Survival Shelters – Site Selection

When choosing a site for your shelter you need to take into account a few different things. Remember that you want the entrance of your shelter to be facing either east or south east (in the northern hemisphere). The coldest part of the day is usually just prior to dawn and that early morning sun will set you right. You also want to avoid due west facing due to the fact that the direction the predominate weather patterns travel in the U.S. is west to east. The last thing you want is to have a front blow through and your shelter to be turned into a wind tunnel!

You never want to set up your shelter in an area next to a water source. Place it a few hundred feet away. This will ensure you are out of the way should the area flood as well as keep you far a way from the heavy dew that usually settles on everything come early morning.

Make sure you find an area rich in shelter building materials. There is nothing worse than having to travel a great distance to find materials.

Try and build your shelter near the edge of an open area, not in it and not deep in the woods. The reason for this is that you will be able to set your signal in the open area, while your shelter will be protected by the surrounding vegetation from the elements. If you build your shelter deep in the woods you negate the warming rays of the sun as well as the ability to dry out after rain or snow. Every bit of overhead and side protection from wind and precipitation is helpful. However try and find a site where you will have the suns rays on you all day, this way you get the benefits for a longer period.

Never build a shelter on the ridge line, due to lightening hazard as well as being more exposed to the elements. Also avoid the bottom of a valley, these valleys can get tens of degrees colder than the surrounding areas at night. Always check your surrounding area for dangers. Look over head for rotten limbs or trees that could fall on your shelter. Remove any potential threats prior to building.

Try and build a shelter in an area that is free of sharp rocks or roots as a means to make yourself more comfortable during your stay. Avoid areas that may be on game routes, having a curious bear trip over your shelter is not a good thing. Also try and avoid building in an area that has lots of dried vegetation that would rapidly burn if ignited, either from negligence on your part or by lightening.

I realize it may seem a lot to ask of the survivor to consider all of these factors but remember that the better you prepare the longer you will survive. Think calmly and rationally about every decision and you will stand a much better chance of survival.