Shelter Smarts

Introduction | The Right Shelter | Use Your Ponchos | Use Your Tepees | Use Your Lean-To, Swamp Beds and Natural Shelter | Use Your Debris Hut and Tree-Pit Snow Shelter | Use Your Beach Shade Shelter and Desert Shelters |

THE RIGHT SHELTER

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. Two requisites are —

    * It must contain material to make the type of shelter you need.
    * 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.
    * Has camouflaged escape routes.
    * Is suitable for signaling, if necessary.
    * Provides protection against wild animals and rocks and dead trees that might fall.
    * Is free from insects, reptiles and poisonous plants.

You must also remember the problems that could arise in your environment. For instance —

    * Avoid flash flood areas in foothills.
    * Avoid avalanche or rockslide areas in mountainous terrain.
    * Avoid sites near bodies of water that are below the high water mark.

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.