6-8. Shelter is anything that provides protection from environmental hazards. The environment influences shelter site selection and factors, which isolated personnel must consider before constructing an adequate shelter. Depending on the environmental conditions, shelter may be the isolated person’s number one priority. They can take advantage of natural occurring features or make a shelter from manmade and natural materials brought along or found in the environment. Isolated persons should consider the type of shelter, location, and time of day when looking to build a shelter. Isolated persons should also consider the location of shelter in relation to temperature, precipitation, and wind. They should consider the time and effort needed to build adequate shelter and protection from the elements. Some environments require shelter to be built off the ground, others will require more insulation, and still others will require the effective use of winds for cooling.
Shelter Site Selection
6-9. When isolated persons have prioritized shelter as a necessity, they must start looking for it as soon as possible. A good shelter site will contain enough materials to improvise the type of shelter needed as well as be large enough and level enough for the isolated person to lie down and protect their equipment. When selecting a shelter site, consider whether the site—
- Provides adequate materials to build the right type of shelter.
- Provides concealment from enemy observation.
- Provides elemental sun, wind, rain, and snow protection.
- Has camouflaged escape routes
- Is free of dead trees that may fall.
- Is located in an area free from threat of avalanches, rockslides, mudslides, Flash-flood areas and high-water marks.
- Is free from insects, reptiles, and poisonous plants. Low-lying areas that may be a cold sump.
- Is suitable for signaling and recovery.
- Contains adequate food and water.
6-10. When looking for a shelter site, isolated persons should keep in mind the type of shelter needed. They should ask themselves the following questions:
- How much time and effort will I need to build the shelter?
- Will the shelter adequately protect me from the elements?
- Do I have the tools and needed materials to complete the shelter or do I need to improvise?
- How long will I be at this site?
Site Preparation
6-11. Site preparation includes brushing away rocks and twigs from the sleeping area and cutting back overhanging vegetation. Look for loose rocks, dead limbs, coconuts, or other material that could fall on the shelter. Remember thick, brushy, low ground also harbors more insects. Inspect the site for venomous snakes, ticks, mites, scorpions, and stinging ants.
Next Page : Construction Methods