Y 2 K -- THE PROBLEM AND YOUR OPTIONS

Y 2 K -- THE PROBLEM AND YOUR OPTIONS "If you ask five different people what the effects of the New Millennium will be you will no doubt get five different answers. There is the "Party as Usual" set who expect nothing more than people celebrating a New Year and New Millennium as usual. At the other end of the spectrum is the "It's The Beginning Of The End" crowd. They believe that the country's infrastructure will go down because of many computer failures. In truth, there is no way of knowing just what will happen much less just how major or minor the affects will be." -- SaveAPenny

Table of Content: This is a collection of Y 2 K articles by our friends.

Y 2 K The Problem and Your Options
Additional Links
The Home

Y2 K and the Home On A Budget
A Personal Note Here:
A List of Things

Y 2 K
THE PROBLEM AND YOUR OPTIONS If you haven't heard much about Y2K until now then you are probably new to the World Wide Web. If, on the other hand, you've heard about it but don't really understand it all then join the club because you are not alone. Here is a good down to earth explanation of the Y2K problem in plain English. What is the Y2K Problem?

Basically, the problem began when computers were fairly new and very expensive. In order to keep production costs and prices as low as possible short cuts were made. The main short cut that was made and the one that involves us today is the way the date is programmed into computers. Instead of the year reading 1999 programmers shortened it to 99. That being the case, come January 1, 2000, some computer will not recognize 00 as being the first day of the year 2000. Instead, these computers will read the date as January 1, 1900, or 1/1/00. In 1900 there were no computers and so if computers go down at the beginning of this next year there could be big problems.

If you ask five different people what the effects of the New Millennium will be you will no doubt get five different answers. There is the "Party as Usual" set who expect nothing more than people celebrating a New Year and New Millennium as usual. At the other end of the spectrum is the "It's The Beginning Of The End" crowd. They believe that the country's infrastructure will go down because of many computer failures. In truth, there is no way of knowing just what will happen much less just how major or minor the affects will be.

Business today is in most cases totally dependent on computers to keep the wheels of commerce turning. Things such as banking, all areas of travel and even their suppliers are dependent on the properly working computer. These days there is even e-commerce. A couple of clicks of the mouse button will show each of us just how important e-business is at the present and it continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Some areas of business expect to have more problems than others after the new year. There is help to be had in order to make sure the business computer is ready for January 1, 2000. Many companies have employed people who do nothing but correct these computer problems. On the other hand, not all business computer problems are expected to be fixed and tested for their accuracy before the end of this year. That being the case, there are issues that you the consumer should be aware of and plan ahead for so as to decrease their effects on your life.

One particular area of concern is travel and specifically air travel.

Canadian airlines reduce Y2K flights
Y2K Travel Warning
2000amIsafe - Air Travel Related Companies
FileWorld: DateReport
Yahoo - American Airlines and American Eagle Reduce Scheduled Flying on New Years
US State Department - Services - Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets

Consumers can expect problems other than just in the travel industry with the coming of the millennium. Everything from banking to insurance and even the medical fields are expected to experience at least some disruptions in normal service. Being aware of these potential problems can be the beginning of solutions. The best way to minimize these potential problems on our daily lives is to keep or obtain copies of all important records. Everything from bank records for at least the last quarter of 1999, to medical records for all family members, copies of all insurance policies and all other important papers.

Money.com: Year 2000
2000amIsafe - Banks and S&L Companies
Insurance
Healthcare
Financial Services

OK, so knowing what Y2K is and how it affects the business community and in turn how it can affect us is one thing. The home computer is another concern all of its own. Just because a computer is a failry new model is not a guaranteee that its hardware and software is Y2K compliant. So, will our own personal computers even work properly after January 1, 2000? There is, of course, no guarantees in life but there are ways to increase the odds that our computers will indeed recognize the new millinium and plug right along for us.

