* DO have extra cash on hand. As a rule of thumb, think about
how much money you would need for your family to live on if you
didn't get a paycheck.
* DO have a battery-operated radio.
* DO make sure you have printed copies of all your important
documents. (This includes back records, school records, medical
records, etc. Get copies of those documents that you would need
if the computer lost it or an error occurred and the computer
had the wrong information.)
* DO keep your records in a dry, safe fireproof container.
* DO have back up lighting - flashlights (I would suggest one
for every room), batteries, self-contained long-burning
emergency candles and kerosene lamps.
* DO have an alternative way of cooking, i.e. camping stove,
non-electric oven, etc. - however, remember never to cook
indoors with something that is intended for outdoor use (like a
charcoal or gas grill) or you risk carbon monoxide poisoning.
For indoor cooking
or for outdoor cooking
* DO have a way to heat your home if you live in a cold
climate. Kerosene heaters are good and the fuel is relatively
safe. Make sure you have adequate ventilation. If you use a
fireplace, make sure the chimney is clean so you won't have a
chimney fire (also have extra down comforters, blankets and
sleeping bags for after the fire goes out and it gets really
cold!).
* DO have a way to dispose of human waste and garbage. At the
very minimum, keep some heavy weight bags around for waste
disposal. Become familiar with your surroundings and water
table so that you don't dispose of waste and possibly
contaminate the water supply.
* DO have a working fire extinguisher (check it now if you're
not sure), a battery operated smoke detector and battery
operated carbon monoxide detector (you can get a combination
fire/cm detector for around $35). Remember to get back-up
batteries!
* DO make sure your home computer is Y2K okay and have it
backed up as well. (The need to back up your computer is
something most people learn the hard way!)
* DO keep your car full of gas. Remember, gasoline storage can
be very dangerous! Don't store any fuel in or right by your
home!
* DO have a battery operated alarm system for your home or
apartment.
* DO get to know your neighbors. New Year's Eve is not the time
to build strong relationships. Your neighbors may turn out to
be your most valuable resource.
* DO make plans now to help others in need. Become aware of who
in your neighborhood is at high risk - i.e., an elderly person
living alone, a single parent who may need some assistance,
etc. Plan on helping people who are in need (those who can't
help themselves are different than those who won't help
themselves!).
* DO think through some of the emotional/ethical/spiritual
issues that we may be confronted with this coming January. It
is always a good idea to think through things before they
happen so when confronted you can make a more informed and
possibly better decision.
* DO find a support system of other like-minded women. Use the
Y2K Women Discussion Group to get more information and make new
friends (it's really easy!).
* DO figure out ways that you can be part of the solution and
not part of the problem. (For example, sign up to take a First
Aid course or organize a neighborhood Y2K watch.)
* DO remember that God is in control of all things!
DON'Ts...
* DON'T assume that all problems will be identified and fixed
on January 1, 2000. Y2K related problems will begin unfolding
and will begin around January 1 (there are problems starting to
become evident now).
* DON'T assume the government is going to be there to take care
of you. In fact, the government, FEMA (Federal Emergency
Management Agency), The American Red Cross, and other agencies
are on record as saying they are not prepared to take care of
everybody.
* DON'T tell the whole world what you have done with your
money. Keep your financial affairs private.
* DON'T believe everything you hear or read from the media. The
media have a tendency to sensationalize so don't jump to
conclusions without getting all the facts.
* DON'T store water in gallon plastic milk jugs. They are
biodegradable and will leak (it's also hard to get them really
clean). Use clear, plastic soda or juice bottles instead. Wash
them out and fill with tap water. Add 3-6 drops of
non-fragrance, common, household bleach. (If you're concerned
about the chlorine, let the opened container sit out for 30
plus minutes before drinking and the chlorine will evaporate.)
* DON'T run out and buy a gasoline generator! You must be
educated and informed and know how to use it as well as how to
store fuel (again, gasoline is highly flammable and
combustible).
* DON'T ever store fuel in your home.
* DON'T use tall, taper candles that have an unprotected flame.
Use extreme caution when using candles and keep a fire
extinguisher handy.
* DON'T let the "urgent" keep you from doing the important!
Sometimes the tyranny of the urgent (the things that happen
everyday) keeps us from doing the things that we really should
be doing. What is urgent may not be really that important or
may be able to be put off.
* DON'T become overwhelmed. The best way to eat the Y2K
elephant is still one bite at a time!
***************************************************************
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-- Jean Wasp (jean@sonic.net), December 04, 1999