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Outdoor Survival: Shelter Building

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What is the order of importance in a survival situation? Food, water, fire, shelter, or signal?

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Shelter

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Many people who are forced into survival situations often get into serious trouble because of direct exposure to the elements. Most people in survival situations die of hypothermia, which can be easily avoided with basic survival skills. Being able to build a shelter is of paramount importance in a survival situation. It is extremely important to prevent or minimize heat loss, or if in a desert environment, to minimize water loss. Here are some things to think about when planning to build a shelter:

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Shelter Considerations: - Location (away from hazards, near materials) - Insulation (from ground, rain, wind, air) - Heat Source (body heat or fire-heated) - Personal or Group Shelter Protection from the elements. Do not wait until near dark, you may run out of daylight and will not be able to see what you are doing. You may sweat and produce moisture that would be dangerous when it begins to get colder as the sun goes down (hypothermia-can cause death)

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Fire

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Ideally, when traveling in the wilderness, it is best to carry multiple fire-starting tools, such as a lighter, matches, flint and steel, etc Even with these implements starting a fire can be challenging in inclement weather. Highly recommend practicing fire starting in different weather conditions within different habitats. Good fire-making skills are invaluable. If you were to find yourself in a situation without a modern fire-making implement, fire by friction is the most effective primitive technique.

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Water

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Signals for Rescue

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Fire Smoke Mirror Morse Code (SOS) Body Signals Top 5 Signals

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Food

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The Rule of Threes provides a guideline of how to prioritize basic survival skills: Shelter, Fire, Water, Signal, and Food Survival Timeline of 3s

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On average a person can only survive for 3 minutes without air. In any survival situation air is a major priority. 3 minutes without Air

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Survival Rules of 3 3 hours without WARMTH3 days without WATER Regulated Body Temp. Shelter Fire: is one of the most useful basic survival skills. It can help warm your body or your shelter, dry your clothes, boil your water, and cook your food. Can provide psychological support in a survival situation, creating a sense of security and safety. The human body is composed of up to 78% water. Ideally, a person should drink about a gallon of water per day. The best sources for clean drinking water in a wilderness setting are springs, head-water streams, and collecting morning dew

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Most natural environments are filled with a variety of items that can meet our nutritional needs. Wild plants often provide the most readily available foods, though insects and small wild game can also support our dietary needs in a survival situation. 3 Weeks without Food

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Lean to Pup/Tube Tent Plastic Bag Debris Types of Shelter

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Lean to Shelter

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Lean to Basics AdvantagesDisadvantages will help protect you from rain, wind, hail and flying debris. Even without a survival kit with necessary materials, you can make a lean-to from sticks and vines. Layering leaves and sticks makes your shelter nearly waterproof. small and uncomfortable, just large enough to fit yourself or your group. May not withstand extreme winds and heavy falling debris, such as trees. one-half of an A-frame; a change in wind direction could make the purpose of the shelter null and void.

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Pup/Tube Tent Shelter

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Tube Tent Basics AdvantagesDisadvantages provides protection from sun, wind, rain, and snow. Two people fit comfortably in one tent but multiple tents can be combined to construct a larger emergency shelter. Tube tents can also be used with tarps, duct tape, and additional nylon cords to create even more expansive and effective temporary shelters Lack Ventilation Poorly Resistant to strong winds Rain water can get in easier Has little space for gear/supplies

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Plastic Bag

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Debris

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For anyone placed in a survival situation, especially during inclement weather, a warm, dry shelter is the first concern. This shelter will probably be a debris hut because it is the easiest and quickest to build. But because it is so easy to build, many people feel no need to practice Debris Shelter Hints

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1) Avoid building in low spots where water might collect during a heavy rain, or next to a river or lake where heavy mist might occur. 2) Do not be afraid to walk some distance to find a good shelter site or building materials. Look around for a stand of deciduous trees which will have a large amount of leaves underneath. Do not overlook moss, fir and pine needles, grasses or the bark of a dead tree. 3) Shelters are built much too big. Many one person huts are capable of sleeping two or three people. Thinking small can save you precious time and energy. 4) Rather than make several trips to collect sticks, why not bundle then together using your belt or shirt. 5) Make a rake and use your blanket or jacket to collect leaves and other debris.