In Case of An Emergency Apps To Check Out

In Case of An Emergency Apps? Technology is on the rise each day, and we must stay up-to-date with its development has it has advantages to benefit our lives. There are millions of different things technology has given us, and we can certainly say they are worthwhile.

In Case of An Emergency Apps article cover

So many times, we are affected by natural disasters, and lack of preparation allowed them to deal with us in the worst. Over the years, the relevant disaster preparedness management authorities have been trying to develop a plan to help persons better prepare and protect themselves. As such, invention of emergency preparedness apps has been created to help.

There are thousands of different emergency prep apps you can use though there are some more effective than others. We have done some research on a wide selection of these apps and can agree the following are top apps you may want to consider downloading…

10 Great Emergency Prep Apps

1. Disaster Alert

The Pacific Disaster Center controls this app by putting relevant and useful information and tips that persons can use to help prevent and/or protect themselves in case of an emergency.

There is a free as well as a paid version of this app, and it showcases a world map with icons indicating the types of disasters that are prone to a given area.

This app provides period updates about disasters such as flooding, pandemic outbreaks, earthquake, volcanic eruptions, and more. However, if you need more detailed information about your hometown, you may need to upgrade to a paid version. After all, a $12 fee might save you a lot in the near or far future.

2. Red Cross Ready

This app is excellent in the sense that it works whether you have a phone signal or not. It provides you with practical checklists, instructions, and updates on how to prepare for an emergency, what to do during, and the aftermath activities.

3. Earthquake

Get periodic updates from around the world as they are issued by scientific and research centers about pending earthquake disasters. This app provides quick alerts of pending emergencies in addition to information about pending tsunamis.

Factual information is provided by the NOAA’s National Weather Service, The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and the National Tsunami Warning Center. 

4. My Radar

The information provided by this app comes through the NOAA data stream and provides real-time updated maps of emergency events around the world. It also shows wind and ocean currents to keep you on guard for any impending conditions and strictly monitors incoming weather systems.

My Radar app provides exclusive information on temperatures and other similar climate conditions around the world.

5. Storm

This app is created by a team known called Weather Underground, which provides extensive information o storm advisories, various weather blogs, emergency alerts, and more.

Storm monitors the wind and current to send fast alerts of impending weather conditions. The accuracy of the information provided will help you to react accordingly to each disaster threat.

6. Red Cross First Aid

The Red Cross First Aid app is an excellent choice as it helps in guiding you on how to respond in case you get injured during an emergency. It details first aid information for issues such as broken bones, burns, asthma attacks, and other injuries. However, for other severe problems, the main recommendation is to visit a hospital soonest.

In Case of An Emergency Apps

7. WebMD

Have a medical emergency, and don’t know what to do until you get professional help? Then the WebMD app is what you need to have. It provides information on diagnosis, medical procedures, medication, and more.

Also, the WebMD app is efficient in allowing an individual to effectively diagnose a particular illness based on direct signs and symptoms associated with the condition being experienced.

The app has vital information on various brands of medication, what they are used for, and their potential side effects. You may want to get this app so you can prepare yourself for quick medical attention before an emergency strike.

8. Emergency & Family Communications

This app is, by far, one of the essential apps you need to have. When an emergency hits, forms of communication are affected, and you have no way of saying if your family is okay or not.

The app helps you stay in touch in getting updates from across town or from emergency management authorities. There are many other communication apps you can choose from to download.

9. Zello

Zello is an exciting app that allows you to communicate with friends, family, or your local authority through a pre-programmed system. The app will enable you to send out information even with low signal in the event of a disaster strike.

Though it requires WIFI to fully function, it is still operational in a low-bandwidth area, and any recorded messages can be retrieved whenever you get the chance. This app was one of the most downloaded during Hurricane Harvey that hit the United States a few years ago.

10. International Travel

Traveling abroad should not only include your fun activities for your vacation, as disasters can strike at any time. The Travel Smart app helps keep you posted on any pending emergency event based on your location, what you need to do, prepare, and how to respond during and after.

Though a Canadian-based authority created it, Global Affairs Canada, it should not be a barrier for downloading even if you are in another country.

