Keep your well, but don’t trust it. Even a little bit of arsenic leeched into the water can be very dangerous. It has been found that it inhibits the immune system so that it doesn’t recognize pathogens fast enough.
http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/trace/arsenic/
There is an old trick used in Mexico that is impressively good in purifying water. They would hollow out a big block of limestone, then form the other side to a point. The water that seeps through is sterile, particulate free, de-metalized, pH neutralized, and about as good as it gets short of a Z-filter. Good for thousands and thousands of gallons.
As far as fuel goes, I am very fond of commercial column stills, which can produce a goodly amount of alcohol.
For very high temperatures, a Fresnel lens from a flat screen TV can give you a point temperature of about 2000F, enough to melt copper, lead, aluminum, and tin. While you’re wearing welding goggles.
For medical gear, there are fairly inexpensive oxygen concentrators for sale, which can be a lifesaver when someone has lung problems.
Twenty mile range walkie-talkies are less than a hundred dollars.
Thanks, that is interesting.
Do walkie talkies need to be in a line of sight or can they work if there are hills in the way?