Shelter is a basic human need, and it’s critical to survival. However, sometimes you end up in an emergency situation without the proper gear or supplies on hand.
In that case, you should know how to make a shelter using materials from your surroundings. These temporary shelters will keep you dry and warm until help arrives or until conditions improve enough for you to safely get out of the elements.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The webpage provides 17 different ideas for emergency shelter. |
| The page talks about the different materials that can be used to build an emergency shelter. |
| The page provides information on creating a survival shelter with only natural materials. |
| The page provides a detailed step-by-step guide on building a shelter in the woods. |
| The page talks about some of the most innovative shelter designs you’ll ever see. |
| The webpage provides links to more resources on emergency shelters. |
| An emergency shelter is a temporary shelter set up in case of an emergency. |
| Common materials used for emergency shelters include tarps, tents, and natural materials. |
| Choose a shelter design based on the situation and the materials you have available. |
| To make your emergency shelter more comfortable, add insulation, natural material layers, and ground cloth or mat. |
Teepee Shelter
When you are caught off guard and need shelter from the elements, it’s important to have a plan.
If you have ever spent time outdoors or in the woods, then you know that when it rains or snows you can’t always count on having a tent or tarp nearby.
You can make use of branches, sticks and other natural resources to create your own emergency teepee-style shelter without much effort at all.
This is useful if you find yourself stuck in an area with no trees to anchor your tent ropes up against, but this method could work anywhere as long as there is enough brush around for support.
Your tarp will be used not only to cover the structure itself but also serve as an additional layer of protection against rain water seeping through cracks between logs (or whatever else) at night when everyone is sleeping inside their makeshift home
If you’re caught off guard and need to build an emergency shelter, you might not have access to traditional building materials. Learn how to build a shelter with only natural materials using our step-by-step guide.
Debris Hut.
A debris hut is a type of shelter that can be made in under an hour. It’s quick, easy, and effective if you’re caught off guard by an emergency.
To make a debris hut:
Pick or cut down some twigs to use as the framework for your shelter. If you find dead trees or branches, they’re better than fresh ones because they’re less likely to break when you’re hammering them into the ground.
The ideal size is about eight feet long by three feet wide with a six inch diameter pole at one end (the frame).
Cut the large poles into smaller pieces so that they fit inside your tarp and form an arch around it when buried in dirt (this will help keep out wind).
Debris Hut Shelter
| Brand | Product | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SOL | Emergency Bivvy | Provides warmth and protection from the elements in an emergency, can be used as the inner layer of a debris hut. |
| Survive Outdoors Longer | Escape Pro Bivvy | Lightweight, highly packable bivvy that can also be used as the inner layer of a debris hut. |
| Black Diamond | Firstlight Tent | Single-wall tent that can be used as an outer layer for a debris hut shelter in snowy conditions. |
| Sea to Summit | Ultralight Hammock | Lightweight and easy to set up, can be a good foundation for building a debris hut shelter. |
| Gerber | Gator Machete | Multipurpose machete that can be used to clear debris and cut branches to build a debris hut shelter. |
This table provides different suggestions for products that can be used in building a debris hut shelter, including bivvies, tents, hammocks, and machetes.
Duck Blind
If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to get out of the elements, then a duck blind is just what you need.
A duck blind is a type of shelter with one or more sides that can be easily folded down or into the ground. They are typically made from wood, plastic, canvas or other materials that can be found in nature.
It takes only a few hours to make one from scratch and even less if you already have some materials on hand.
You can use it as an emergency shelter by hiding in your backyard so that you don’t have to deal with inclement weather conditions when the power goes out and/or during any other type of emergency situation where there’s no time to head home first before seeking refuge from danger (like if there’s been an earthquake).
A shelter can protect you from the elements and keep you warm and dry. Want to build a shelter in the woods? Check out our guide on building a shelter in the woods for a detailed step-by-step process.
Umbrella Shelter
This is a great option for when you’re caught off guard. You can probably find an oversized umbrella in your car, or it might be available at the park or beach you’re visiting.
