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The Online Advisor - September 1999
Take Some Steps Now to Enjoy a Happy New Millennium
By now you've heard about the Y2K bug. Because many computers were programmed to read only the last two digits of a year, there's the possibility that on January 1, 2000, they will read "00" and think it is the year 1900. That causes concern that computers and databases could crash, and other devices controlled by computer chips could malfunction.
What should you as an individual do to prepare for Y2K? Well, you don't need to retreat to your bunker in the woods, but you shouldn't ignore the issue either. Instead, you should avoid panic and take some sensible precautions. The Y2K bug may produce some limited problems in this country, but given the preparations that businesses have made, we shouldn't experience anything approaching a national disaster.
Plan as you would for a blizzard, hurricane, or earthquake. Be prepared to go without power or water for up to three days, make sure your prescription medications aren't about to run out, and if you're really worried, have a little extra cash on hand. Do some advance checking around the house to make sure that items such as computers and alarm systems will still work in the year 2000. The Internet is a great source of Y2K information from manufacturers.
But avoid any extreme measures and don't be taken in by the doomsayers. The list below gives some "do" and "don’t" suggestions. With a few sensible precautions taken in good time, we can all enter the new millennium in good shape.
Do:
Prepare to live for three days without heat, power, or water.
Stockpile a few days' food and water, plus candles, matches, and batteries.
Make sure essential prescriptions have been refilled.
Keep your financial records for November and December in a safe place.
Arrange to have a little extra cash on hand at year-end.
Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.
Check that your computer and software are Y2K compliant.
Don't:
Withdraw all your savings from the bank. (The burglars hope you do.)
Buy a six-month supply of grains and vegetables.
Give up your job and move to a remote cabin (unless that's your retirement plan).
Wait until December 31st before you begin planning.
Fall for a Y2K scam.