Braced for a Y2K Bug Bite

Even as he stood with his arms clutching half a dozen or so ready-to-eat Army survival meals, the fortysomething father of three from Camarillo said he feels those doom-and-gloom predictions about the Y2K bug are “probably overblown.”

But it’s the “probably” that keeps him stocking up anyway.

“I must sound like the paranoid crazies with their garages piled to the gills with ammo and food to survive some New Year’s Day Armageddon,” said the man, an insurance claims adjuster. “But I’m not. I’m just a guy trying to take care of his family in case--in case the worst happens. I have to be open to that possibility.”

At home, a spare bedroom closet is lined with gallons of water, enough military ready-to-eat meals to last a few weeks, a first aid kit, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, some cash and a handgun, the man said.

He refused to identify himself. He said he doesn’t want less-prepared neighbors to know of his stash if desperate times strike.

But Ventura County officials say having a cache of basic necessities is not paranoia--it’s common sense.

To that end, the Red Cross, the county’s Office of Emergency Services and the Ventura County Fire Department have jointly published a Y2K disaster preparedness pamphlet. Included in the pamphlet is an explanation of the concern about Jan. 1, 2000, a summary of what government officials are doing to fix the problem, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about the year 2000, or Y2K.

The Y2K phenomenon is an anticipated computer glitch that some experts believe will bring all computer activity to a halt regarding 2000. The glitch stems from many computers’ inability to recognize 2000 as a year, which could prompt them to crash or stop functioning properly.

Officials predict, however, that the problems, if they occur, won’t come crashing down all at once. Rather, it would likely be a series of technical hiccups beginning as early as July 1--which marks the start of the fiscal year for many businesses.

Other suspected problems: April 9, 1999--the 99th day of the year--or Sept. 9, 1999. For some computers, a series of nines is a termination code. Also, 2000 is a leap year and it is unknown how computers may react to reading the date 02/29/00.

The county pamphlet argues residents should take some precautions in case some of the predictions come true. Included in the information pack is a checklist of those items families should store to prepare for any emergencies that might arise if our computer-based society falters.

County officials generally advise people to prepare for Y2K as they might for any other disaster--earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes.

“The same advice we would give out to prepare for an earthquake, it’s almost mirrored advice for Y2K,” said Sandi Wells, a spokeswoman for Ventura County Fire Department. “You need food, you need water, all the particular nuances. Emergency workers prefer to have people ready for any possible emergency ahead of time rather than have to react afterward if things are not available.”

Such talk, however, is a little frightening, said Michael Pinner, manager of Battlefield Adventures, a Ventura supply store for military, law enforcement and outdoor activities.

Though Pinner’s store sells many of the items suggested on the Y2K preparedness checklist, he said he never really thought of going out of his way to stock up at home.

“I’m the one that’s been saying, ‘Guys, nothing’s going to happen,’ ” said Pinner, standing next to a pile of a ready-to-eat cheese tortellini meals. “But as I’m hearing the official government line--that there could be some concern--I get more concerned. It’s not just the paranoid people versus the rational people. Now, it’s the government saying, ‘You know, prepare like you would for a hurricane.’ It kind of validates what the paranoids have been saying.”

Laura Hernandez, assistant director for the sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, said no one should be alarmed by seeing the words “Y2K” and “disaster preparedness” in the same sentence.

“The one thing we want to prevent is the public panicking due to the hype over Y2K,” Hernandez said. “We don’t believe mass destruction is going to happen. But we don’t believe nothing is going to happen either. We want to make sure the community is well prepared.”

Rather than being apocalyptic, Ann Sobel, executive director for Ventura County chapter of the American Red Cross, said she supports the idea that Y2K will mean a series of small inconveniences.

“We have some advantages here because the ground’s not going to shake, buildings aren’t going to collapse,” Sobel said. “At most we’ll probably have to learn to live without power, without getting water out of a spigot for a couple of days, things like that.”

To increase awareness of the need to prepare for possible Y2K difficulties, Hernandez is working to persuade county officials to declare April--traditionally Earthquake Preparedness Month--also “Y2K Readiness Month.”

The sheriff’s station in Thousand Oaks also will host a public forum May 11 at the city’s Civic Arts Plaza. Representatives from various utility companies, the Sheriff’s Department, county Fire Department and other agencies will talk about preparedness and answer questions from the public.

The Y2K pamphlets are available at the Red Cross offices in Ventura and Simi Valley. In coming weeks, copies also will be kept at all Ventura County fire stations and at sheriff’s stations. The information is also on the Internet at www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/y2k.html.

* COMPUTERS: Experts are toning down their doomsday predictions. A1

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

What is Y2K:

Literally, it’s the Y(ear) 2000 (2K). It refers to a global technology problem expected to occur Jan. 1. In the early days of computers, memory space was scarce and costly. To conserve space, programmers used a two-digit code to designate years, a practice that has continued. The two-digit system is also used in embedded chips that control machines (such as computers, cars and ATMs), building-ventilation systems, elevators, alarm systems, and other devices that are part of everyday lives.

When 2000 arrives, computerized programs coded with two-digit years may be unable to distinguish between the years 2000 and 1900. Some experts believe computers will crash or be unable to function properly as a result.

Preparedness Checklist:

* Check with manufacturers of any essential computer-controlled electronic equipment in your home to determine whether it will be affected. A few examples: fire and security alarm systems, programmable thermostats, consumer electronics, garage door openers and electronic locks.

* Stock enough disaster supplies to last up to a week. This includes nonperishable food, water and ample prescription and nonprescription medications.

* Have extra cash on hand in case electronic transactions, such as ATM withdrawals or credit card purchases, can’t be processed.

* Keep your automobile gas tank above half full.

* Plan to use alternative cooking devices, such as camping stoves or barbecue grills, in case power fails.

* Have on hand extra blankets, coats, hats and gloves.

* Keep plenty of flashlights and extra batteries on hand.

* Buy a battery-operated radio or television and listen to it for information about where shelters will be available.

Source: American Red Cross