Even if it’s raining and windy, an umbrella will provide some shelter from the elements and give you something to lean up against.
First, tie one end of your handle to a tree or sturdy structure so that when the wind blows, your entire body isn’t exposed to rain and snow.
Then, use a poncho or tarp over the top of this umbrella frame as another layer of protection from precipitation (or general cold).
If there are no trees nearby, balance one end on top of another backpack so that there is still something sturdy to tie onto—this will help keep your head above water during strong winds!
Next finally find somewhere stable enough to rest against while sitting down; if all else fails try leaning against another person with whom there’s mutual trust!
Umbrella Shelter Options
| Brand | Product | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gustbuster | Classic Umbrella | This extra-strong, wind-resistant umbrella could double as an umbrella shelter in case of an emergency. |
| Sport-Brella | Portable All-Weather and Sun Umbrella | A versatile, 8-foot-wide umbrella designed to provide full coverage of sun and rain protection, it can double as an umbrella shelter in case of an emergency. |
| European Military Surplus | Military Surplus Shelter | A lightweight, waterproof tent that doubles as an umbrella shelter when the need arises. |
| Lightspeed Outdoors | Quick Canopy Instant Pop Up Shade Tent | A lightweight, easy-to-transport canopy that doubles as an umbrella shelter when you need it. |
| Totes | Titan Automatic Open Close Umbrella | With a sturdy aluminum frame and extra-large canopy, this versatile umbrella could come in handy as a shelter during an emergency. |
This table provides different product suggestions for an umbrella shelter, including options that can provide both sun and rain protection and lightweight tents that can double as an umbrella shelter.
Tarp Shelter
- Tarp shelter (groundsheet, roof and lean-to)
- Tarp tent/tent platform/hammock
Tarps also make excellent groundsheets for your tent. They can be laid beneath the floor of the tent to keep moisture off the bottom of your sleeping bag, or they can simply be used as a clean surface on which to set up camp.
This is especially useful if you don’t have the time or resources necessary to put together a permanent structure on your homestead, but still need somewhere dry and safe where you can get some sleep at night.
Different materials can be used to build emergency shelters, and some are more effective than others. Check out our list of the top 15 materials for building a shelter to learn which ones are most useful in different situations.
Snow Shelter
Snow is a great insulator, which means that it can be used as the primary building material for any number of shelter types. A snow cave is probably the most common one you’ll see, but there are other options as well.
You could use a shovel to dig out an igloo-like structure or just pile snow on top of yourself and create some insulation around your body with a tarp or blanket. The best part about this shelter? You won’t have to worry about it melting!
Snow Shelter Options
| Brand | Product | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Equipment | Bombshelter Tent | Four-season tent designed for snow use, with a sturdy structure that can withstand strong winds and heavy snow loads. |
| MSR | Advance Pro 2 | Lightweight, two-person tent designed for use in snow and high-altitude mountaineering. |
| Rab | Latok Mountain 3 | Expedition tent designed for use in harsh environments like mountaineering and snow camping, made with sturdy materials designed to withstand heavy loads. |
| Zpacks | Duplex Tent | Ultralight backpacking tent designed for use in both cold and hot weather, can be used as an efficient snow shelter with the right modifications and gear. |
| NEMO Equipment | Hornet Elite | Ultralight, free-standing tent that can adapt to cold weather camping with the right modifications, can be used as an effective snow shelter. |
This table provides different product suggestions for snow shelter options, including tents designed for use in snow and high-altitude mountaineering, as well as ultralight backpacking tents that can be adapted for use in colder weather.
Shanty
In this section, we’ll cover how to make a shanty using a tarp, plastic sheet or parachute. You can use these instructions for any of these materials.
Tie each corner of the tarp or plastic sheet to trees or stakes about 2 feet off the ground. If you don’t have trees in your area, it’s also possible to use poles instead of trees. Remember: you want at least three sides of your structure covered by this material so rain won’t get into your shelter and soak everything inside!
With four sides now covered by tarps or plastic sheets (or both), there should be an inside space between two pieces of material where you can enter and exit easily without getting wet when it rains outside!