The app has extensive information on historical emergency events for a given region, emergency preparedness tips, potential natural disasters, and much more. Travel abroad knowing you will be safe and your family kept in the know.

There are thousands of other apps you can choose from to keep you posted on emergency events around the world. However, these provide a more efficient and reliable service no matter the location you are. Your safety depends on you, and there are local authorities in collaboration with technology-driven entities, which have made it easier for you to achieve it. 

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Earthquake Preparedness and Safety Tips

It’s easy to panic during the chaos of an earthquake. Focusing on emergency preparedness planning before the tremors start can avoid damage and injury. A little earthquake preparedness can go a long way.

Earthquake Preparedness and Safety Tips

For those living on fault lines, it’s essential to have regular earthquake drills, so responses during an actual earthquake become automatic. Being aware of earthquake safety is especially important because many quakes last only seconds.

Family members should be mindful of what to do, where the safe places are in a room (for example, along interior walls or under a sturdy desk or table), and what areas to avoid, such as windows or walls with objects hung on them. Families should also have a plan for reuniting after a disaster.

Scientists have not yet really determined a way to predict an earthquake. That is why, when a strong earthquake strikes, a lot of people gets injured, or even killed, and properties gets damaged. The only thing we can do, if we live in an area near fault lines, is to be prepared everyday for such eventualities.

Earthquake Preparedness and Safety Tips:

Before an earthquake is also an excellent time to stock up on emergency supplies. An earthquake emergency kit should contain bottled water, candles, flashlights with batteries, a battery-operated radio, non-perishable food (including food for family pets and a manual can opener), and a basic first-aid kit.

You will never know what will happen after a quake, thus, you should always have an emergency kit for everyone in your household. Each kit must contain at least one gallon of water, food supply for at least three days (you should select non-perishable food), and a first aid kit.

You should ensure that you regularly change the food and water in your emergency kit. The food and water in your kit will be of little use if they are already not fit to eat or drink. Instead of saving your life, such might even exacerbate your situation.

Know where the Mains are

Earthquakess might cause fire from gas leaks and electricity. Thus, it is important that you know where the main switches of your utilities are so that you can turn them off when needed.

Other ways to prepare a home for an earthquake:

  • Ensure that heave appliances and furniture are anchored to the ground
  • Heavy items like mirrors or pictures should not be hung on walls over couches, beds, or chairs
  • Heavy objects should be stored on lower shelves, and flammable products should be kept latched in cabinets on bottom shelves

What To Do During An Earthquake

This is a big part of Earthquake Preparedness: knowing what to do when it is happening. Those who are indoors during an earthquake should remain inside, and move to somewhere safe in the home.

The first thing you and your family should do is to stay away from objects that might fall off. Stay away from book cases, cabinets, and hanging objects, such as chandeliers, or ceiling fan.

During an earthquake, it is wiser that you stay put, particularly under sturdy tables or door frames. Do not run around or even attempt to get out of the house. There are more dangerous things outside your house that could injure you, such as lampposts and cars.

Those standing against a wall should protect their heads with their arms and hands, while those taking cover under a sturdy table should grab hold of it so they can move with it.

Those who are outdoors during an earthquake should move to an open space, out of the path of potential falling objects, and away from trees, power lines, and buildings.

Make sure that the emergency kit that you prepared is easily accessible. If possible, place it in a location where you and your family will run into during a quake.

Stay away from the kitchen. One of the most dangerous places in the house during an earthquake is the kitchen because there are many pots and pans hanging around and drawers full of knives and cutlery. Furthermore, there is a danger of a gas leak in the kitchen that might cause fire.

If you are outside

Those outdoors should remain in the open space until the shaking stops. Those who are driving when an earthquake starts should pull over and remain in their cars. Drivers should avoid stopping on overpasses, under bridges or underpasses, or by power lines and large trees.

What To Do After An Earthquake

The first thing to do after an earthquake is to assist anyone who may have been injured in the quake. Once injuries have been assessed, the next step is to check the building for earthquake damage. If the building seems to be damaged, residents should leave quickly and carefully, as the building may need to be inspected by professionals.

