Ryan McVay/Thinkstock
When you are in a survival situation and realize that shelter is a high priority, start looking for shelter as soon as possible. As you do so, remember what you will need at the site. It must contain material to make the type of shelter you need, and it must be large enough and level enough for you to lie down comfortably.
When you consider these requisites, however, you cannot ignore your tactical situation or your safety. You must also consider whether the site provides concealment from enemy observation. Are there camouflaged escape routes? Does your shelter have any method for signaling? You must be sure that any shelter is able to protect against wild animals and rocks and dead trees that might fall. It is also important that your structure is free from insects, reptiles and poisonous plants.
You must also remember the problems that could arise in your environment. There could be a heavy rain overnight, causing flooding in low-lying areas, so avoid possible flood zones in foothills. Avoid avalanche or rockslide areas in mountainous terrain, and be careful when camping along bodies of water. The water level could rise drastically with the tide, or from heavy rains upstream.
In some areas, the season of the year has a strong bearing on the site you select. Ideal sites for a shelter differ in winter and summer. During cold winter months you will want a site that will protect you from the cold and wind, but will have a source of fuel and water. During summer months in the same area you will want a source of water, but you will want the site to be almost insect free. When considering shelter site selection, use the word “BLISS” as a guide.
B – Blend in with the surroundings.
L – Low silhouette.
I – Irregular shape.
S – Small.
S – Secluded location.
Information courtesy of the U.S. Army Survival Manual
Tags: Adventure, Survival, Survival Techniques
comments ( )