JUST IN CASE Y2K REALLY HAPPENS

Preparedness is everyone's job. Not just government agencies, but all sectors of society: service providers, business, civic and volunteer groups, industry associations, as well as every individual citizen should plan for disaster. During the first few hours or days following a disaster, essential services may not be available. People must be ready to act on their own. - Federal Emergency Management Administration

No matter what MAY transpire, God is in control. You can relieve others' anxiety by reassuring them that the worst scenarios are highly unlikely. Use the occasion to talk about the sovereignty of God.

What you can do in your home:

• Have your family discuss why you need to prepare for unexpected events.

• If not already there, post-emergency telephone numbers by the phone (fire, police, ambulance, etc.) Teach children how - and when - to call 911.

• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. This kit - in a backpack or duffel bag - should hold items you may need in an evacuation. They should include:
  • A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.

  • One change of clothing and footwear per person.

  • A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.

  • Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.

  • An extra set of car keys and cash.

  • Sanitation supplies.

  • Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

  • An extra pair of prescription glasses.

  • Important family documents. Keep them in a waterproof container.

  • If you are taking prescription medication, make sure you have an adequate supply (at least a month extra).

  • Have emergency cleaning items, such as moist towelettes and "waterless" soap.

• Work with neighbors to save lives and property. Know your neighbor's special skills (medical, technical) and work through your neighborhood home association or crime watch group.

• Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR class.

• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.

• Make paper copies of all key financial records, such as bank statements, stock, mutual fund and IRA records, and store these securely.

• Begin to build a reliable food reserve of two week's worth of food, which is wise protection against any kind of disaster. Don't forget your pet's food.

• Have some cash just in case ATM machines aren't available. Some suggest from two week's worth to a month's worth of cash. If storing it at home, consider a good safe or other storage system.

• Make sure that all vehicles you depend on have full gas tanks on Dec. 31.

• Survey the devices in your home to determine if any of these have "embedded chips" that may not function under Year 2000 problems. These would include digital thermostats, security systems, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, gas heaters, and washing machines. If any of these are suspect (more than a year or two old) check with the manufacturer. While many only rely on a 24-hour clock, some may have embedded chips that use year dates as well.

• Verify utility services. Electricity, water, gas, and telephone services are crucial in most homes. Find out what your local suppliers are doing to prepare for Year 2000.

• Ask about insurance coverage. Check with your agent to make sure your homeowner's or renter's policy will cover any damages due to Y2K failures. If not, see if you can obtain separate damage/disaster insurance, just in case.

• Check your PCs. Verify that they are compatible so you don't lose valuable data files. (If your personal records are on a Macintosh, you have nothing to worry about.)

American Red Cross Year 2000 Tips

Christian Broadcasting Network Year 2000

Federal Aviation Administration Year 2000

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Year 2000

U.S. Government Gateway for Year 2000 Information Directories