What Are the Uses of an Emergency Shelter?

Emergency shelters are places where people couldRed Cross, Red Crescent or UNHCR assemble such
reside temporarily in case of any catastrophe, whichshelters for people. These shelters are more like a
has disabled them to continue living in their previoustemporary settlement for people who have faced an
residence. Emergency shelters cater to a variety ofadversity. The people stay at these temporary
circumstances like natural disasters, wars, hostileshelters until their previous residences are
situations, or antagonistic weather conditions.reconstructed or new accommodations are arranged.
Depending upon the tragedy that has taken place,Emergency shelters can be set up in tents or building
emergency the government or the affected peoplelike churches or schools.
themselves could make shelters. Emergency sheltersThe prime importance of emergency-shelter is to
are important so the people can stay undercover andmake sure that the victims and affected people
protected from the bad weather and violent conditions.survive through the initial stages of disaster occurred.
People in earlier times used to construct such sheltersEmergency-shelters are of extreme significance
for themselves. These shelters comprised of boughtowards ensuring the security and safety of people.
shelter, root shelter, natural hollow, fallen trunks, stoneAfter the tragedy has taken place, security and safety
barriers, tepees, snow caves, turf houses or log cabins.of the affected people from all kinds of dangerous and
However, the need of accommodation area andinappropriate situations is of chief significance. It
necessary facilities has expanded through the time.provides them personal security, protects them from
The conditions for survival are different for us thanepidemics and diseases that might spread because of
what used to be for our ancestors.the disaster and protects them from the bad climatic
Now emergency-shelters are formulated for differentconditions as well. Emergency shelters are also vital as
categories of people who have undergone specificthey provide necessary arrangements to protect
types of situations like emergency. Shelters for peoplehuman dignity and sustain the family and social life of
who have faced domestic violence, natural disaster,victims.
war, conflict or combat amongst nations or local groupIn emergency shelters organised by the government, all
of people, emergency-shelters for people who requirethe prime necessities for good survival are placed.
mental counseling etc. are common these daysFood and water are the top priority items after shelter
However, there is a difference amongst homelesscomes into existence. The site used for emergency
shelters and emergency-shelters. The people whoshelters is kept as clean and hygienic as possible in
reside in emergency-shelters spend their whole day inorder to restrain the breakage of any epidemic. While
the shelter and go out for school or work whereas thecaring for the people's comfort, arrangements are also
people who live in a homeless shelter come back tomade for the early physical and mental recovery of
shelter only to eat and sleep.the patients from the trauma that they have been
Usually government, authorities, or organisations likethrough.