It seems like there may be a decline in population, according to the details shared in the link. However, it's good to know that people can still make use of the internet.

Jeanette Isabelle

I suggest you re-read the article and consider the effects of volcanic winter on all the people and businesses and infrastructure that makes internet access available to you and me.

If software engineers are busy raising rats and mushrooms to eat (neither requires sunlight), they will not be in their cubicles keeping end user services running.

Parts of the internet will survive, primarily for government and perhaps some critical businesses that have prepared for such events.

I sincerely doubt that ordinary peasants like you and me will have access. I would certainly not rely on it.

Certainly not if only thing left of you is a shadow on a wall.

If you are at ground zero during a blast, you will become a shadow on the wall. Those further away may survive but will still not have access to the internet.

Jeanette Isabelle

Speaking for myself-

Only so much "preparing" you can do. Whether it's budget, space available, family buy-in....since logging in here, I've moved to 4 different states, and added a wife and 2 kids. Kind of hard lugging all this stuff around.

Most "disasters" are known and repeatable- tornado, hurricane, snow storm, etc. You get used to having things on hand to handle it. Not every issue needs a full blown radiation suit/gas mask/open the bunker/crank up the generator/bust out the MRE case.

There's life outside of this forum.

The base website, ETS, hasn't changed in years (decade?). If DR isn't putting in the effort to stay updated and relevant, that says something.

I like to be prepared for any situation so that I can always feel comfortable. However, it's important to have perspective so that I don't make mistakes, like overspending on ChapStick.

Jeanette Isabelle

Preparing is more about mindset than equipment, IMO. My goals are probably different than yours, and I don't have the anxiety that you've mentioned on occasion. I plan to keep fed and watered for 5-7 days. I don't need radio, power, warm water, bubble baths, sun screen, 3 changes of clothes..... etc (yes, deliberately over-the-top examples).

And there's a point when prepping is a euphemism for "hoarding."

And at the end of the day, you just have to survive long enough to leave the impact zone. A can of gas and a $50 bill is likely enough for 80% of people. Life goes on outside of a disaster.

I found myself purchasing forty-eight tubes of ChapStick, which made me realize I needed to step back and take a deep breath.

Jeanette Isabelle

NEWS FLASH: You can´t. Not for every situation.

Not any situation. That gets into scenario prepping. My goal is to maintain a set level of comfort regardless of what happens.

Jeanette Isabelle