...when I first started reading this Web site a few months ago, I must admit that I was still somewhat skeptical about this problem. I diligently read the postings, bought the book, and started making preparations.

People that I work with and that I associate with got some enjoyment out of teasing me about all the preparations that I was making for this, such as buying a 6500 watt Honda Generator. A friend of mine works for our local electrical Coop here in Florida, and when I asked him about the Y2K problem a few weeks ago, he told me that there was no problem and that I did not need to waste my money on a generator. (I went ahead and ordered one, waited 8 weeks for delivery and now have one...).

Yesterday, I saw him again and he was concerned. He told me that he has since done some research on this and is getting two different answers from his people at his own company (the Electrical Coop that serves my area). Half say that their equipment will be ready and half say that they won't be able to make it in time... Then, this same fellow, who had previously teased me about buying the generator wanted to know how big teh generator was and where to buy one.

We just finished having our house piped up for LP gas, which was amazingly cheap and now we have a new (free) LP gas water heater. We had to buy a new gas range, but now we will be able to cook if the power goes out!

We have already started stocking up on essential items, filling up shelves in a spare bedroom with items such as 40 watt bulbs, hurricane lamps, tuna fish (lots of tuna fish), peanut butter, canned vegetables, dried fruits, toilet paper, sauerkraut, brown rice, soup, and other such items that keep for a long time and can be easily prepared.

I figure that this is cheap insurance. If I don't end up needing these things, I can eat/use/sell them later. If I do, I will certainly be glad that we had the foresight to gather them up ahead of time.

No, I do not think that it will be the end of the world, at least not yet, but having seen what a panic condition can do to a grocery store's shelves, the time to act is now....

-- Anonymous, March 15, 1999

Answers

Joe,

I have heard many stories of utility management people getting their own generators, which should tell you something. Did you know that you can convert that Honda to run on propane, and it's a lot easier to store a 500 gallon tank of propane than gasoline. Also, propane tends to extend the normal life of engines 2-3 times that of running on gasoline.

-- Anonymous, March 16, 1999

I hope I'm wrong but I understand that gas appliances have an electrical valve in them that will not open to let the gas into the appliance if there is no electricity. An easy way to check this is to shut the main electrical breaker off to your house and then try your new gas appliances. Good Luck!

-- Anonymous, March 16, 1999

Joe..we are in the Ocala National Forest. Would that co op be Clay Electric?? We just bought a 40kw diesel gen and 1500 gal of diesel. When that runs out, I guess its the solar oven.

Got sunshine ??

-- Anonymous, March 16, 1999