Earthquake Preparedness

Do not attempt to light a match or a candle immediately after the quake; you are not sure if there are gas leaks. Lighting up a match might ignite a fire, so be very careful. If you can, shut off the main gas valve if you smell gas.

If a gas leak is suspected, the area must be evacuated immediately, and the fire department and gas company notified. If the power is out, large appliances should be unplugged to avoid damage from a power surge when the electricity is turned back on.

You should also call the gas company once you are away from the gas leak. Do not try to call, especially using your mobile phone, near gas leaks.

If sparks or broken wires can be seen, or if burnt insulation is smelled, the power should be turned off at the source. If turning off the circuit breakers or fuse box means stepping in water, an electrician should be consulted before proceeding further.

There will sure be aftershocks after an earthquake, so do not let your guard down even if your house is intact and all the members of your family are well. Be sure to check the news for information about the quake and other important updates.

Can you think of anything we missed? Let us know!

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Tips for Grilling in the Winter

You don’t have to say goodbye to the grill once winter gets here. Really if you’re willing to brave the elements, then there’s no reason why you wouldn’t be able to grill outdoors all year long! This tip comes in handy if there is an emergency situation. Here are some grilling in the winter if you are going to try to cook outdoors.

Tips for Grilling in the Winter

Make sure you have a good quality grill.

While grilling with coals really gives food a unique taste, you’re better off for winter grilling going with a gas grill that has a cast iron grate and the highest BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating you can afford. You need something that will heat up fast and retain that heat because you’re going to lose a lot of heat every time you open the lid.

Get the tips that you need for grilling this winter from the people who know grills- Weber!

Be prepared for longer cooking times in the winter.

If you position your grill at a 90-degree angle to the wind, then you will have better temperature control. And remember, patience is a virtue when it comes to winter grilling.

Clear any snow and ice from the grill’s surface before you start cooking.

Letting it melt off will take longer for it to get to temperature. Plus, it will make for a very slippery surface later when it freezes over. So clear that area of snow to make sure you can safely get to your grill the next time you want to use it.

grilling in the winter

Grills can be harder to start in the cold winter months.

Don’t turn the propane all the way on; instead, give the wheel one turn to make starting easier.

Make sure the gas lines are clear too for proper gas flow.

Checking the gas lines, burners, and jets for blockages is a good idea year-round, really to stay safe when grilling.

Make sure your grill is not near anything combustible.

Also, a place that is sheltered from those cold winter winds is a good idea.

Dress for the weather.

But be careful that you don’t have any dangling fabric that can light on fire. So skip that scarf and any tie closures that you might accidentally lean into the grill and start a fire.

When you’re all done grilling outdoors, make sure you correctly shut down your grill.

Cool completely and clean the grease trap. Make sure you protect it with a proper cover.

When all else fails, bring the grilling indoors.

No, not with your outdoor grill, but with an indoor grilling machine like a George Foreman grill. Some newer ranges even come with an onboard grill. So if by chance you’re in the market for a new stove, check out one of those if you can’t resist grilling and would like to keep it going year long without freezing your fingertips off outdoors.

Ultimately grilling in the winter isn’t too much different than cooking in the summer. It’s just colder, and you have some challenging elements to contend with. If you can get past all of that and stay safe while you’re outdoors grilling, then you can truly enjoy your favorite grilled foods all year round.

If you are looking for a good cookbook to help a beginner – try How to Grill for Beginners on Amazon. While I am usually a huge fan of Steven Raichlen for grilling books, the one I suggest will help the starter chef from burgers and beyond!

After an introduction to best practices, common terminology, and tools, this grilling cookbook helps you get started by teaching the four main techniques that will serve as the foundation for your outdoor cooking journey. Once you master the fundamentals, you’ll be amazed at the range of dishes you can tackle with relative ease, including Classic Burgers, Kansas City Style-Smoked Baby Back Ribs, and Garlic and Lime Shrimp.

How to Grill for Beginners: A Grilling Cookbook for Mastering Techniques and Recipes

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How to Cook on a Wood Stove

Not too long ago, stoves were people’s fireplace. Now they have become more of a lovely thing to sit around for a romantic evening or just to relax. However, you can still put your fireplace or wood-burning stove to use for more than just heating your home and providing ambiance. It’s always a great way to cook! It’s useful to have should you lose power during a winter storm as well. So here are some tips for how to cook on a wood stove or fireplace for winter cooking.

