Some Tips to Reduce Chance of Y2K-Related Problems
To prepare for possible Y2K problems, President Clinton’s year 2000 team offers these tips:
* Prepare as you would for a long holiday weekend by having at least a three-day supply of food and a gallon of water per person per day.
* Refill prescription drugs when you have a five- to seven-day supply left.
* Make a personal assessment of items and services critical to your family, including special needs of infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
* Keep your automobile gas tank above half-full.
* Keep adequate clothing handy, along with tools and supplies, flashlights and batteries, a battery-powered radio and a first-aid kit.
* Check whether manufacturers expect problems with essential electronic equipment in your home, especially personal computers, monitored security systems or programmable thermostats.
* Follow all appropriate safety instructions for storing fuel and using such equipment as emergency heating and cooking devices.
* On Jan. 1, use telephones and the Internet only as necessary. “Testing” the systems to see if they work or engaging in long conversations could create delays greater than those experienced during high-volume usage periods.
* Have only as much cash on hand as you would for any holiday weekend. Withdrawing large sums may invite theft.
* Keep copies of bank and financial statements, medical records and prescription drug information and other important records for the few months before and after Jan. 1. Check transaction receipts for accuracy and save them to compare against your statement.
* Develop a list of phone numbers for hospitals, police and fire departments and neighbors.
* Read Y2K notices provided by local governments, banks, utilities, health-care organizations and other service providers. Adapt recommendations based on past experiences with local providers.
* Beware of Y2K scams. Be skeptical if someone tries to sell you a product, service or investment that is “Y2K safe” or wishes to sell you Y2K insurance.