Living in a rural area is radically different than living in city limits. Here’s a basic overview of things to keep in mind!

1. Thou shalt be prepared

Something as simple as a flat tire or unexpected delay can turn deadly if you are in a remote area without water or other essentials. I make sure I have a good spare tire, some basic tools, shoes that I can walk in, snacks, WATER, and most recently I’ve been carrying a tow strap with me. In the winter, I carry coats for our whole family regardless of what the forecast is.

You never know what is going to happen next. It is never a bad idea to have a legal concealed carry firearm handy, not just for personal protection. I can’t tell you how many times my husband has had to put down a deer or elk that’s been hit on the roadway up North.

This summer we had a surprisingly wet monsoon season and we also had a surprising number of people driving through our area and getting stuck on our barely maintained roads. None of the three people I helped this summer had water with them and some of them were on the verge of heat stroke. Don’t let that be you!!

ALWAYS, ALWAYS BE PREPARED.

2. Thou shalt take care of thyself

Many people have moved to my area in recent years. Some of them live quite a distance from the gas station and the grocery store or bank (an hour drive).

It’s one thing when an emergency happens and people need help from their neighbors to get supplies. What happens if help isn’t available when and where you need it?

It’s really unfortunate, but if you aren’t able to live independently and self-sufficiently, living in a remote area is probably not the best choice for your health and safety.

3. Thou shalt help thy neighbor

On the same thread as #2, if people are in need of help, you help them! We are a long way from medical, fire and law enforcement services and there are often people in our community having an emergency. It’s not unusual for neighbors to come running if there’s a fire or someone is injured. It’s expected.

4. Thou shalt build good fences

This a 2-fold principle. Keep your livestock and pets contained. Fence out range cattle, loose pets and predators that may be a nuisance to your property.

Sadly, many dogs in our community are left to roam by their owners (or are very good escape artists) and quite a few have been lost or killed over the years. We do not have animal control in our area very often (usually only if they’ve been called for a specific issue). Be responsible for your animals and take measures to keep that fate from happening to them.

5. Thou shalt keep a good reputation

In a small community, nothing travels faster than gossip! Everyone knows or knows of everyone else around here, especially if they’ve been here for very long or if someone has caused drama.

It can have a big impact on people’s businesses and community standing if word gets around that they are disreputable in some way.

6. Thou shalt know your neighbors

My immediate neighborhood has several full-time residents and quite a few winter snowbirds (people who spend the hot summers up north). I know all of them at least in passing. I have their phone numbers and some are Facebook friends.

We let each other know when a suspicious vehicle has been seen on our street or when there’s been storm damage or…

7. Thou shalt not expect police or fire department to be nearby

One time, we called the cops. Two hours later they arrived.

One time, we called 911 for a medical emergency. 45 minutes later the ambulance arrived.

One time some of my friends called the sheriff to report someone shooting at night near their house and they were told, “Good luck. It’s the Wild West out there.” You get the picture.

We have an unfortunate problem with drug related theft and arson in our area. Needless to say, people are armed and on high alert for any suspicious behavior.

8. Thou shalt be careful what you say

This goes back to the gossip/reputation comment above. Negative words will spread far and wide and can have a lasting impact on people’s reputations or your own.

9. Thou shalt keep thy eyes and ears open

Being observant is the name of the game. Pay attention to what vehicles you see on a regular basis in your neighborhood. Pay attention to tracks in areas where they shouldn’t be. Pay attention to people being where they don’t seem to belong.

Listen and learn from locals. People that have lived in an area for a long time know things, lots of things. They know things like typical weather patterns, tips and tricks, etc… things you may need to know. Listen to them and take note.

10. Thou shalt live and let live

Do you have a neighbor who decorates their property line fence with ceramic owls? Do you drive by someone’s home who thinks used tires are a landscape feature? Do you have a neighbor living in a converted school bus that is being gradually repainted with multi-color hand painted quotes and drawings? Does one of your neighbors routinely discharge their gun at sunset?

I highly recommend the principle of live and let live. This is also known as ignore, ignore, ignore.

You will see unusual things. Let them go. Treat people the same and realize you are going to meet people in the country who march to their own drum. There’s room out here for all of us.