| Knowing how to build a survival shelter can save your | | | | structure is constructed in an area where there is no |
| life. While lack of food can kill you in 3 weeks, and a | | | | danger of escaping natural gas or propane you may |
| lack of water kill you in three days, exposure can kill | | | | build a small pit fire inside. There will be a natural |
| in a matter of a few hours! Regardless of what type | | | | center hole in conical shelters that will allow the |
| of outdoor survival situation you find yourself in, you | | | | smoke to rise and escape from inside. |
| may need to build a shelter until a more permanent | | | | A tipi structure is also an option for some. Taller |
| solution can be found. | | | | supports are tied together at the top forming an |
| Lean-to shelters are the easiest to build and can be | | | | inverted ice cream cone shape. Around these poles, |
| constructed from almost any material. A blanket or | | | | fabric such as sheets or blankets, carpet or plastic is |
| tarp suspended on one end and weighted down on | | | | placed. Again if this structure is in an area where no |
| the other is considered a lean-to. Wood supported by | | | | danger of escaping natural gas or propane is present, |
| any upright is also a lean-to. All of these will provide | | | | a small pit fire for warmth and cooking may be |
| some protection from wind, sun, rain, snow and all | | | | placed inside. |
| can be made with items that can be found or carried | | | | Tents and other types of pre-made shelters are |
| in a survival backpack. | | | | useful as well. Many modern tents are small, |
| Conical structures will also provide emergency shelter | | | | lightweight and some are designed for very cold |
| and while they are a bit more difficult to create can | | | | temperatures. While these modern shelters have |
| be made from items easily located. Branches, sticks, | | | | specific types of stoves and heating equipment that |
| lumber and pipe are all materials that can be used to | | | | must be used they can be a valuable shelter option |
| construct a conical shelter. Arrange your support | | | | for some. |
| material in a circular motion. Starting with two poles | | | | Canvas was once the fabric of choice for many |
| on each side, prop them up so that they help | | | | temporary outdoor structures. Unfortunately, it is |
| support each other. Add two more on the opposite | | | | heavy and is a poor choice today for the survival |
| side. | | | | backpack. However, it is possible to pack one of |
| Working on a north/south and east/west grid, create | | | | those lightweight silver tarps in a backpack and then |
| a circle of supports. As you fill in the gaps on each | | | | have it available. Drape it over a pole lodged between |
| directional side you will find that the structure | | | | two trees, so that each end touches the ground. |
| becomes more stable. Choose one area to leave | | | | Anchor the ends with rocks and logs and close one |
| open for your entryway. You can place a few | | | | end with branches, twigs and leaves. |
| branches or sticks sideways at this area weaving | | | | Providing shelter during an emergency is as important |
| them into the outer supports to reduce the height of | | | | as water and food will be. Before you find yourself in |
| this opening. You can close up this opening with a | | | | an emergency situation you need to practice making |
| blanket or a garbage bag once you are inside. | | | | a survival shelter. Having the supplies for an |
| When the basic shell has been constructed you can | | | | emergency without having the skills to use them is |
| cover this conical structure with smaller branches, | | | | like not having the supplies in the first place. Be |
| cloth such as blankets, curtains, carpet and so forth. | | | | prepared. Practice your skills before you need them. |
| Leaves and grass also work as a covering. If your | | | | |