If you’re one of those city dwellers transitioning to country life, this might resonate with you. And for those already used to country living, feel free to point out any inaccuracies in the comments.
Having spent my life in urban settings, I now have two winters of experience living in Vermont. My house is just a few miles from the capital, which is quite small—only about 8,000 residents—but it feels very different once you cross into the unpaved areas where utilities are lacking.
How do you manage lighting? Kerosene lamps. Not candles, not rechargeable LEDs, not battery flashlights—kerosene lamps.
This setup isn’t fully “off-grid,” but it shares a similar philosophy that demands a certain level of self-sufficiency.
Preparation is vital, especially during winter, though it can help in summer as well.
The key idea here is to aim for low-tech solutions instead of high-tech ones. For instance, think kerosene lamps and lanterns rather than solar-powered lights. You have to consider where you’re going to recharge them, and what happens if the electronic part fails?
Instead of relying on some complicated gadget, we want to focus on straightforward solutions that you can handle without much fuss.
If you reside in a sparsely populated country area with harsh winters, expect power outages regularly. In Vermont, I find myself without electricity multiple times each winter for two or three days.
How does this affect your daily routine? My electric stove is useless without power, but the problem doesn’t stop there—no running water either since it comes from a well that requires electricity to pump it into the house.
Having no internet or lights isn’t the worst of it, but not having water to flush toilets is a real issue.
Water
For drinking and cooking, stock up on plenty of easy-to-access water jugs. Just focus on clean drinking and cooking water—everything else falls under the category of “gray water.”
I recommend having a rain barrel for cleaning and for toilet use. I keep a handy bucket ready to fill.
If there’s a storm brewing, fill up your bathtub with water.
This year, I had to rely on melting snow using stock pots on a camping stove.
I’m considering adding a hand pump to my well this coming year. You remember the scene from “Little House on the Prairie” when they install a water pump? Yes, that kind of setup can help draw water when your electric pump is offline.
Make sure to use drinking water wisely; reserve it only for that purpose. Don’t use it for cleaning or rinsing food; use rainwater and bathtub water for other tasks. It’s crucial to be prepared for sponge baths with a limited supply of water.
Light
So, how do you tackle lighting? Kerosene lamps. Not candles, not rechargeable LEDs, not battery flashlights—kerosene lamps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36nqqhyimye
Why kerosene? Well, I have a personal bias since I collect and restore these lamps and use them as part of my heating and lighting setup. They’re superior to other backup options—brighter than candles and free of battery hassles (just keep a supply of kerosene stocked). Plus, they can add a certain charm to your home.
Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Only use clear, refined kerosene from hardware or gas stations. Avoid “lamp oil” since it burns poorly and smells bad. If the kerosene is clean, it won’t stink.
- Both modern and antique oil lamps are reliable.
- If you want additional heat and light, consider an antique “center draft” lamp with a large wick that provides substantial light and heat. The Rayo-brand lamp is a solid choice; you can usually find it on eBay.
- And no, you don’t need to obsess over “smoke” or “carbon monoxide.” That’s a bit of hysteria in today’s society. Just like you don’t fear your gas stove, you shouldn’t fear your lamp. Generations before us used these without issue.
Heat
If your heating system is already expensive and functional, you probably won’t be looking to switch.
I was fortunate when I moved here; I essentially started from scratch after flooding in the downstairs. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, consider a heating method that doesn’t require any electricity.
What I mean is, don’t get something that relies on electricity at all for ignition or operation. If the heat depends on power, it’s too complex for a basic country setup.
I chose a propane “fireplace stove.” It’s a lovely red cast iron unit that resembles a late 19th-century wood stove. It operates mechanically and has its own thermostat. It can ignite manually with matches if needed and keeps a pilot light lit.
Whatever option you choose, make sure it can generate heat without power. Investing in an older, refurbished model can be a wise choice.
For emergency heating, portable kerosene or propane heaters are also beneficial. Just ensure you have a good stock of fuel available.
Cooking and Food
If your kitchen is electric, consider a backup solution. I enjoy my two-burner Coleman propane camp stove. It’s compact and stows easily. Having an extra burner is handy, especially during busy cooking times.
And yes, keep fresh food stocked. You can’t live on vegetables and grains alone. Remember to include meat and fat in your diet—a lifeline in emergencies can be canned meat.
People always rush to stock dried beans and rice, but I wonder why. They don’t offer the protein of meat (and don’t provide necessary fats), and they require more water and energy to prepare.
My recommendation for protein sources includes:
- Canned chicken and tuna.
Don’t forget to keep bacon grease or lard handy. They don’t require refrigeration and can enhance any dish, adding both calories and flavor.
Transportation
And don’t neglect your vehicle. Keeping your gas tank full during winter is always prudent.
If you get stuck on the road, a running engine can provide warmth and serves as a backup for charging your phone, a crucial connection when the power’s out.
This isn’t an exhaustive guide to living off the grid, but it can certainly help you cope in a rural area without power or running water for extended periods. If you have wisdom to share from your own experiences, I’d love to hear it in the comments.