Cook on a Wood Stove

How to Cook on a Wood Stove

What You Need to Cook on a Wood Burning Stove/Fireplace

You will want to make sure you have the right utensils to cook on a wood-burning stove or fireplace. The stuff you usually use in your kitchen might not be good enough. You’ll want things with long handles. Try some of these necessary implements:

• Roasting fork
• Corn popper or chestnut roaster – has a wire basket you use to hold what you’re cooking over the coals
• Pie irons for grilling sandwiches
• Dutch oven – go for a cast-iron one as it distributes the heat better. This pot will hang over the fire and cook
• Cast iron trivet – to help regulate the amount of heat your Dutch oven gets
• Aluminum foil
• Tongs
• A fireplace shovel
• Potholders

CORN POPPER FOR A WOOD STOVE

These are all beneficial tools when you want to cook on your wood-burning stove or fireplace this winter.

Judging the Fire for Cooking

Knowing when the fire is ready might seem quite simple, but it’s not really like cooking on your charcoal grill outside. You will need a fire that has been burning for about 30–45 minutes.

A fire in its first stages is very unpredictable in temperature. With all the leaping flames and embers burning, it is not the best fire for cooking by. It will either burn your food or leave parts uncooked.

Once those flames die down, and you have a beautiful bed of coals, you have the perfect temperature for cooking with on your wood-burning stove or fireplace.

Now you can rake and distribute the coals to make for an excellent cooking surface. Placing a few coals on the lid of your Dutch oven will make things cook faster. Get at it from all directions. Remember, you must keep adding fuel to the fire to keep it burning hot.

Cooking Inside the Box of the Wood Burning Stove

You can bake white potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, and apples inside your wood-burning stove. Just double wrap them in aluminum foil and lay the box right on the coals. Pile some coals on top and close the box. Allow to cook for half an hour and then turn over. If one area of your box is hotter than another, then move things around to give them a chance to use all of that heat.

Josh demonstrates how to fire up a wood cookstove for cooking throughout the day.

Cooking on the Stove of a Wood Burning Stove

This is where the Dutch oven comes into use. You can use the stove of your wood-burning stove as a slow cooker! It’s great for making stews, soups, casseroles, and roasts. Place all of your ingredients in the Dutch oven and place it on the stove uncovered. Allow it to come to a boil, and then place the trivet on the stove, and then move the Dutch oven on top of the trivet. Put the lid on top and cook soups and stews all day.

dutch oven for a wood stove

A roast will thoroughly cook in about 3-4 hours. Just check every hour or so that nothing is sticking, and the fire is hot. Should the fire die down, just build it back up again? If the food cools, then take it off the trivet and allow it to heat up directly on the stove (uncovered) as you did initially. Once heated, put it back on the trivet.

These tips are how you can use your wood-burning stove and fireplace for cooking – killing two birds with one stone by heating your home and cooking a meal at the same time. What’s your favorite meal cooked on a wood-burning stove or fireplace?

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14 Names of Edible Flowers And How To Eat Them

Names of Edible Flowers? Flowers are a part of our everyday lives, and countless times we have them hanging around our homes for different reasons like their smell or their beauty.

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Flowers do make great centerpieces for one’s home, especially their dining table, but aside from the fact they complement your space well, do you know there are health benefits in a lot of them when consumed? It might sound strange, but there are medical pieces of evidence to prove that eating edible flowers can contribute to improving your health.

14 Names of Edible Flowers And How To Eat Them

We have done our fair share of research and have identified a few of the most interesting flowers you can transfer from your living room table to your plate. Let’s take a trip down this flowery lane…

Names of Edible Flowers: Citrus Blossom

Citrus blossom is a beautiful flower that can serve a lot of purposes other than decorating your garden or hanging from your ceiling. Transferring Citrus Blossom to your plate can help you a lot in terms of improving your inner health as well as your skin.

Interestingly, the plant can be used to make various oils that you can apply to your skin for smoothness as well as to heal sunburns and other skin issues like irritation and redness. You can also grind the plant to make tasty water, which you can consume to help you relax and calm your nerves. You can even eat the plant as part of your salads as it helps to ease tummy aches and cramps.

