3Create shelter
5Build fire
4Keep positive
6Conserve food and water
POST-DISASTER SURVIVAL
247
3Create shelter
• If you cannot find shelter, try to build something with materials you have or find.
• You need to build a structure that will provide adequate protection from the wind, rain, and sun.
• If you are in the countryside, you could use vegetation and branches to construct a lean-to shelter.
• If you are in a town, hunt around for sheets of metal, plastic sheeting, pieces of wood, or anything else that could be used to create a shelter.
• Involve all family members in constructing the shelter. Not only will the work be done more quickly, but it will keep you all occupied.
5Build fire
• If it is cold, build a fire. If you are in the countryside, use twigs and small branches, but be aware of the dangers of starting a wildfire. If you are in a town, use whatever materials are available.
• If you have suitable containers with you, you may be able to heat up some of your emergency food.
Make a roof out of vegetation strapped to a wooden frame
Find something water-resistant to use as a floor
4Keep positive
• Unpack your disaster emergency kit and find places for everyone to spread out their sleeping bags. Make your shelter as comfortable as possible.
• Comfort young children by telling them how exciting your“ camping” experience will be.
• Try to keep up morale with the thought that you are all safe and that this is only a temporary situation until help arrives.
6Conserve food and water
• If you are unable to reach safety or help fails to arrive within 2 days, think about conserving your supplies of food and water.
• Restrict adult rations but give children, the elderly, and pregnant women normal supplies, if possible.
• Be aware that water is more vital than food: a healthy adult can survive without food for a week with no serious health effects, but more than 1 – 2 days without water can be highly dangerous.
• If water supplies run low, collect rainfall to drink.
• Alternatively, find the cleanestlooking source you can and purify water to make it drinkable( p. 249).
• Do not drink water from streams or damaged pipes: it could be contaminated and could seriously damage your health.