Choosing and stabilising shelter
A six-step sequence for dry, ventilated, insulated and structurally safe shelter.
Critical caution: Never use a structurally damaged building merely because it is nearby.
- Time
- 1–3 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Outcome
- Create a dry, ventilated and temperature-controlled safe zone
Survival lens: Ollerton’s terrain-first approach and Hudson’s short goals support a sequence: location, weather barrier, insulation, ventilation, then comfort. Gehring’s low-energy approach favours a small repairable space over heating an entire building.
Before you begin
- Assess the structure from outside
- Avoid flood, fire, landslide and falling-tree paths
- Choose two exits
What you need
- Tarpaulin and cordage
- Sleeping mats
- Blankets and layered clothing
- Torch
- Smoke and CO alarms
- Basic hand tools
Step-by-step procedure
- Select the safest zone. Choose sound structure, high ground, drainage and distance from unstable trees, glass and damaged masonry.
- Make it weather-tight. Stop rain above first, then wind at the sides. Tension tarps so water sheds away from entrances and sleeping areas.
- Insulate below. Place cardboard, mats, dry vegetation in a contained layer, or spare textiles beneath bedding. Ground conduction can remove heat quickly.
- Control the occupied volume. Use the smallest area that safely fits the group. Hang blankets to reduce unused volume without blocking exits or ventilation.
- Ventilate deliberately. Keep air moving and moisture escaping. Never use generators, charcoal, barbecues or unflued heaters inside.
- Set night rules. Mark exits, keep footwear and torches beside each sleeper, assign fire checks and keep paths clear.
How to check it is working
- Roof runoff moves away from shelter
- Bedding remains dry and off bare ground
- Two exits are usable in darkness
- CO and smoke alarms work where relevant
Common mistakes
- Choosing convenience over structural safety
- Sealing a room around combustion
- Sleeping directly on cold ground
- Allowing wet clothing to remain in the sleep zone
Sources and further reading
How this guide was checked
Editorial synthesis: Editorial synthesis of field shelter practice and Red Cross preparedness guidance
Independent specialist review: not yet completed. How review works.
Last updated: Nov 2026 · edition 1.0.
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