[cbags]

My husband and I just moved to Proctorsville, VT and live on the side of a mountain. We're completely surrounded by 100 foot trees and wildlife, which is one of the reasons we love it here. We had two situations yesterday that made us realized that us city/suburban folk are completely unprepared to live in the wilderness. First, my dog came out of a the woods after a 15 minute romp with a giant gash in her leg and we had no means to doctor it except for some saline solution and neosporin. Two, the power went out last night/this morning, which meant that the well pump stopped working. We didn't know if we should flush the toliets or not. Now, the power has been back on for 45 minutes, but still no water. So... here are my questions:

1. What do I need to have in my VT first aid kit?
2. Do I need a gun to protect myself and pets from Wildlife?
3. Why isn't my water working? Do I just have to give it time?
4. What's the best way to perpare for a power outage? How can I possibly prepare myself for this winter? What do I need to stock up on?
5. Anything I'm missing?

Any help for this flatlander is most appreciated.

Thanks!

[Lilybeans]

Get a good military first aid kit.
Get a gun, by all means
You probably have to prime the pump again.

[vter]

Lily gave you some good advice.
The gash your dog got may not have been an animal....there is lots of old barbed wire in the woods - most "woods" in Vermont were open farm fields at some point and you'd be surprised at some of the farming remants you may find "deep in the woods"!
Regarding your well pump....in addition to what Lily mentioned, check to see if something tripped.
As far as prepping for power outages in the winter, the main thing to worry about it is heat. We have a woodstove that we use when the power is out. Also, keep gas in your grill! It's always fun to BBQ in the dead of winter If its cold enough, you can just stick your parishables out in the snow.
Welcome to VT!

[cbags]

Thanks Lily and Vter! Good advice. I'll take it! We did finally get the well started again by tripping the pump, or jump starting it. Thanks very much!

[Alt Dach]

Get somebody to show you how to prime your pump!
Farmers always had guns for reasons,one was to put down badly injured animals \in severe pain.

[harry chickpea]

1. What do I need to have in my VT first aid kit?

Maple syrup. Scotch. Duct tape. Feminine pads. Aspirin. Pepto-Bismol. If you can't fix it with those items and a stick, you are dead.

2. Do I need a gun to protect myself and pets from Wildlife?

You need one to protect you from the down country hunters. A gun is a tool. If you have to ask if you need one, you need a course in gun safety before you get one.

3. Why isn't my water working? Do I just have to give it time?

I see you figured that one out. FWIW, there are a number of different types of pumps.

4. What's the best way to perpare for a power outage? How can I possibly prepare myself for this winter? What do I need to stock up on?

That is three questions. The best way to prepare for a power outage is to move out of state and next to a power plant. Other than that, go wilderness camping for a week. You'll know by the end of the week. The best way to prepare for winter is to move out of state and next to a power plant. Stock up on everything.

5. Anything I'm missing?

Yep. How to make nice to a bear. How to minimize moose damage to your car. What to never do to a skunk. How to avoid pasture patties after a fresh snowfall. Lotsa other stuff. Enjoy Vermont.

[snookie1946]

You definately need a portible generater.

[OhBeeHave]

The previous owner of my home did one very good thing: they installed a whole house generator which runs on propane. When the power goes out, I can count to 5 and BOOM! the generator automatically kicks on. It runs the entire house, as well as a couple of window ACs. I can run the electric oven, too.

It has been wonderful!

[tkln]

I third the generator idea. When we move, it's one of the first things I plan on getting.

[nhrocky]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

1. What do I need to have in my VT first aid kit?

Maple syrup. Scotch. Duct tape. Feminine pads. Aspirin. Pepto-Bismol. If you can't fix it with those items and a stick, you are dead.

2. Do I need a gun to protect myself and pets from Wildlife?

You need one to protect you from the down country hunters. A gun is a tool. If you have to ask if you need one, you need a course in gun safety before you get one.

3. Why isn't my water working? Do I just have to give it time?

I see you figured that one out. FWIW, there are a number of different types of pumps.

4. What's the best way to perpare for a power outage? How can I possibly prepare myself for this winter? What do I need to stock up on?

That is three questions. The best way to prepare for a power outage is to move out of state and next to a power plant. Other than that, go wilderness camping for a week. You'll know by the end of the week. The best way to prepare for winter is to move out of state and next to a power plant. Stock up on everything.

5. Anything I'm missing?

Yep. How to make nice to a bear. How to minimize moose damage to your car. What to never do to a skunk. How to avoid pasture patties after a fresh snowfall. Lotsa other stuff. Enjoy Vermont.

OMG.....I can't stop laughing


I recommend a generator. Over here in NH, seems like PSNH goes out every time we have a snowstorm in our area. I can look across the CT River & see all the lights on in Brattleboro when this happens, pretty depressing