Prove It 2000
Computer Hardware
Computer Software
Office Products
FileWorld: Norton 2000 BIOS Test and Fix
FileWorld: Millennium Bug Kit
FileWorld: IntelliFIX 2000
McAfee.com - Clinic - Y2K Info
FileWorld: Y2K Test;

The home could also experience problems especially with any appliance that can be programmed such as TV's, Stereos and VCR machines. Guess what? Some newer cars that have computer chips in them may also be at risk. It might be a good idea to check and see if your home theatre product, home appliance, or other product is Y2K compliant.

2000amIsafe - Motor Vehicles Manufacturers
Home Appliances
Home Electronics

The question comes to mind that if all these other areas of life may experience problems when the New Year and New Millinium arrives then what kinds of problems can we expect in the home itself? There is no way of knowing exactly what will happen until January 1, 2000. Yet, it is a pretty good assumption that if other areas of life are expected to experience problems ranging from minor to moderate then the home may also experience some disruptions. The old saying "Plan for the worst and hope for the best" applies here. People who live in tornado or hurricane prone areas know this approach to life very well. No one knows ahead of time how bad a storm will be so they plan for the worst ahead of time and that is what the rest of us should be doing now. Of course the kids will also have questions as to how the situation will affect them and what they can do to help.

Y2K for Kids
Y2K information for Kids
FEMA: Disaster Services - Disaster Supplies Kit

Y2K for Women -- Frequently Asked Questions
FEMA: Preparedness Page

Farmers Almanac Takes on Y2K (just fun tidbits of info such as probable color choices for the coming year, etc.)
Channel 6000 - Latest Farmer's Almanac Has Y2K Advice

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Head off the risk of your system going haywire and your data disappearing into the ether by making sure it complies with the Year 2000 standards. (Free) FileWorld: Test2000

This update addresses known Year 2000-related issues in the programs included in Microsoft's Office 95. Years entered as 00-29 are assumed to be in the range 2000 through 2029, whereas years entered as 30-99 are assumed to be in the range 1930 through 1999 (Demo Version)FileWorld: Office 95 Year 2000 Update

Compare your PC against a database of known Year 2000 problems. The utility generates a bootable diskette that tests your system, then provides a comprehensive report of its findings. It tests your system's BIOS, real-time clock and system clock, and more (Free) FileWorld: Norton 2000 BIOS Test and Fix

Watch the dreaded Y2K bug wreak havoc on your desktop in this humorous screen saver. This program features cute little "Y2K" bugs demolishing your screen. (Free) FileWorld: Attack of the Y2K Bug

This Excel 97 add-in analyzes your spreadsheet to identify potential Y2K problems. (Free) FileWorld: DateReport

Check each component of your PC for Y2K-compliance. IntelliFIX 2000 diagnoses and repairs all of your computer's BIOS date problems and corrects your computer's CMOS real-time clock, ensuring your PC is permanently free from future date conflicts. (Trial Version)FileWorld: IntelliFIX 2000

This utility will make your PC year 2000 ready. Its power on-off Real-Time Clock tests your computer's internal clock, and the utility fixes any inconsistencies in the BIOS without reprogramming the chip. (Trial Version) FileWorld: Millennium Bug Kit

Senate Testimony on Y2K
(STATEMENT OF JACQUELYN L. WILLIAMS-BRIDGERS......At your March 1999 hearing on international Y2K issues, I provided an overview of global Y2K readiness based on host country assessments developed by U.S. embassies and on our own visits to 25 sites in 20 countries. My testimony discussed Y2K readiness in terms of the varying levels of progress the different countries had made in assessing and fixing their systems—and the message was decidedly mixed:) Senate Y2K Committee

This is a link with a wealth of information and is where some of these other links came from. US State Department - Services - Y2K

THE HOME

Ok, now that we hopefully have all the Y2K related travel issues, home appliances, business matters taken care of we now need to deal with those things in the home that sustain life itself. There are some decisions that each of us need to make for ourselves and our family. Namely, how minor or major we think the Y2K ramifications will be and how long they will last.

