You say it takes how many acres of Potatoes to feed a guy over the winter? Wow, how many for 4?

    People are very resourceful, most of us have had experience's when we see or hear of someone performing under stress that would be unnatural during normal circumstances. Such is being as self reliant as we are each able to be. Being and staying self reliant is not an instant occurrence, it is a lifestyle that is not very hard to harness. I'm not talking about having a bunker and all the supplies one would need to survive for years on end. I'm talking more of making it through the first few days or a week after an unexpected emergency event. If we make it a habit of rotating water supplies, canned food and basic food items a large portion of the preparing task is complete. However should all of our needs come from stored supplies? Depending on the time of year, scavenging may be a real alternative. We are fortunate where I live, there are a number of abandoned fruit trees, wild

Unfortunately seasonal, but oh so good. 

asparagus, wild zucchini and nut trees. Unfortunately most of the produce ripens almost at the same time. At the right time of year it is a bounty that I take advantage of when available. A large part of self reliance is to have a garden. A garden does not have to be large, in past days the average garden was 2 acres for sustenance. An eye opening fact is it takes 1/4 acre to grow enough potatoes for one person's consumption over the 5 months of winter. To raise enough for a family of 4 would take an acre. That should not discourage us however, plenty of vegetables can be raised on a patio or a small yard. Vegetables that have a long shelf life are best, most of those are root vegetables. Beets, turnips, squash and carrots are a few examples capable of surviving in a dark cool spot. Most of the plants that produce them can be grown on trellises out of containers.
   

Squash on trellises grows well and has a long
shelf life when stored properly.

Although it would be ideal if everyone lived next to a pristine mountain spring, it is not reality. In the event we should lose our water supply we can rely on stored water that is purchased in the local grocery. If the cases of water are rotated with use they should remain safe. Water for other uses can be rain fall collected in large plastic barrels, or specially made collection systems. This water could be used for drinking after purification.
    It is prudent to have a tool kit with basic tools in it, hammer, saw, screwdrivers and a flashlight. More important than having them is the ability to be able to use them, and know what they are. If your have a chain saw for example, know how to use it before you need it.
    A good mental attitude is very important as well. If other people can do it so can I, is the type of mentality to possess. Learn how to perform basic skills, sewing, painting, the difference between various fasteners such as nails, screws and glue. When the comment "gee, that's funny" is heard, curiosity should be awakened, something is up. Look into it, learn from it and finally use the skill. Before a disaster strikes is the time to learn, if we think we can do a thing we can, if we think we can't well you finish that line.
    We don't have to wait until a catastrophic event takes place to be self reliant, we can live it every day. Being proud of what you can accomplish with limited space or resources is half the challenge of being practical and confident. When we bring our selves to a level of being able to rely on our own skills and abilities in every day life, they will be second nature when we are stressed by an emergency. "Here, let me try doing that" is not just words, it's a learning experience.

Self confidence feels better than a hot shower!

    Thanks for reading, I welcome comments, suggestions or questions. Let me know a few skills you possess that are unique and help's your self confidence.

    jimandkate emergencykitsplus.com