In a world where technology has ceased to function, as depicted in my novel “The Other Side of the Sun,” the ability to create shelter becomes a critical survival skill. This guide will teach you how to construct emergency shelters using materials found in nature, protecting you from the elements and potential dangers.
Our goal is to provide a series of detailed guides that you can print and store for reference in case of a crisis. While the events of “The Other Side of the Sun” may not be likely to happen, having a tangible resource could be crucial to survival if they did. These guides are designed as a practical handbook, so enjoy and provide feedback if you find this format useful.
Section 1: Assessing Your Environment
Before building any shelter, it’s crucial to choose the right location. Here’s what you need to do:
1.1 Evaluate the terrain:
- Look for flat, dry ground slightly elevated from the surrounding area.
- Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding or cold air pockets.
- Stay away from dead trees or branches that could fall on your shelter.
1.2 Consider proximity to resources:
- Ensure you’re within walking distance of a water source.
- Look for areas with abundant natural materials for building and firewood.
1.3 Assess potential hazards:
- Check for signs of animal activity (tracks, droppings) and avoid their territories.
- Be aware of poisonous plants in the area (learn to identify common ones).
- Consider the direction of prevailing winds and position your shelter accordingly.
Section 2: Building a Lean-to Shelter
A lean-to is one of the simplest and most effective emergency shelters. Here’s how to build one:
2.1 Gather materials:
- Find a sturdy, straight branch about 6-8 feet long for the ridge pole.
- Collect several smaller branches (about 1-2 inches in diameter) for the rafters.
- Gather plenty of leafy branches, ferns, or large leaves for the roof.
2.2 Construction steps:
- Find two trees about 6-8 feet apart, or use a large fallen log as your backing.
- Secure the ridge pole between the two trees at about chest height, or prop it against the log.
- Lean the smaller branches (rafters) against the ridge pole at a 45-degree angle.
- Weave smaller, flexible branches horizontally through the rafters for added stability.
- Layer leaves, ferns, or pine boughs over the frame, starting from the bottom and working up.
- Add a thick layer of leaves or other vegetation inside the shelter for insulation.
2.3 Enhancing your lean-to:
- Create a reflector wall by propping large pieces of bark or branches on the open side.
- Build a small fire in front of the shelter to reflect heat inside.
- Use rocks or logs to create a windbreak if needed.
Section 3: Constructing a Debris Hut
For colder conditions, a debris hut provides better insulation. Here’s how to make one:
3.1 Gather materials:
- Find a sturdy pole about 9-12 feet long for the ridge pole.
- Collect numerous smaller branches for the ribs.
- Gather a large amount of leaves, grass, moss, or pine needles for insulation.
3.2 Construction steps:
- Prop one end of the ridge pole against a tree stump or rock, with the other end on the ground.
- Lean shorter branches along both sides of the ridge pole, creating a ribbed frame.
- Weave smaller branches horizontally through the ribs to create a lattice.
- Create a thick layer of debris (leaves, moss, etc.) over the entire structure, at least 2 feet thick.
- Make a small entrance at the lower end, just big enough to crawl through.
- Line the inside floor with dry vegetation for insulation, at least 8 inches thick.
3.3 Using your debris hut:
- Crawl in feet first, using your body heat to warm the small space.
- Block the entrance with a stuff sack of leaves or a poncho to retain heat.
- Remember: the smaller the interior space, the warmer it will be.
Section 4: Creating a Snow Cave (for winter environments)
In snowy conditions, a snow cave can provide excellent insulation. Here’s how to build one:
4.1 Find a suitable location:
- Look for a deep, compacted snowdrift on the lee side of a hill.
- Ensure the snow is deep enough (at least 6 feet) to hollow out a cave.
4.2 Construction steps:
- Dig a small entrance tunnel slightly uphill into the snowdrift.
- Excavate upwards and inwards to create a dome-shaped chamber.
- Make the chamber’s ceiling curved and smooth to prevent dripping.
- Ensure the sleeping platform is higher than the entrance for heat retention.
- Poke a small ventilation hole in the roof using a stick.
- Create a small cold air sump by digging the floor near the entrance slightly lower.
4.3 Safety considerations:
- Always have a buddy system when creating and using a snow cave.
- Keep tools inside in case the entrance gets blocked by fresh snow.
- Be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide when using stoves inside snow shelters.
Remember, practice these skills before you need them. You may feel strange building a lean-to or snow cave in the back woods, but better to practice now before disaster hits. The ability to quickly and effectively build a shelter could mean the difference between life and death in a crisis situation where modern comforts are no longer available.
By mastering these shelter-building techniques, you’ll be better prepared to face the challenges of a world without technology, much like the characters in “The Other Side of the Sun.” Print these instructions out to go along with the other lessons we’ve talked about. Having printed out instrucitons and tips on how to survive could make all the difference if the unthinkable happens. Stay tuned for more practical survival skills in our ongoing series! If you have questions or would like to know how to do certain things, drop us a line and we’ll research and present your suggestions in a later blog post.
Cheers!
Chris