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Category: Computers & Technology : y2k
There has been a lot of public attention lately concerning the impact that the Y2K date change could have on businesses, utilities and other organizations that rely on computerized systems to help run their operation. But, there has been little written about what people can do to prepare themselves and their families for any fallout caused by the Y2K bug.
The $600 billion bug
The Y2K bug has been called the Bogeyman. Chicken Little says the sky will fall. And, there are even some folks who have referred to it as Armageddon.
Well, here's a new flash for you. Nobody even knows what the Y2K bug looks like (not that they know what the Bogeyman looks like either) or when, or if, if it will show its nasty head. The sky is not going to fall on New Year's Day (no matter what Chicken Little says), and Armageddon is nothing more than a film that starred Bruce Willis.
The Y2K issue is a problem - but by the time January 1, 2000 rolls around, it will have been worked on by a great number of people for a great deal of time to the tune of 600 billion dollars. It is difficult (actually impossible) to know exactly what, if any, the ramifications will be when the change occurs from 11:59 pm December 31 to 12:00 am January 1. However, there are things that everyone can do to prepare for whatever inconveniences may occur.
The sky is not falling so don't panic
While anticipating inconveniences is appropriate, panicky stockpiling of essentials or a drastic rearrangement of your personal finances is not. Just look at it as an upcoming snow storm and treat it as such. According to Tom Miner, president of Rescue Training, Inc. a Gig Harbor, WA firm specializing in consulting to banks, insurance companies, and universities in training people in disaster recovery, the way to survive the Y2K issue is to be prepared -- which means educating yourself and your family.
"There's a lot of misinformation and fear out there," says Miner. "The Y2K bug will cause some disruptions and inconveniences -- but it's not the end of the world." The best thing for everyone to do is not over react and not wait until December 31, 1999 to prepare themselves."
We'll leave the lights on for you
The Y2K bug may cause temporary power outages. This does not mean that you have to plunk down 600 plus dollars and buy a generator. It does mean that you should have several flashlights and an extra supply of batteries on hand. You may also want to purchase some extra candles. According to Don Maxfield, fire chief for the Voorhees, NJ fire district, always use candles made from beeswax. "Most candles are made from oil products, but beeswax candles are completely natural as they are made from 100% beeswax," says Maxfield. In addition, beeswax candles have a melting point of just over 168 degrees, won't sag or drip, produce a bright flame and burn smokeless. Also, beeswax candles seldom drip and tend not to sputter.
Show me the money
Even though the Federal Reserve is stockpiling extra currency to distribute through banks, there's a bigger chance of your local ATM running out of cash on New Year's Eve 1999 than there is of it not functioning after the clock strikes 12. What to do? Don't take thousand's of dollars out of the bank and stuff it under your mattress. Do, get enough cash to last you and your family for at least three days and try and get it before New Year's Eve - unless of course you want to ring in the New Year at your local ATM.
It's a gas, gas, gas
Fill your family's cars up with gas before New Year's Eve 1999. It's not that all the gas stations in the world are going to run out of gas - they're not. But, electrical power outages or faulty processing systems may delay fuel deliveries - which could lead to gasoline shortages - which means you will be paying more money for gas and most likely waiting in long lines to get it. If you must store gasoline, keep it in a cool spot in your garage or tool shed and out of the reach of children.
ET Phone home
You can bet that when the heart of any system (like the telecommunications network) is computers, relays, and digital switches that there's bound to be some problems. What does this mean to you? It means that a computer defect may make it a bit difficult to get a dial tone or complete a call. So, if you're accustomed to calling your out of town grandma-ma on New Year's Day to check up on her - ask Grandma-ma to stay with you for a few days or make arrangements to have one of her neighbors look in on her. And remember, cell phones need a reliable source of energy to recharge batteries so make sure your cell phone is charged before the clock strikes 12 on December 31, 1999.
Water, water everywhere
Electrical power outages or failures in microprocessors that operate pumps in municipal systems could result in sewage backup or inadequate filtration of drinking water. So, either buy bottled water at your local supermarket or as soon as you get doen reading this start putting some extra water in containers. If you store water, keep in it containers that won't break or decompose. If your local water company issues an advisory, boil all drinking water and follow their directions to kill any bacteria. The Y2K folks at the American Red Cross recommend that all residents store a minimum of three gallons of water per person, enough for three days.
Hey mom, what's for dinner?
Most supermarkets keep at least a two to three day supply of food in stock. However, power outages could result in spoiled food. Y2K failures at shipping ports could interrupt shipments of food. So, what should you do? Every time you go shopping from now until December 31st, buy extra non-perishable canned goods (especially Campbell soup), paper supplies and personal care products. And, don't forget family pets need food and water too. The Y2K team at the American Red Cross recommend a three day supply of non-perishable edibles plus ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. For infants, you will need a three day supply of formula, diapers and powered milk.
The week before the "big" day, buy a few days supply of fruits and vegetables. You may even want to buy a few bags of ice for a cooler (you know that thing you put the beer in for this football game tailgate parties) as it can act as a refrigerator in case of a power outage. And, since the temperature outside will be a bit chilly come January 1, you can leave the cooler outside. If you leave the cooler outside, make sure the lid is securely sealed - unless of course you are planning to host a Y2K party for the local wildlife.
The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful
Because no one really knows what, if anything, is going to happen due to the Y2K bug, there is a chance that some heating systems may malfunction. If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, stock up on wood. You may even want to purchase a kerosene heater - but keep in mind that these heaters can be fire hazards and check with your local fire district for any additional usage instructions and precautions.
Hi-ho, hi-ho - it's off to work you go
If you use public transportation to get to work, make arrangements ahead of time with another employee, who has a car, to pick you up and take you to work in case there is a problem. Ask your supervisor to give you the hotline number for Campbell Soup so you can call ahead of time and get an update on weather or not you are even expected at work.
Keep in mind that most buildings have back-up support systems for critical functions. These are fail-safe systems designed because power is not a guaranteed commodity -at any time of the year including January 1, 2000. Although Miner does foresee some problems, he believes that if everyone devises a plan, things should be just fine. The good news is January 1, 2000 falls on a Sunday and most businesses will be closed. The other good news is that all these "doom and gloom" Y2K consultants who are spreading fear, are nothing more than overnight experts. "They do not know anything more than anyone else," Miner concluded.
Other Articles in this Category
What is the deal with the Year 2000 bug? (Y2k - demystified)
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How to Survive y2k
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