SHELTER FROM THE ELEMENTS

  The elements can be your biggest enemy in any apocalyptic world. With hypothermia setting in between the temperatures of 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. One can not be too careful in prolonged exposure to the elements. Pre-planning your shelter is the best step you can take. Remember, you can live days without water, weeks without food, but you can only live a few hours without shelter from extreme elements.
When Pre-planning Shelter:
  • Make sure shelter is not too close to any large body of water
  • In case of Nuclear threat make sure your shelter is below the surface and all windows and doorways are covered. However, make sure you have a means of escape.
  • In seeking shelter in a non-nuclear ravaged world make sure there is proper ventilation and ability to heat.
  • Take time to stock your shelter properly.
  • Make sure your shelter is adequate for prolonged stay.
  • Test your shelter. Practice with your family. Stay in it for a day. Were you cold? Damp? Etc.
  • In an apocalyptic world where structures are still standing, choose a shelter that is sturdy and easily secured. DO NOT CORNER YOURSELF!
Of course the situation may not warrant time to pre-plan a shelter. If this is the case, remember these helpful hints.
  • Dirt can server as your best protection against radiation and the elements.
  • Debris spewed about the floor can help add heat
  • Two candles will add two degrees to the room
  • The basement can serve as a shelter. Cover windows to prevent glass from shattering.
  • Dig in if necessary
  • If traveling, seek low ground shelter.
  • Always make sure your ECP (Emergency Car Pack--see Early preparations) is handy.
  These are some examples of shelters you should seek in the following situations:
  Nuclear War
 
  • Underground, free from sun light.
  Biological War
 
  • A shelter underground or sealed off for a short period of time. Allow at least twelve hours for gas to subside before leaving.
  Meteor
 
  • Once again underground, unless a ocean impact is predicted then high ground. After the waters fall you will need to use what time is left to secure adequate underground shelter with protection from the elements and ability for growth.
  Plague
 
  • Stay indoors and away from crowded public places. Leave your home as little as possible.
  Technological
 
  • Secured shelter with means to heat.
  Please remember that these and other useful and more detailed shelter tips can be found in the "Pocketbook for Surviving the Apocalypse."
   
 
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