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Show Page 4 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume I, Issue XII September 1999 Y2K WHAT IS IT, AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE FOR IT? What is “Y2K” and why are people concerned about it? 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, functions, machines (like cars), building ventilation systems, elevators, and fire and security alarm 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 the years 2000 and 1900. If the program includes timesensitive calculations or comparisons, results are unpredictable. No one knows what problems may occur, how widespread they may be, or how long they will last. The good news is that federal, state, and local governments; banks and other financial institutions; 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. But analysts are looking at other dates. There is some concern regarding fiscal year 2000 dates in those organizations with fiscal years that start earlier than December 31, 1999. Also, the year 2000 is leap year, and the leap year date 02/29/00 may be a problem for some computer programs as well. What kinds 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: • Utilities and the national power grid • International banking and finance • Health care • Transportation • Telecommunication • Pension and mutual funds • Emergency planning • General business The potential effect of the Y2K technology problem on any of these areas is unknown, and the situation continues to change as federal, state, and local governments; industries; businesses; and organizations, as well as the general public, take actions to reduce the problem. Experts who spoke at the Senate hearings believe that there may be localized disruptions. For example, in some areas, electrical power may be unavailable for some time. Manufacturing and production industries may be disrupted. Roads may be closed or gridlocked if traffic signals are disrupted. Electronic credit card transactions may not be processed. Telephone systems may not work. Because no one can be certain about the effects of the Y2K problem, the American Red Cross has developed the following checklist for you. These are some easy steps you can take to prepare for possible disruptions. All of these recommendations make good sense, regardless of the potential problem. Y2K Checklist: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO BE PREPARED • Check with manufacturers 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 electronics, garage door openers, electronic locks, and any other electronic equipment in which an “embedded chip” may control its operation. • 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. • 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. Plan to keep cash or traveler’s checks in a safe place, and withdraw money from your bank in small amounts well in advance of December 31, 1999. • As you would in preparation for a winter storm, keep your automobile gas tank above half full. • In case the power fails, plan to use alternative cooking devices in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t use open flames or charcoal grills indoors. • Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves to keep warm. Please do not plan to use gas-fueled appliances, like an oven, as an alternative heating source. The same goes for woodburning or liquid-fueled heating devices that are not designed to be used in a residential structure. Camp stoves and heaters should only be used out of doors in a well-ventilated area. If you • Check with the emergency services do purchase an alternative heating providers in your community to see if device, make sure it is approved for use there is more information available indoors and is listed with the about how your community is Underwriters Laboratories (UL). preparing for any potential problems. • Have plenty of flashlights and extra Be an advocate and support efforts by batteries on hand. Don’t use candles your local police, fire, and emergency for emergency lighting. management officials to ensure that their systems will be able to operate at • Examine your smoke alarms now. If all times. you have smoke alarms that are hardwired into your home’s electrical system (most newer ones are), check Note: Information provided courtesy of the American Red Cross. to see if they have battery back-ups. Every fall, replace all batteries in all smoke alarms as a general fire safety precaution. • Be prepared to relocate to a shelter for warmth and protection during a AND ASSOCIATES prolonged power outage or if THE TRUSTED NAME IN REAL ESTATE for any other reason local officials request or require that you leave your home. Listen to a battery-operated E D E N O F F IC E radio or television for 2580 N orth H igh w ay 162 information about where E den , U tah 84310 shelters will be available. P h on e: 801-745-8800 E xt. 328 • If you plan to use a portable F ax: 745-1400 generator, connect what you C ell-Voice M ail: 391-4100 want to power directly to the E -m ail: peteb@ konnections.com generator; do not connect the generator to your home’s electrical system. Also, be B ran ch sure to keep a generator in a B roker well-ventilated area–either outside or in a garage, keeping the door open. Don’t put a generator in your basement or anywhere inside your home. MANSELL Pete Bealba GRI S.M.S. 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