Winter Wonderland...oh no

[CharlesHarris]

Much of rural America is exactly as MB describes. It certainly is here.

Anyone with any sense keeps a 30-day supply of tinned and packaged food which does not require refrigeration. Most homes here have a wood stove for supplemental heat, which may not be their primary heating source, but will suffice if heating oil or LP gas is in short supply, or if AC mains power is lost for a time. During a major storm last year when we received over a metre of snow in 24 hours, with another 1/2 metre a few days later, the National Guard was activated to assist in road clearance and everybody was ploughed out within 3 days.

During snowstorms many of us with 4WD vehicles equipped with ham radio are registered as volunteers for the Medical Reserve Corps and assist in transporting dialysis patients to treatment, or doctors, nurses and hospital support staff to their posts at shift changes. Rural people tend to be more self-reliant and help their neighbors. It is expected and normal.