Get to New Year Neighbor

A growing number of cities across Orange County and the nation are trying to turn residents’ fears about the Y2K computer bug into an opportunity for neighborhoods to come together and better protect themselves.

Organizers hope to create community networks, with neighbors watching over each other Jan. 1 and well into the millennium.

Garden Grove, for example, is co-sponsoring a series of seminars set up by the Crystal Cathedral to explain what could happen in January. Rather than head for the hills or into isolation, officials are urging residents to learn about each other and lend a helping hand if there is trouble.

The program is called “Y2K: The Year to Know Your Neighbor,” reflecting the city’s hope that organizations will develop that could be tapped in other emergencies, such as earthquakes and fires.

“In our society, we have very little contact with other people,” said the Rev. Glen DeMaster, who is coordinating the seminars at Crystal Cathedral. “But in an emergency, it’s very important to know who to call.”

Jim Cast, who works for the cathedral, said the program has already helped him identify four elderly households in his neighborhood that will need extra watching. He’s planning on getting his neighbors’ addresses and phone numbers, and will check on any people who are disabled or need medication.

“It’s creating friendships,” he said. “It’s creating a stronger sense of community.”

Y2K is short for Year 2000. The so-called millennium bug results from computer coding that uses two digits rather than four to represent a year. If the coding is not fixed, computers could malfunction. Despite assurances that everything will be fine, some people fear the computer glitch will cause power systems to fail, jets to be grounded and bank teller machines to stop dispensing money at midnight Dec. 31.

Most community activism related to Y2K in the state has taken place in rural areas in Northern California, but larger towns are increasingly joining suit.

In the San Lorenzo Valley near Santa Cruz, four unincorporated towns are developing an emergency network of residents that will be called into action Jan. 1 or in other emergencies.

“Y2K was a natural fit,” said Elizabeth Dilkes, who is one of the network’s coordinators.

Up the coast in Half Moon Bay, Larry and Laralee Harkness designed an emergency plan for the mobile home park they live in. The Harknesses divided their community into eight sections, led by captains who communicate with two-way radios. They conducted their first emergency drill last week.

“We’re preparing people, not scaring them,” said Laralee Harkness, who believes the effort will make the area safer well after Jan. 1.

In Mission Viejo, the city is gathering a team of residents who will place stop signs at intersections on Jan. 1 if the power goes out and disables traffic signals.

Additionally, some Neighborhood Watch organizations around the county are planning special Y2K programs and urging volunteers to help keep watch.

Law enforcement experts have long said that community interest is a big deterrent to crime. The big question is whether this interest will continue once the Y2K panic cools down.

“The Scripture says there’s good in everything, and we are finding some in this,” said Garden Grove’s Cast.

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Basic Supplies for Y2K

Here is a checklist from the state on some items you should have on hand for Y2K. You may want to store a three to seven day supply of the following:

* Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils

* Flashlights, battery operated radio and/or TV

* Battery operated security lights to light travel paths within the home

* Extra batteries

* Whistle or loud bell

* Matches (keep out of reach of children)

* Battery operated smoke alarm .Battery operated carbon monoxide detector

* Toilet paper, towelettes .Personal hygiene items

* Plastic garbage bags, zip-locking bags

* Waterless antibacterial hand soap

* Disinfectant/bleach

* Fire extinguisher

* Heavy gloves

* Duct tape, masking tape

* Extra eye glasses, hearing aid, canes, mobility aids, etc.

* Freshly stocked first-aid kit

* Extra blanket and warm clothing

* Cleansing agent/soap

* Antiseptic

* Non-prescription drugs you use regularly

* Full supply of prescription medication (when purchasing prescriptions after 12/31/99, check your prescription information care-fully)

* List of instruction on how to operate and safely move essential equipment, how to provide essential personal services, and how to safely transport you or your client if necessary.

Source: Governor’s Office of Emergency Services