Y2K Article

Y2K, what is it? What should I do?

By now, there has been so much hype about the Y2K millennium bug that you probably have heard about it, but do you know what it is? And do you know how you should prepare for it? Sometimes discussing the Y2K issue can cause people to become irrationally scared. This article is meant only as informational. Nobody has all the facts, and nobody really knows what will happen. It is up to each individual to remain informed and educated about the problem, and to be prepared if such possibilities should become realities.

What is it?

The millennium bug is a problem which stems back to a simple error 30 years ago when computer programmers were creating their first electronic computers. Memory was so limited that in order to save space for more important information, programmers designated the year as a two digit function rather than a four digit function. For example, the year 1998 is recognized on the computer by a digital code "98".

The problem occurs when the date rolls over from "99" to "00" on New Years Eve 1999. Many older computers will recognize the date as January 1, 1900 instead of 2000 which may cause electronic billing systems and time management systems to malfunction. Or, the computer may fail to recognized "00" as an actual value and it may get stuck in an endless loop looking for a value which may cause electronic failure.

Although this problem is linked to just technology, so many important facets of our life are connected to computers that it could cause great repercussions. Take a typical day for example:

*The alarm goes off in the morning; computer systems route electricity to our homes

*You use the phone to telephone a friend or family member; computer systems control how the call is made

*You get in your car to drive to work; cars have computer components in them to run various systems, and they are built by computerized robot systems

*At work you type reports into your computer; computers are in virtually everyone's workplace

*You stop at the ATM machine on the way home to get some cash; banks are all run on computer systems

*You go to the grocery store to buy food; computer systems run the trains that the food is transported on

*Your son or daughter gets sick and needs to see a doctor; hospitals use medical equipment that run on computer systems, they also use computer systems to do their complex billing

*You have to pick up a relative at the airport who has just flown in to visit; many planes are run almost completely with computers. Computers also control all airline reservations, traffic controlling and Maintenance systems

*You turn on the television to watch the evening news or your favorite television program; computer systems control the transmission of news and television

*You have a retired parent that gets a social security check for monthly expenses; computer systems automatically calculate and process this each month

Each day we take for granted the simple tasks we do that are controlled by computers. When you start to think of all the many things in the world that are controlled by computers, you begin to realize the potential the problem could yield. Utility companies, banking systems, hospitals, transportation and communication systems around your home, that are susceptible, may or may not be Y2K compatible. What about your own job, your own computer at home. Government branches such as IRS and Social Security are furiously working to update their computer systems, but because their systems are so large, they may simply not have enough time and money. There's no telling what will happen or how bad it will be, but the bottom line is millions of programs and millions of computers will not function properly when they are required to input after 1/1/2000.

What Should You Do?

Learn all you can about the problem. Factual information is available on the world wide web and in books and magazines. There is a lot of speculation and myth about what will happen so it is up to you to learn what is true and what is false.

Keep updated on what utility companies are doing. On June 13, 1998 an article from CNN stated that, "The Y2K bug could turn off the lights in the United States." Talk to your phone company and your electric company to see if their company is ready and prepared. Prepare yourself for power outages and telephone failures. Consider where you live and what you would be able to do if these things did happen. You may want to make sure you have a portable gas stove such as a camping stove with extra fuel available and a battery operated radio in case this is the only way of communication. Some people are even considering getting a generator to run their refrigerator, lights, etc.

Think of things that will directly affect your life. Talk to your employer. Keep paper documentation of paid credit card bills, loan information, bank statements, and other important information so you have proof of your current standings and records if computer systems fail.

When the clock strikes midnight 2000, vegetables won't stop growing and cows won't just keel over and die. But, there may be some kind of lag in the delivery of this food to regular grocery stores. In case this occurs, you also may want to keep a supply of food on hand so you do not have to worry about waiting in lines or battling over a can of corn for your hungry family. It is up to you to survive. Don't rely on the federal government or church groups. They don't have enough supplies for everyone.

Y2K may or may not be a nationwide problem. But if you take the right steps until then and get prepared, it won't be a problem for you. It's up to you.

Copyright © 1998 Emergency Essentials
165 South Mountain Way Drive, Orem, UT 84058
1-800-999-1863
www.beprepared.com
Reprinted with Permission


My Y2K Notes

Are we preparing for Y2K? Yes, we as a family are making arrangements to be prepared for a period of up to 2 weeks. If nothing happens, we will be able to utilize what we are storing, bringing it down to a 72-hour kit. I advise that you be practical in what you store and how you prepare for this situation. At the turn of every century, there have been doom-sayers and those that have claimed the end of the world, but the bible is very clear in Matthew 24:36, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

Be prepared, but be practical in your preparation, looking to the Lord as your guide.

Mark Chism

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Copyright © February 1999 By Mark Chism

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