Daisies

Daisies are grown all over the world, and it is a flower many people consider to be wildly grown. However, have you ever stopped to think whether these plants can be eaten or not? Children are known to use them for designer chains and necklaces, while others weed them out of their gardens.

However, they are more than just physical beauty, but they can be added to your salads and sandwiches for taste and other health benefits. Consuming daisies have its benefits to include preventing or treating coughs, liver and kidney disorders, and inflammation. A lot of people also use this plant as a “blood purifier” or a source to ease the pressures caused by soreness, pain, and childbirth.

Dandelions

Different cultures have different names for Dandelions but generally known as stubborn garden weeds. They do compliment your garden well, but have you ever stopped to think about adding it to your diet? Well, interestingly, Not only do they have an attractive feature, but they are also great for your tastebuds.

They are nutritious and provide a lot of health benefits when consumed. Different parts of the plant are said to have antioxidant properties that help the body fight against many aches, pains, and other problems. The components of the plant that can be consumed are the flower, stems, leaves, and roots. When adding to your plates, they can be eaten raw, fried, made into jelly or wine, or added to your salads.

The roots can also be used to make tea (steeped). Are you making stews or casseroles? No problem, they are great for flavoring those dishes.

Names of Edible Flowers: Hibiscus

The Hibiscus plant is known to produce gorgeous blossoms that are most popular in the tropical and subtropical regions. There are over one hundred different species of the hibiscus plant that are available around the world.

Though a lot of these are edible, the most commonly consumed is the Hibiscus Sabdariffa or better known as Roselle. The flowers have the potential to grow up to six inches and come in different colors to include white, red, pink, and yellow. Hibiscus is highly known for its ornamental uses, but a lot of people will be shocked to know it can be eaten as well.

It can be added to complement your salads, relishes, tea, and jam. If you are troubled with high blood pressure or cholesterol, drinking Hibiscus tea will help you lower these and relax your nerves.

Honeysuckle

There are over 200 different species of the Honeysuckle plant, but the most commonly known or used are the Japanese and Woodbine varieties. The Honeysuckle has a strong aroma and generally blossoms in white or yellow.

These blossoms have nectars that you can eat directly from the flower. For years, Honeysuckle has been used as a Chinese medicinal product for many different health conditions. It is also proven to work great with inflammation as you apply it to the skin for soothing. You can eat the plant or nectar formed in the plant, or you can process the plant to extract oils and juice which you can ingest or apply to the skin.

Honeysuckle is perfect for making flavorful syrup, which you can use to sweeten your tea, yogurt, or sorbet, and is an excellent alternative to sugar.

Lavender

Lavender is mostly grown around northern Africa and the Mediterranean and is a dense floral herb with violet flowers. Inhaling Lavender will leave you feeling relaxed as it has a great aroma and distinctive fragrance like no other. The calming effects of this exotic plant will leave you tempted in wanting to get a taste.

And? It’s safe to give it a shot because you can indeed indulge as it provides multiple health benefits for you. You can easily add Lavender to complement your dishes like salads, pastries, syrups, teas, rubs, and spices.

It works well with all types of ingredients, whether sweet, sour, or savory. Lavender has a powerful touch, however, so when cooking with it, it’s best to add little bits until you achieve the flavor you need.

Names of Edible Flowers: Lilac

Lilac is more than just a flower with a great fragrance but one that you will enjoy delving in as it complements your dish. This amazing flower has medicinal benefits to include treating and eliminating intestinal worms.

In ancient times, it was also used as an anti-periodic tonic – that has the potential of ridding your body from re-developing certain diseases. Interestingly, herbalists of today’s age still use the plant for medicinal purposes.

How to Make Lilac Jelly is a fun recipe for a great treat.

Also, you can add the plant to your various dishes like stew or salads. The extract from the flower can also be used to create well-toned skin.

Mums

We all love a dazzling array of flowers hanging from our ceiling or positioned in the center of our dining table – to include Chrysanthemums, of course. They complement our space so well with beauty and fragrance.

