The clock has just ticked into the new year. The millennium has come and chaos is everywhere. Riots, food shortages and electrical malfunctions threaten society itself. This scenario is one many people fear may turn into reality on Jan. 1, 2000. What is Y2K? The year 2000 technology problem was created when programmers decided to take a space-saving measure by using a two-digit code instead of four to represent the year. At 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, when the computer's date changes from 99 to 00, computers may not be able to distinguish between 1900 and 2000. Y2K's potential for disaster is unknown, and industries, businesses and the public are taking actions to make sure they are prepared for the event. "I'm not too worried about it [Y2K], but it is probably a good idea to be prepared for anything," sophomore Michael Nguyen said. Experts believe that there may be localized disruptions. Some areas may be affected while others may show no signs of problems. In certain places, electrical power may be unavailable for some time. Manufacturing may be halted. Roads might be closed or gridlocked if traffic signals are disrupted. Electronic credit card transactions may not be processed and telephone systems may not work. Many survival checklists are available to aid families in preparing for Y2K. Most are available at bookstores or through the Internet. Recently, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) released a guide on Y2K individual and family preparedness. Information includes helpful tips for survival in the event of an emergency and also encourages people to prepare now for Y2K as it is impossible to determine what impact it might have. "It's likely that nothing is going to happen," freshman Leon Madison said. "The bug was discovered a long time ago and programmers probably have all of the essential systems fixed." Most survival checklists say that the most important step in preparing for Y2K is to create a plan as soon as possible. For most people, preparations for the new millennium are similar to those they would make for any natural disaster such as a flood, earthquake or severe winter storm. Since the Y2K bug's effects can not be determined, it is possible a food shortage may occur in the event of a catastrophe such as the malfunction of computers and public services. Manufacturing could come to a standstill, leaving no way to replenish groceries. To be safe, the OES advises people to stock enough nonperishable food for each person to survive on for at least three to seven days. Also, storing one gallon of water per person, per day, in sound plastic containers is recommended. Alternate sources for cooking and heating may be needed should there be a disruption in the delivery of gas and electricity. Alternative cooking methods include the use of barbecues and camp stoves, although these are for outdoor use only as the gases released from these are extremely deadly. For heating, people should make sure they own plenty of sleeping bags and blankets and have plenty of wood for wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. If possible, people should keep an extra supply of prescriptions and medications used by themselves or their family. Also, it is recommended to maintain current copies of health, medical and dental records for the entire family. If the need to leave home arises, have an emergency bag packed with emergency medical information, copies of emergency documents, essential medications and prescriptions, and a flashlight with extra batteries. Since no one knows for sure what will happen, preparing for the millennium is can be difficult. Some experts predict the end of the world while others believe it may just be an elaborate hoax, and it can be hard to know who to believe. "A friend of mine is going to the mountains for the millennium," sophomore Robert Rice said. "I personally don't think anything much is going to happen." However, experts agree that the best way to prepare for Y2K is to stay informed about developments relating to the issue. The American Red Cross advises people to, above all, be prepared. The Red Cross also urges everyone to check with the emergency services providers in their community for additional information about how they are preparing for any potential situations. Although no one can predict the millennium bug's exact effects, by staying informed and taking steps, one can be ready for anything.