Before going any further let me say one thing here. It doesn't matter how restrained you are in your preparations for Y2K, some people are going to ridicule you. Yes, I have experienced it from friends, neighbors, and even from members of my own family. I solved that issue one day when I was having to double up on the pain pills. I responded by reminding those family members that I may seem like a survivalist now but given the right circumstances and I probably wouldn't seem so radical after all. Haven't had to endure much ridicule since then either, in fact I've actually gotten a little assistance from time to time. So, if you think you should take one particular approach to Y2K but are being ridiculed for it, say your peace and stick to your plans.

Most articles on Y2K preparedness is suggesting that we concentrate on stocking extra food items which I too think is important. In fact I am doing exactly that for my family. On the other hand, if budget choices must be made my advice is WATER, WATER, AND MORE WATER. Having good quality drinking water on hand does not necessarily require store bought bottled water. If your family buys milk in gallon jugs or pop in the 2 liter bottles then save those bottles. Be sure to wash them so they end up clean and sterilized. To do this wash every bottle in hot dish water to which 1/8 to 1/4 cup of good old household bleach has been added. Now, rinse each bottle three or four times in hot water and allow to air dry before storing them for later use. FEMA: Preparedness Page Then about the last couple of weeks of December these bottles can be filled with tap water and then add 4 drops of household bleach to each quart of water. (NONE OF THE SCENTED STUFF HERE) One of my favorite web sites has become the FEMA home page which seems to recognize that we all have budgets to adhere to and so their advice is fairly down to earth. FEMA reccommends a bare minimum of about 2 1/2 gallons of water a day per person.

Now for that all important subject of food. My first word of warning here would be not waste those all important emergency preparedness dollars on food that you or your family don't like. I personally detest the taste of pinto beans and so they don't show up in my home. I have one bag of those little sweet hearts and they were given to me. Next word of caution is for those working on a tight budget. Try and buy foods that are easy to fix and require a minimum of cooking. That way, alternative cooking methods won't be such a worry if they are indeed needed. Items like the dry soup and noodle mixes that only require a cup or two of hot water to prepare. Canned soup, hash, and canned lunches are also good ideas to have on hand. KEEP A HAND CAN OPENER ON HAND. It would be horrid to store canned foods only to discover than without electricity the cans can't be opened.

A PERSONAL NOTE HERE: I have very weak hands and wrists and can not use the normal hand can openers that most stores sell. I found the perfect solution though. Army and Navy surplus stores sell small can openers for 25 to 50 cents each that does the job quite nicely. You WWII, Korean, and Viet Nam veterans will probably know what I am referring to here. They come in two sizes, some even have makeshift spoons attached and best of all they can be attached to a key ring. The only draw back to these small can openers is that they leave sharp edges that could be dangerous around unsupervised kids.

Another source of information that I have found to be absolutely invaluable is an email newsletter that can be subscribed to. Y2K for Women -- The Year 2000 Computer Problem: What Every Woman Needs to Know written by Karen Anderson.

Y2 K AND THE HOME ON A BUDGET Ok, now that we hopefully have all the Y2K related travel issues, home appliances, and business matters taken care of we now need to deal with those things in the home that sustain life itself. There are some decisions that each of us need to make for ourselves and our family. Namely, how minor or major we think the Y2K ramifications will be and how long they will last.

