Picking Your Site :

   When you are in a survival situation and realize that shelter is a high priority, start looking for shelter as soon as possible. In some areas, the season of the year has a strong bearing on the site you select. Ideal sites for a shelter differ in winter and summer. During cold winter months you will want a site that will protect you from the cold and wind, but will have a source of fuel and water. During summer months in the same area you will want a source of water, but you will want the site to be almost insect free. When looking for a shelter site, keep in mind the type of shelter (protection) you need.

Things to look for and things to avoid

• It must contain material to make the type of shelter you need.
  
• It must be large enough and level enough for you to lie down comfortably.
  
• Provides concealment from enemy observation.
  
• Has camouflaged escape routes.
  
• Is suitable for signaling, if necessary.
  
• Provides protection against wild animals and rocks and dead trees that might fall.
  
• Is free from insects, reptiles, and poisonous plants.
  
• Avoid flash flood areas in foothills.
  
• Avoid avalanche or rockslide areas in mountainous terrain.
  
• Avoid sites near bodies of water that are below the high water mark
  

What Type Of Shelter You Need

• Poncho/Tarp Lean-To
• Debris Hut
• Poncho/Tarp Tent
• Three-Pole Parachute Tepee
• One-Man Shelter
• Field-Expedient Lean-To
• Swamp Bed
• Tree-Pit Snow Shelter