Be sure that there aren’t any gaps between where one piece ends and another begins because that could lead directly into having some water seep through onto whatever is on top underneath them all together–like if someone were sleeping inside their own home while constructing one like this out front – which would obviously be very uncomfortable indeed!
And let’s face facts here: there might not always be time for making sure everything fits together perfectly before starting up on building up something like this; but trust me when I say that avoiding potential problems such as these will make things go much smoother overall once things start going wrong after those initial days go by fast enough without worrying about what’s happening instead.
Building a survival shelter might seem like a daunting task, but it’s simpler than you might think. Learn how to build a shelter in the wilderness with our step-by-step guide and feel prepared the next time you head into the great outdoors.
A-Frame Or Lean-To Shelter
A-frame or lean-to shelter. This is a good option if you have some rope available. You’ll want to make sure that your tarp or plastic sheet is waterproof, because rain will be coming soon.
Then use the rope to secure one end of the tarp/plastic sheet to a tree and stake it down on the other side so it forms an A-shape structure. Ideally, this structure should provide enough room for your body but not much more than that, as you don’t want it getting caught up in any strong winds.
The lean-to shelter is a great option for beginners looking for their first emergency shelter experience and if you’re lucky enough to have some rope with you already then creating this type of shelter is simple!
Parachute Or Space Blanket Shelters
A parachute or space blanket can be used as a shelter in a pinch. Parachutes are good for this purpose because they’re made of high-quality nylon, which is waterproof.
Space blankets are not waterproof, but they’re easy to fold and you can use them with another layer to create an effective double-layer shelter.
To make a space blanket/parachute tent:
Spread out the blanket on the floor so that its center is directly beneath a tree stump or rock formation where you can tie it off later. Make sure that the person who will be lying down inside of it has plenty of room (it’s probably better to have this person sit while they wait).
Fold each side up until they meet overtop your head; tie them together with shoelaces or whatever else you have available at hand.
If someone else isn’t available right now, then just hold onto one side closed tightly until someone comes along – don’t forget about it!
When it comes to creating an emergency shelter, some designs are more innovative than others. Check out our list of the most ingenious shelter designs to get inspiration for your next survival shelter project.
Conclusion
Having a shelter is great, but it’s just one part of the equation. You’ll want to make sure you have proper clothing and fire starting tools, as well as a good supply of food and water, before heading out into any type of emergency situation.
These tips will help get you prepared for whatever comes your way!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about emergency shelters, check out these resources:
Emergency Shelter Standard: This resource outlines the minimum requirements for emergency shelter in humanitarian crises.
How to Build an Emergency Shelter at Home: This article provides tips for building an emergency shelter at home to keep you and your family safe in case of a disaster.
American Red Cross Sheltering Handbook: This handbook provides comprehensive information on setting up and operating emergency shelters in various situations.
FAQs
What is an emergency shelter?
An emergency shelter is a temporary shelter that is set up during or after an emergency, such as a natural disaster or conflict, to provide safe and secure housing for people who have been displaced from their homes.
What are some common materials used for emergency shelters?
Some common materials used for emergency shelters include tarps, tents, blankets, and natural materials such as branches and leaves.
How do I know what kind of emergency shelter to build?
The kind of emergency shelter you build depends on the situation and the materials you have available. It’s important to consider the climate, weather, and terrain when choosing a shelter design.
How can I make my emergency shelter more comfortable?
To make your emergency shelter more comfortable, consider adding insulation such as blankets or sleeping bags, a layer of natural materials like leaves or branches for additional warmth, and a ground cloth or mat to protect from moisture.
How do I know if an emergency shelter is safe?
An emergency shelter should be sturdy enough to provide protection from the elements and to withstand moderate winds and rain. Be sure to check that the shelter is on stable ground and does not have any hazards, such as sharp branches or rocks, in the immediate area.
Hi! I’m Hellen James, and I am the founder of Unified Survival. I have a deep passion for the wilderness and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, and I grew up camping in state parks all over the country. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to survive in the wilderness.