While rain ponchos are primarily designed for personal protection against rain, some ponchos can be used as makeshift shelters or ground covers in emergency situations. Look for ponchos with reinforced grommets or attachment points, as they can be easily transformed into a shelter with the help of ropes or cords. However, keep in mind that using a rain poncho in this way may compromise its integrity, so it's advisable to have a dedicated shelter or ground cover for such purposes if possible.