I see no need to get a cellphone.  I only get a few calls a month on
my home phone, and besides the home phone being cheaper, I need a home
phone line for my internet (no other connections available in this
rural area).

Anyhoe, living in a rural area can be dangerous if a car breaks down
in winter.  I know because I had it happen a few years ago.  I was
only about 2 to 3 miles from home, which in the summer would not be
any problem to walk, but in freezing winter it's a whole different
matter.  When it happened that last time it was during the night, and
evne though I passed a few homes, everyone was asleep.  I'm up in my
years and cant handle the cold as well as I could when I was younger.
I dont think I could have made it home in that sub-zero weather, even
if it was only 2 or 3 miles.  Halfway home I knew I was getting numb
so I went into a neighbors cattle barn to warm up.  Barns full of
livestock are always pretty warm.  Then I made the rest of the way
home.

Anyhow, if this had been any further I dont think I would have made
it.  Because of this, I stay home all the time in winter, and that is
getting really lonely and boring.  I need to get out, so I am looking
into getting the cheapest cell phone I can get, and it's just for
emergencies.  I was told those Trackphones are expensive per call, but
do not require a monthly fee.  But I heard that they expire every few
months or every year (not sure which).

But I was also told that I could have any phone, and can call 911
without a monthly bill.  The only cost would be the phone itself.
Does this mean that I can buy any used phone from Craigslist or Ebay
and it will work for 911, or do I need a certain brand or model?  I
noticed there are analog and digital ones.  Does it matter which?

SO lets say I get one.  I know the battery has to be charged.  Is
there anything else to know or do?  Do I just dial 911 like on any
phone, or do I have to enter some sort of code?  I dont know anything
about these phones, so I could use some help.

Thanks

Larry