Some of the so-called experts are saying Y2K will involve nothing more than a flicker or two of the lights and then everything will be back to normal. At the other end, are some "experts" who claim Y2K will be the end of life as we know it. The third potential senerio is that Y2K will be the beginning of decade long problems which could send the country into a recession if your neighbor loses his job, and a depression if you lose yours. If the truth be known, no one knows for sure just what will happen which is why we must all decide for ourselves what we think the results will be. Once those decisions are made the preparations can begin in ernest. Keep two things in mind here while try to make your decisions. First, the true extent of emergencies like tornadoes, and hurricanes are rarely known ahead of time. Yet people choose to prepare for what they think those emergencies may be like. Second, not very much in life can equal losing one's home and everything they own in one huge storm. So just try to keep the whole Y2K issue in perspective. Here are some links to check out which I hope will assist you with the decisions you need to make.
Y2K for Women -- The Year 2000 Computer Problem: What Every Woman Needs to know
Y2K - US States
Y2K-Status.Org - States Year 2000 Activities

Some people are planning on taking extra money out of the bank just in case there are problems within the banking system. Those individuals who have government income which is electronically deposited may want to call the government agency as well as the bank in question to see in Y2K compliance has been completed. If there is any hedging at all then inquire as to your options for obtaining your money for at least the first few months of the coming year. Getting a print out of your bank activity for at least the last quarter of this year may also be a good idea.

Most articles on Y2K preparedness is suggesting that we concentrate on stocking extra food items which I also think is important. In fact, I am doing exactly that for my family. On the other hand, if budget choices must be made my advice is to concentrate on WATER, WATER, AND MORE WATER. Having good quality drinking water on hand does not necessarily require store bought bottled water. If your family buys milk in gallon jugs or pop in the 2 liter bottles then save those bottles. Or, you could enlist the help of neighbors who feel Y2K is simply another reason to party. Have them save the milk jugs and pop bottles for you. Be sure to wash them so they end up clean and sterilized. To do this wash every bottle in hot dish water to which 1/8 to 1/4 cup of good old household bleach has been added. Now, rinse each bottle three or four times in hot water and allow to air dry before storing them for later use. FEMA: Preparedness page Then about the last couple of weeks of December these bottles can be filled with tap water and then add 4 drops of household bleach to each quart of water. (NONE OF THE SCENTED STUFF HERE) One of my favorite web sites has become the FEMA home page which seems to recognize that we all have budgets to adhere to and so their advice is fairly down to earth. FEMA reccommends a bare minimum of about 2 1/2 gallons of water a day per person.

Now for that all important subject of food. My first word of warning here would be not waste those all important emergency preparedness dollars on food that you or your family don't like. I personally detest the taste of pinto beans and so they don't show up in my home. I have one bag of those little sweet hearts and they were given to me. Next word of caution is for those working on a tight budget. Try and buy foods that are easy to fix and require a minimum of cooking. That way, alternative cooking methods (more on this later) won't be such a worry if they are indeed needed. Items like the dry soup and noodle mixes that only require a cup or two of hot water to prepare. Canned soup, hash, and canned lunches are also good ideas to have on hand. KEEP A HAND CAN OPENER AROUND. It would be horrid to store canned foods only to discover than without electricity the cans can't be opened.

A PERSONAL NOTE HERE: I have very weak hands and wrists and can not use the normal hand can openers (with the two handles that must be squeezed together) that most stores sell. I found the perfect solution though. Army and Navy surplus stores sell small can openers called P38's for 25 to 50 cents each that does the job quite nicely. You WWII, Korean, and Viet Nam veterans will probably know what I am referring to here. They come in two sizes, some even have makeshift spoons attached and best of all they can be attached to a key ring. The only draw back to these small can openers is that they leave sharp edges that could be dangerous around unsupervised kids.

The articles here are geared stictly to the woman who is making preparation for her family. She has been so kind as to keep in mind that some of us are on very tight budgets. Between FEMA and this newsletter I've found most all information I've needed so far.

Having an alternative means of cooking and heat may come in very handy if Y2K brings a disruption in utilities. My budget would not allow me to buy much of anything brand new except for food. I, therefore, checked thrift stores and yard sales and in doing so have managed to get a few supplies for very reasonable prices.

Here is a list of things that even the stictest of budgets should plan to have on hand. Some of these items may already be in your home but take a list similar to this one around the house with you. That way you can make notes of those items you currently have and the ones you need to get. A huge help to me in this area has been the FEMA home page (link appears above).

