible. This will help the search and rescue teams find you quickly and easily.
• It should be close enough to water for bathing and drinking, but far enough from a potential rising water situation.
• Choose ground that is flat and dry. Never select lower ground areas, like valleys, because such areas are colder and can cause you hypothermia.
• The ground you select must be level so that the water drains well. Make sure that the selected area is on higher ground and free of rocks.
• Look above the area to make sure that there won’t be any risk of branches falling on top of your shelter and destroying it.

2. Ready to Build your Survival Shelter:

• Place two large, forked sticks into the ground. About one foot deep should be suitable. These sticks should be about six feet apart. A large limb must be placed inside the Y-shaped forks to create the frame for the shelter.
• Fill in the roof area with sticks that are tied to the top and stuck into the ground. This has created the skeleton for your survival shelter. Remember to bury the sticks in the ground to make the shelter sturdy enough to withstand the force of the wind.
• Cover the skeleton by using large leaves or grass, or whatever material is available will suffice. As you cover your shelter, start at the bottom and work your way to the top.

Don’t forget to place some comfortable grass and leaves on the ground inside the shelter for bedding. Make sure to use grass and leaves to keep you warm. This type of shelter is a great way to provide you protection from the weather and wind; it is also among the easiest and simplest shelters to make for survival in an emergency. Remember, you can never be too prepared for an emergency.