How to build long term survival shelters?

We talk about shelters quite often when it comes to discussing survival in general. However, “How to build long term survival shelters” is often a question that is either negated or not discussed very often. We think of survival shelters as something temporary and easy to build. But in certain situations, a long-term survival shelter might be ideal and can improve your chances of surviving. There are many different types of survival shelters that you can build, but not all of them will be equal when it comes to long-term survival. In this post, we’re looking at some of the best ways to build long-term survival shelters that can protect you from all the elements and provide safety in an emergency. 

 

What is a long-term survival shelter?

When preparing for a long-term survival situation, one of the most important things you can do is build a shelter to provide protection and a comfortable place to live. There are a few different types of long-term survival shelters, but they all can come down to a few essentials: they need to be durable and weatherproof.

No matter what type of material you use to build your long-term survival shelter, it is vital to make sure that it is strong enough to withstand extreme weather conditions and has enough space for you to live comfortably. Most importantly, your long-term survival shelter should be a place where you feel safe and secure.

 

What are some of the most common long-term survival shelters?

Some popular long-term survival shelters include earthbag shelters, straw bales, shipping containers, and yurts.

Using a shipping container for shelter and as permanent homes are becoming increasingly popular. Shipping containers are highly durable and can be easily modified to include all the amenities you need to live comfortably.

Yurts are another popular type of long-term survival shelter. Yurts are circular structures that nomadic peoples have used for centuries. They are easy to create and take down and can be outfitted with all of the comforts of home.

Straw bale homes are another popular option for long-term survival shelters. Straw bales are a natural insulator, so they can help keep your shelter warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Straw bale homes can also be easily constructed using found materials.

Earthbag homes are one of the most popular types of long-term survival shelters and one of the easiest to build. Earthbag homes are made by filling bags with sand, soil, or other materials and then stacking them on top of each other to create a sturdy wall. 

 

Why you need a long term survival shelter

There can be many reasons necessitating a long term survival shelter at some point. Perhaps you are caught in a natural disaster and need somewhere to ride out the storm. You might be lost in the wilderness and need a place to hunker down until you can be found. Or, maybe you are preparing for the worst and want a safe place to go if things go sideways.

Whatever the reason, it is crucial to know how to build one that will meet your needs. After all, a shelter is only as useful as its ability to keep you safe and comfortable.

How to build long term survival shelters

 

Here are some tips for building a long term survival shelter:

1. Choose the right location. When selecting a spot for your shelter, look for an area that is high and dry, away from flood zones, or low-lying areas that could become wet in heavy rains. You also want to avoid places where there might be landslide risks.

2. Make sure it is large enough. A long term survival shelter should be big enough to accommodate everyone who might need to use it comfortably. This means having enough space for people to sleep, store supplies, and move around without feeling cramped.

3. Consider the climate. If you are trying to survive in an area with severe weather conditions, ensure your shelter can withstand whatever Mother Nature throws. That means having a sturdy roof and walls and proper ventilation to prevent condensation build-up inside.

4. Stockpile supplies. If you plan to use your shelter in an emergency, a good supply of food, water, and other essentials is necessary. This will help you ride out the storm (literally or figuratively) until help arrives.

5. Have a backup plan. No matter how well you are prepared, there will always be a chance that things could go wrong with your long term survival shelter. That’s why it is important to have a backup plan in place, such as a second shelter or an evacuation route. 

Building a long term survival shelter is not something that should be taken lightly. If done correctly, however, a well-built shelter can provide you and your loved ones with a safe place to weather any storm.

 

 

How to maintain a long term survival shelter

Once you have built your shelter, here are some tips on maintaining it.

1. Keep the shelter clean and free of debris. This will help keep pests and animals out.

2. Inspect the shelter regularly for any damage or wear and tear. Repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.

3. Store food and water in sealed containers to prevent spoilage. Rotate your food and water supplies regularly to ensure they are fresh.

4. If possible, have a backup plan in case the primary shelter becomes uninhabitable. This could be an emergency evacuation route or another location to retreat to.

 

What to include in your long term survival shelter

First, you need to consider the size of your shelter. It should be large enough to accommodate you and your family comfortably but not so large that it makes it difficult to maintain and heat or cool. Second, you need to consider the climate in which you will build your shelter. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, you must ensure your shelter can withstand high winds, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures. Third, you should consider the materials you will use to build your shelter. If you plan on using natural materials, such as wood or stone, ensure they are of good quality and adequately treated to resist rot and insect infestation. Fourth, you need to think about the layout of your shelter. Make sure there is enough space for all of your supplies and that everything is easily accessible in case of an emergency. Finally, consider what kind of security measures you will need to put in place to protect yourself and your family from intruders.

 

The best materials for long term survival shelters

Several different materials can be used to build survival shelters, but some are better than others. Here are the best materials for long term survival shelters:

1. Wood: Wood is one of the most durable and weather-resistant materials available, making it an excellent choice for long-term survival shelters. It is also relatively easy to find and harvest, making it a good option if you need to build your shelter quickly.

2. Stone: Stone is another very durable material that can be used to build long-term survival shelters. It is also reasonably easy to find and harvest, although it can be more challenging to work with than wood.

3. Earth: Earth is another excellent material. It is durable, weather resistant, and can be easily found and harvested. However, it can be difficult to work with and shape into a shelter.

4. Metal: Metal is a very strong and weather-resistant material. However, it is not easy to find and harvest, and it is also more challenging to work with than other materials.

 

 

The best locations for long term survival shelters

There are a few key considerations when choosing the best location for your long term survival shelter. Firstly, you want to choose a location that is away from any potential sources of danger or harm. This means avoiding areas that are prone to flooding, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. Secondly, you want to choose a location that has access to clean water and food sources. Thirdly, you want to pick a defensible spot in case you need to protect yourself from other people.

With those three considerations in mind, here are some of the best locations for long term survival shelters:

1. In a remote wilderness area: Choosing a spot in a remote wilderness area gives you the best chance of avoiding any potential dangers and also provides you with plenty of resources should you need them.

2. On the high ground: Picking a location on the high ground helps ensure that you won’t be caught off guard by flooding or other disasters. It also gives you a good vantage point should you need to defend yourself.

3. Near a river or lake: Access to clean water is essential for long term survival, so choosing a shelter near a river or lake is a good idea. This will also give you access to fish and other aquatic food sources.

4. In an abandoned building: If you can find an abandoned building that meets all of the above criteria, then this can be an ideal location for your shelter. Just make sure that the building is structurally sound before you move in.

 

Tips for long term survival in a shelter

Assuming you have the supplies to build a shelter, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of long-term survival.

1. Make sure your shelter is well-ventilated. Most people die from carbon monoxide poisoning, not from a lack of food or water.

2. Insulate your shelter. A warm shelter is much more comfortable than a cold one and will help you stay alive in colder climates.

3. Store food and water inside your shelter. If you have to leave your shelter for any reason, you’ll want to ensure you have enough supplies to last until you can get back.

4. Stay clean and dry. This will help prevent disease and hypothermia.

5. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast. If a storm is coming, ensure your shelter is secure and stocked with supplies.

6. Be prepared to defend your shelter. If someone tries to take it over, they could put everyone at risk of exposure or starvation.

Conclusion

Building a long term survival shelter is an essential part of being prepared for an emergency situation. Many different types of shelters can be built, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. With some planning and basic knowledge, you can build a shelter that will keep you safe in any situation.