How to Build Emergency Shelter in the Woods
Every tree looks the same, you can't find your way out, and it's getting dark. Soon it will be cold. You know that you're supposed to stay put, but how are you going to survive the long cold night? Time to build an emergency shelter.
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Instructions
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1
Look for natural shelters. These include the large spreading roots of a tree--if they are properly oriented--or falling and spreading boughs. Just make sure the branches are secure enough that they won't fall on you. If in doubt reinforce them by lashing or choose another location.
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2
Improve on your natural shelter by filling in gaps of the root shelter with packed dirt. If loose dirt isn't readily available you can use a frame of rocks or brush and chink it with leaves. For overhanging branches weave extra boughs in place to create a more substantial shelter. Conifer branches usually work better for this than deciduous trees.
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3
Go looking for more subtle forms of natural shelter in the woods if nothing in Steps 1 or 2 is available. A fallen log or hollow in the ground is the start of good shelter. Scoop out a hollow on the leeward side of the fallen log and lay branches over the hollow against the log to form a lean-to. Finish this emergency shelter with leaves or turf to shed rain.
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4
Form a rudimentary roof of branches if you're constructing emergency shelter in a hollow. Lay a larger stick across this roof to provide some slant, then add sticks slanted to either side and finish with turf or leaves to shed rain.
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5
Leave something outside to help rescuers find you. Tie a brightly colored kerchief or shirt as high as you can in a tree or spell a message out to the air with rocks or other natural materials. Fire may help you be spotted but should only be used if you're present and awake to tend it and know how to keep it from spreading. Shout occasionally if there is any chance you may be heard.
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6
Construct a bed of boughs, grass, leaves--anything dry--both for comfort and to keep the ground from drawing out your body heat. This step may not be necessary if you have a foam pad or other ground insulator with you already, but should help make you more comfortable anyway.
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7
Get inside. Your shelter doesn't provide heat of its own; it helps to retain and insulate heat from your body.
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Tips & Warnings
Finding a lost person in the woods really is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Letting someone know where you're going in advance is the best way to make sure that somebody will be looking for you if you get lost.
