When the electricity went out in Mayfield, Kentucky, after the recent deadly and devastating winter storm in the state, several families got a crash course in generosity and neighborly behavior.

In one case, an Amish family helped their neighbors affected by the storm by cooking them meals on their wood stoves and bringing them well water, hot coffee, fresh milk from their cow, and kerosene lamps.

Some Kentuckians were left with a new appreciation of how the Amish live. "I said I didn't know how they could do it," noted one Mayfield resident, reflecting on her week without electricity. And Master Sgt. Paul Mouilleseaux, a National Guard spokesman, told the Associated Press, "Those folks are very good at sustaining themselves." According to the AP report, the thousands of Amish in Kentucky were not really affected by the weather emergency. (The map shows areas of the state where FEMA has declared an emergency as of earlier this week; they're indicated in green.)

When devastating storms or natural disasters hit, it might pay not to embrace spartaneity. The Amish were well prepared to endure a situation that wreaked havoc for hundreds of thousands of others, both because they live in very traditional manners in what some might consider spartan surroundings and there's nothing spontaneous or trendy about their long-held way of life.—Gian Trotta

Essential Information: Be prepared for any emergency and read our buyer's guide to pellet- and wood-burning stoves. One of these appliances could come in handy.