You get lost and need shelter. what should you do first?

When lost and in need of shelter, the first step is to stay calm and assess your surroundings.

Here’s a detailed list of actions to take:

Stop and Stay Put

It’s crucial not to panic. Take a moment to collect your thoughts and remain in one place. Moving around aimlessly can make it harder for rescuers to find you.

Check Your Supplies

Review what you have with you. If you have a backpack or any gear, assess your resources. This includes food, water, clothing, and any tools that might be useful in creating shelter.

Find Natural Shelter

Look for any natural features that can provide shelter, example: caves, overhangs, or dense foliage. These can offer protection from the elements and help conserve body heat.

Build a Shelter

If natural shelter is unavailable, consider building one. Use whatever materials are available, example: branches, leaves, or snow (if applicable). Construct a simple shelter that provides insulation and protection from wind and rain.

Prioritize Safety

When building a shelter, prioritize safety. Avoid areas prone to flooding, falling debris, or animal activity. Ensure your shelter is stable and won’t collapse.

Signal for Help

Once your shelter is secure, make yourself visible to potential rescuers. Use bright clothing or reflective materials to signal for help. You can also create distress signals using rocks, branches, or any other items available.

Stay Warm

In cold environments, staying warm is essential for survival. Use your shelter to trap body heat and insulate yourself from the ground. If you have extra clothing, layer up to retain warmth.

Stay Hydrated

Even though your priority is shelter, don’t forget about hydration. Conserve water by rationing it wisely. If you have a water source nearby, boil or purify it before drinking to avoid contamination.

Stay Positive and Alert

Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial in survival situations. Keep yourself occupied with tasks like gathering firewood or improving your shelter. Stay alert for any signs of rescue or changes in your surroundings.

Plan for the Worst

While hoping for rescue, prepare for the possibility of a longer stay. Conserve your resources and plan for the worst-case scenario. This includes rationing food and water and being prepared to stay put until help arrives.

Example

Let’s say you’re hiking in the mountains and unexpectedly get caught in a snowstorm. You realize you’re lost and need shelter.

The first thing to do is find a suitable spot to stop and assess your situation. You locate a cluster of trees with thick foliage nearby. Using branches and snow, you construct a makeshift shelter against the base of a large tree. Once inside, you layer up with extra clothing to stay warm and ration your water supply. You periodically step outside to signal for help using a mirror from your backpack.

While waiting for rescue, you gather additional firewood to keep warm and remain vigilant for any signs of assistance.

Life Fact

According to survival experts, the “Rule of Threes” states that you can survive for about three minutes without air, three hours without shelter in harsh conditions, three days without water, and three weeks without food.

Prioritizing shelter is crucial for survival, especially in extreme weather conditions.