But, do you ever feel like nibbling on a piece of that sweet-smelling beauty sometimes? Well, we are allowing you to do that as we are here to confirm that it is one of the edible plants you can add to your kitchen. Mums are amazing when it comes to providing your body with health benefits like providing ease and treatment for chest pains, dizziness, and headaches.

It is also great to take for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. You can add it raw to your salads, heat it or grind and extract its oils for your skin.

Nasturtium

When you say tasty, beautiful, and possessing a savory taste, then Nasturtium should be floating around in your mind. The brightly-colored flower is a delicacy when it comes to the kitchen and fits perfectly in any dish you are preparing. Interestingly, all parts of the plant include its leaves, and flowers can be eaten, whether it be raw or cooked.

Are you looking for a spicy touch to your dish? Then Nasturtium should be your best bet. It features a spicy flavor, which helps to bring a difference to your meal and, of course, satisfy your eager taste buds.

Pansies

Pansies are beautiful flowers with a great aroma and interestingly not only great for your floral decoration but also as a delicious meal. The flower, which many people call “Heartsease,” has many health benefits when consumed in the various ways it can. It has been said to help persons who have asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, fever, colds, and flu.

Besides, it helps lower the chances of heart failure and blood pressure. You can eat the flower raw, heated, extract juice, or oils for various reasons, or you can add it to your water for drinking (infusing.)

Names of Edible Flowers: Roses

The rose species is pretty large, with over 150 varieties available, and comes in different types, shapes, and colors. The best part is that they can all be eaten even though not all have the same taste and flavor.

The stronger the aroma of the rose, the higher the chances of it tasting great, but the stem and leaves are not the easiest to eat, so it is best to stick with the petals.

They have a sweet taste when consumed, so it would be great to complement multiple dishes. Aside from tasting as great as it does, eating the petals is said to help you relax and reduce anxiety levels.

Sunflowers

We are sure you see Sunflower seeds when you go to the supermarket or even the pharmacy, which is a clear indication the flower is safe for consumption.

The seeds have a high level of vitamin E and selenium, which is great for the body in fighting off numerous chronic diseases. There are a lot of antioxidants in the Sunflower plant, and aside from the seeds, you can also enjoy munching on the petals.

Violets

Violets have a lot of health benefits, making them a great choice to add as a snack or as part of your salads. It works well with improving your health should you suffer from bronchitis, headache, mumps, scurvy, colds, asthma, fever, sore throat, urinary tract infection, and many more. So, the next time you pass by that floral centerpiece in your living room, pick a few petals, wash, and enjoy.

Names of Edible Flowers: Clover

Eating Clover flowers, especially the white clover, has a lot of benefits, and not only do they taste great, but they have an amazing aroma as well. Clover is great to be eaten by people who have issues with diarrhea, rheumatism, and arthritis. You can eat the petals raw, heated, or you can dry the flowers along with the seed pods and ground them to make flour. Interestingly, this flour will be gluten-free.

Important Note:

Before consuming any of these flowers, ensure you speak with your doctor as some may contain properties that are in contradiction to other prescribed medication. 

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How to Build an Emergency Snow Shelter

Hypothermia is the most immediate danger among those lost or stranded in the wilderness. In winter, loss of body heat can set in within minutes. Knowing how to build an emergency snow shelter to protect yourself from the cold can make the difference between life and death.

How to Build an Emergency Snow Shelter article featured image

How to Build an Emergency Snow Shelter

There are three different types of emergency snow shelters: snow and brush shelter, a snow cave, and an igloo. An igloo is a specialized build that requires a woodsman’s knife and more hardened snow than most places have so that this article will describe only the snow cave and the snow and brush shelter.

If you are in the mountains, watch out for signs that your location is subject to avalanches, such as snapped trees or a rough pile of snow near the bottom. Safe valleys will have lots of trees and saplings and have a shallow slope. The slope is too steep if you have difficulty climbing up and down in standard snow boots.

Snow and brush shelter

In this kind of emergency snow shelter, the brush is used as the skeleton of the shelter, and the snow is added for insulation. It is the best type of shelter to use in wooded areas.

