How to Build a Survival Shelter

One of the things that is often overlooked by busy families is the necessity of having a survival shelter. You never know when there will be a need for shelter, and it's best to build one and not need it, than to need one and not have it available. People are usually concerned with having food and water in disasters. However, it's an ironic fact that human beings can survive around 60 days without eating food, three days with no water, but, potentially, only a couple hours with no shelter. Keep your family safe and follow the steps below to build your survival shelter.

Instructions

1. Decide where you should build your survival shelter. It should be in a safe place where possible rescue teams or other search parties will be able to locate you by foot or from the air. So, make sure that it isn't completely hidden. The area surrounding your shelter should provide enough room for building fires for heat, lighting flare signals and maybe even spelling an SOS message on the ground, so that overhead search teams could see you.

2. Look for a shelter location where there will be access to water. Your survival shelter should be close enough to water for bathing and drinking, but far enough from a potential rising water situation. Insects carry diseases and many breed in and near water, so be sure that you aren't too close.

3. Choose ground that is flat and dry. You should pay close attention to the ground level because you will want to be in a place that drains well and doesn't gather water. Lower ground areas, like valleys, would be colder and could add possible health risks, such as hypothermia. Pick an area that is on higher ground and free of rocks. Look above the area to make sure that there won't be any risk of branches or limbs falling on top of your shelter.

4. Determine the design of your survival shelter that you will build. After choosing your location, think about the design, length of time to build and expenses involved. There are many different kinds of survival shelters available to build. The type of disaster you'll be planning for should be considered when choosing your design.

5. Plan your shelter concept. Whether you choose an easy lean-to, an underground shelter or a full-blown cement survival shelter, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials before you begin. Hardware stores should have all of the supplies you need to build your survival shelter. If you choose natural formations--such as an uninhabited cave--where you can build your survival shelter, it will take less time and effort.

6. Begin building your survival shelter. If you have chosen to use an existing cavern structure, not much needs to be done besides making sure that there is proper ventilation. A lean-to design is one of the quickest to erect. It basically has the same design as a tent that uses trees to lean branches against to construct a roof-like slant. Look for two trees and lean sticks or boards against them to create a roof effect. Cover the entire structure with waterproof canvas making sure to anchor the ends securely. The floor should also be covered with canvas and blankets, using twice as much insulation because the ground will be colder than the outside air.

7. Stock your survival shelter. Along with the essentials such as food rations, canned foods, bottled water and a first aid kit, there are a few other things to include. You will want to make sure to have communication devices for contacting emergency personnel. Radios, walkie-talkies and a sufficient stock of batteries are absolutely necessary. Firelighters, flashlights, flares and extra wood are recommended, as well as a knife and can opener. Extra clothes and blankets will also be vital to keep warm in your survival shelter.