More Shelter Info

Today's Assignment

Learn more about building temporary emergency shelters.

• You can heat rocks in a fire for several hours or more ( Do not use round river rocks- they can explode!!) Bury the rocks about six inches deep, directly underneath where you will be sleeping. Place nonflammable cushioning material over the ground and sleep on top of this.
• The "Squirrel's Nest" shelter can be built very quickly. Lay a tarp, blanket, or other type of rain cover flat and cover it with dry material such as leaves, grass, pine needles, etc. for insulation and then get under it.
• Tree branches are good for making tee pees or lean-tos. They can be covered with a tarp, pine branches, grass or thick layers of mud for insulation. Tee pees are excellent for cold weather. Keep a small fire going inside for warmth, but you will need six to eight feet of room overhead with a hole at the top to vent the smoke.
• In the desert, it is best to dig a hole in the ground and then cover it, but be sure to leave a vent hole or space between the ground and the cover for fresh air.
• In the winter, snow caves are a great shelter. If at all possible, line the snow cave with a tarp or tree branches for better insulation.