3 power supply and emergency tips for rural dwellers

If you're used to city living you're used to being able to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency and expect fast service. Similarly, if there's a power outage in town, it's very likely that it will only be short-lived. Such is not the case when you're living in the country. Here's what you need to know when considering making that major move.

After a storm in the country, homes may be a day or more without electricity. So it is a good idea to have a generator, especially if your electrical lines are above ground, where severe ice or wind can down them.

• Very few rural homeowners have natural gas piped to their houses. Instead, they rely on bottled gas stored in a large tank that is refilled once or twice a year. If you are buying a home with a gas tank, have the gas company check to see that it is in safe working order.
• If you are building a home, you may have to buy a tank. However, many gas companies will rent you a tank for an annual fee.

Emergency services in the country are likely to be slow. Once help is called, it may takes some time for the emergency crew to arrive.

• Some rural areas close to an urban area are served by private ambulance services that vary in speed and quality. Many areas have volunteer ambulance services. Either way, it's not uncommon for an ambulance to take an hour or more to reach a rural home.
• Fire service also can be slow in rural areas. While some towns have fire departments that serve nearby rural areas, other communities rely on volunteer fire departments.
• Because of the slow response time for fires, homeowner's insurance for a rural home can be expensive.

Because it can take so long, rural residents are strongly urged to take an extensive first-aid course, designed especially for rural residents. They instruct people on what to do when emergency help is delayed.

• Living in a rural area might be ideal for you, but the slow emergency response time might be a problem. Consider these tips to better equip yourself for natural and medical emergencies in the country.