| If you face a situation of unpredictable weather in | | | | inside so you can conserve your body heat. |
| a survival situation, you will need the basic skills to | | | | The structure of your shelter needs to be built |
| build a shelter. A good shelter must protect you | | | | with safety in mind. You want large branches that |
| from the weather and provide a place to rest and | | | | can support the weight of an adult for the |
| sleep. Each season provides a different challenge, | | | | framework. This is especially a concern when |
| but there are some universal practices that can | | | | building lean-to and debris hut shelters. If you |
| be used to build a shelter in the wilderness. | | | | were carrying a tarp, poncho or a emergency |
| The most important part of building a shelter is | | | | blanket you are almost done. But if you find |
| the location. One that provides building materials | | | | yourself lacking equipment, conditions and |
| such as dead sticks, leaves, and grasses. You | | | | materials will decide what shelter you build. |
| want to be away from falling hazards: Falling dead | | | | Covering and insulating your shelter is an |
| trees or branches, water pools, and away from | | | | important part of keeping out the outside |
| insects. You want a large enough area that is flat | | | | elements whether you are in a hot, cold, or wet |
| so you can lie down and sleep. If you are lost you | | | | environment. Leaves, grass, ferns, small sticks, |
| want to be seen by rescue teams. Avoid building | | | | pine needles can be used. Use the debris to |
| by a stream or river as water will rise. Low | | | | create a thick roof, and don't forget to create a |
| valleys can be colder at night and the high | | | | mattress also out of this material. You can add |
| elevations of the mountains can be windy. You | | | | bark or soil to the sides of your shelter to keep |
| want to build some where in between. Also look | | | | out wind and rain. |
| for natural shelters such as caves, rocky crevices | | | | The shelter you choose to build depends on the |
| or even large trees. If you can't find any of | | | | equipment you already are carrying with you, the |
| these, you will have to build a shelter. | | | | materials you have available,the outside elements, |
| Building a shelter too big is one of the many | | | | and whether your building it for one or many. |
| mistakes that can be made. Not only does it take | | | | Building your own shelter can be rewarding in itself |
| more time, effort and materials, but the amount | | | | when you have to sleep in it. With an |
| of space can be cold for one person. A good | | | | understanding of the basic skills and techniques, |
| shelter will be just large enough for you to fit | | | | you can weather almost any survival situation. |