NON FOOD ITEMS

BASIC FIRST AID KIT	MANUAL CAN OPENER
EXTRA SUPPLY OF MEDICATIONS	CANDLES
ALERNATIVE COOKING SOURCE	WINTER CLOTHES
BABY WIPES	VITAMINS
EXTRA BLANKETS	PAPER TOWELS
TOILET TISSUE	FEMALE HYGEINE
HAND SANITIZER	DISH SOAP *

* Do you know that dish soap is said to do just as good a job and in some cases a better job of washing hands than the regular liquid handsoap? Best of all it is cheaper too. There were a couple or three different brand of dish soap that were reported to be especially affective but the reason I remember Polmolive is because it is the brand I use anyway. So, I don't bother wasting my money on hand soap any more.

FOOD This is a very basic list to which you should plan on adding items.

If the utilities do go out you are almost guaranteed of getting a sweet tooth. So be sure to have some FEEL GOOD foods on hand.

CANNED VEGETABLES RICE

CEREAL CANNED MEATS

CANNED OR BOTTLED JUICES CANNED SOUP

CANNED PASTA & SAUCES COOKIES (with lots of chocolate)

CANNED OR INSTANT PUDDING FLOUR

BAKING POWDER PEANUT BUTTER

SALTINE CRACKERS DRY SOUP MIX IN A CUP

SARDINES CANNED HASH

CANNED TUNA COMPLETE PANCAKE MIX

PANCAKE SYRUP TRAIL MIX (for snack & energy)

COOKING OIL SPICES

DRY MILK (if fresh milk is not available this will serve for cereal, pudding, and other uses)

OTHER FOOD POSSIBILITIES Depending on how much money your budget can spare in preparing for Y2K there are other possible food sources. One possibility is dehydrated foods which usually come in #10 cans (gallon can size). These foods can be kept in storage for 5 to 10 years in some cases, depending on the level of heat and humidity in the air.

Also, you may be able to get hold of MRE's which are military meals. These are ready to eat except the need for water to be added. They come with all needed spices, sauces, and even eating utensils. They are, however, expensive costing upwards of $5 to $6 a meal. The bright side of this, however, is that only one meal is needed each day since they are made specifically for the very active military lifestyle.

A call to your nearest military base or Army/Navy surplus store will put you in touch with these meals.

SPECIAL NEEDS Enough can't be said about preparing for people who need special medications, special foods, or special care. Please attend to these needs ahead of time and make sure there are plenty of supplies on hand. Check to see if any plans are in the works to set up emergency shelters in your community for those who must have life sustaining electrical equipment. Also each community usually has at least one hospital that would be designated as a medical headquarters in the case of a community wide emergency. This is uaually a hospital equipped to handle major traumas of all kinds. Make a couple of calls ahead of time and find out which hospital/s will be the headquarters in your area. Keep in mind, however, that in the event of a wide spread emergency of any kind these designated headquarters will concentrate on the most seriously ill, so don't overwhelm the facilities with minor problems. The minor issues is where a good first-aid kit will come in handy.

Hurricane Preparedness and People with Special Needs - Asthma - 09/13/99

Our Preparedness pages:
Personal Preparedness	General Home Safety
Fire in the home	Earthquakes
Tsunamis	Landslides
Volcanoes	Hurricanes - Coastal Hazards
Floods	Wildfire
Medical Emergencies	Snow, Cold and Avalanche
Tornadoes, Thunderstorms, Wind & Lightning	Selected Y2K Information
E-Mail Lists, Newsletters, Discussion Groups	Mental Health During Disasters
Business Disaster Planning	Community Involvement
Clean up and Recovery	Personal accounts of experiences
Our Checklists:
Perminate list -- for the house and building's needs.	In the car
Ready for anything	Emergency Supplies -- until help can arrive.
Evacuation List of what you should take with you to a shelter.	Personal Needs for each person -- including medicines.

Y2K - How special is the year 2000?

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