How to Build an Emergency Snow Shelter snow and brush shelter

Start by finding a small thicket of bushes or saplings on the lee side of a valley. This thicket will anchor your snow and brush shelter. If you can’t find a thicket, use a log or a tree trunk to anchor your thicket. A tree in a small copse of trees is perfect.

Use a few large bushy branches from the thicket to create the framework of your brush shelter. Secure the base of these branches firmly in the snow a few feet away from your anchor. They should form a curve or V towards your anchor.

Leave an opening on the lee side of your shelter. This opening will become your entrance. Weave smaller branches into your framework horizontally, working from bottom to top until you have closed off the roof area, and most of the area is covered.

Now that you have your framework start piling on the snow. Make the walls nice and thick, until there is no place you can see out except your entrance. All that snow will be your insulation.

NO special tools are needed to build an emergency snow winter shelter as this video shows.

Place more leafy branches on the floor to insulate yourself from the ground. Set aside another large, leafy branch to serve as a door. Don’t worry about plugging those spaces. They will provide you with fresh air.

Snow Cave

A snow cave is the best form of emergency shelter to build when there is nothing but snow to work with. It is easiest to make a snow cave using a shovel, but in an emergency, even your gloved hands will do.

Start by finding some good, deep snow on the lee side of a valley. Ideally, the snow should be nearly as deep as you. If you don’t have a convenient snow base, snowbank, or snowdrift, you will have to pile up the snow until it is high enough, but this only works if it is not granular snow. Use more snow than you think you will need. At worst, you will have some extra insulation.

If you had to pile together snow to get enough, you would have to let it sit undisturbed for at least an hour. This time is needed so that it can start bonding together. Otherwise, all you have is a pile of loose snow, which will collapse when you start digging into it. It can even collapse entirely so that you can’t dig your way out again.

Once you have enough deep snow and it has had a chance to settle, start tunneling. If you are working in deep snow, dig a trench down into the snow first. Then pile the snow on top of what is going to be the roof of your snow cave.

Once you get a trench deep down enough so that the snow is at head level, start tunneling in at about knee level. The tunnel should be large enough for you to crawl in, but not much larger. Push the excavated snow out behind you with your feet. Work your way slightly upwards as you dig the tunnel. This will keep the warm air inside.

nice and detailed video about building a snow cave for survival

Shape the inside of your snow cave so that it is dome-shaped and smooth. This shape will keep water from dripping down on you as the temperature inside your snow cave rises. Over time, your ceiling will settle by a few inches a day as the snowpack settles above you. This settling is not a problem. Just keep reshaping it each time.

If time is very short, skip all that and dig a compartment into the lee of the drift or pile that is large enough for you to fit if you are sitting down. Once you are inside, you can make the inside a little larger, piling the excess snow at the lip of the compartment. Use garbage bags, your pack, or whatever else you have to insulate you from the ground and make a door.

Tips for all snow emergency shelters

Build your emergency shelter as small as possible.

The smaller and snugger you build your shelter, the better it will hold your body heat, and the more stable the walls will be. The highest point of your shelter should not be more than 3-4 feet, roughly the same size as a pup tent. This size should give you enough space to sleep comfortably and not too much more.

For extra heat, build a small fire outside your shelter, then bring the warmed rocks inside and wrap them in a cloth to hold the heat. In a snow cave, you can light a candle inside, but no more than that. Set your heat source deep into the shelter, but be careful not to knock it over. You can build a small snow shelf to hold your candle, but not for fire-warmed rocks.

Always make a ventilation hole to the lee of your shelter and keep it clear. You may have to clear it repeatedly if the snow outside is falling thickly and drifting. This is especially important if you use a candle.

Snow muffles sound.

You won’t be able to hear people looking for you, so make it easy for them to see you. A bright-colored garbage bag on the outside, anchored with branches, rocks, or heavy snow and ice, makes it easy for searchers to find you.

Daylight is valuable.

The colder it gets at night, the sooner daylight fades. For this reason, you should start building your emergency shelter immediately upon realizing that you are not going to make it to a safe area in time. After you have finished creating your emergency snow shelter, crawl inside and get a good night’s sleep, so that you can evaluate your situation in the morning with fresh eyes.

Other winter tips you may find helpful

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