For more than 100 years, the American Fed Cross has been at the cutting edge of disaster relief activities, helping people prevent, prepare for, and cope with disasters and other emergencies. That's why Red Cross has published the following information about "Y2K" -it's potential effects and what you can do to be prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Y2K and why are people concerned?
The year 2000 technology problem, or bug, as it is sometimes called, was
created in the early days of computers, when memory in computers was scarce
and expensive. Programmers took shortcuts whenever possible to save
space. Instead of using a four digit code for year dates, a two digit
entry was used. This practice persisted, long after the need for
saving space was eliminated. The two digit code also was used in
embedded chips, which exist in many devices that control processes, function,
machines (like cars), building ventilation systems, elevators, and fire
and security systems, which are part of our everyday lives.
When the year 2000 comes, programs that have been coded with two digit
year codes will not distinguish between years 2000 and 1900. If the
program includes time sensitive calculations of comparisons, results are
unpredictable. No one knows what problems may occur, how widespread
they may be, of how long they will last. The good news is that federal,
state, and local governments; banks and other financial institution; retail
businesses, and every other group affected by this problem have been working
to resolve it, and a great deal of progress has been made.
When could Y2K problems happen?
Most people anticipate Y2K problems may happen December 31, 1999, at midnight.
Many experts predict that the problem is more likely to be a persistent
one over a few years rather than a single crash.
What
Kind of things could happen as a result of Y2K problems?
The President's Council on Y2K conversion, established by the White House, as well as a special Senate Committee, have focused their attention on defining the scope of the Y2K problem. Hearings have been conducted by the United States Senate Special Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem and have focused on the following eight areas:
-Utilites
and national power grid
-
International banking and finance
-
Health Care
-
Transportation
-
Telecommunications
-
Pension and mutual funds
-
Emergency planning
-
General business
What you can do to be Prepared
Y2K Checklist
1. Check with manufactures of any essential computer controlled electronic equipment in your home to see if that equipment may be affected. This includes fire and security alarm systems, programmable thermostats, appliances, consumer elctronics, garage door openers, electronic locks, and any other electronic equipment in which an "embedded chip" may control its operation.
2. Stock disaster supplies to last several days to a week for yourself and those who live with you. This includes having nonperishable foods, stored water, and an ample supply of prescription and nonprescription medications that you regularly use.
3. As you would in preparation for a storm of any kind, have some extra cash or traveler's checks on hand in case electronic transactions involving ATM cards, credit cards, and the like cannot be processed.
4. As you would in preparation for a winter storm, keep your automobile gas tank above half full.
5. In case the power fails, plan to use alternative cooking devices in accordance with manufacture's instructions. Don't use open flames or charcoal grills indoors.
6. Have extra blankets, coats and gloves to keep warm.
7. Have plenty of flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Don't use candles for emergency lighting.
8. Be prepared to relocate to a shelter for warmth and protection durring a prolonged power outage or if for some other reason local officials request or require that you leave your home. Listen to a battery operated radio or television for information about where shelters will be available.
9. If you plan to use a portable generator, connect what you want to power directly to the generator; do not connect the generator to your home's electrical system. Also be sure to keep generator in well ventilated area.
10 Check with the emergency services providers in your community to see if there is more information availbale about how your community is preparing for any potential problems.
To show that you have received and understand this safety information,
please sign and return one copy to the foreman at your
Monday morning safety meeting. Keep the other copy for your reference.
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