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FEMA: Don't wait till the last minute to prepare for Y2K, says FEMA Director

Story Filed: Friday, December 17, 1999 8:18 AM EST

DEC 17, 1999, M2 Communications - WASHINGTON -- Don't wait until the last minute to take care of your Y2K preparations, FEMA Director James Lee Witt urged today. Witt advised that the American public take steps now, not later, to replenish their supplies of water, food and other emergency needs in case of temporary interruptions that may occur in some areas after the calendar rolls into the Year 2000.

"Everyone should always have on hand the supplies they'd need in the event of a winter storm or other severe weather," Witt said. "While we don't want people to over-react, everyone should take care of their preparations in advance so there won't be problems."

The transition to the Year 2000 is not expected to bring major problems with the nation's infrastructure, but temporary, local interruptions of services may occur in some areas. FEMA and the President's Council on Y2K Conversion have been advising people to prepare for Y2K as they would for any potential emergency such as a severe storm.

"Y2K is just a reminder that all Americans should have on hand supplies to weather interruptions that may happen for a variety of reasons," Witt said. "It's a good time to make disaster preparedness a regular New Year's resolution."

Specifically, it's recommended that people should have on hand a three-day supply of food and water (one gallon per person per day), including special foods for the elderly or infants, if necessary. Also, people should store nonperishable food and a manual can opener, and should have on hand emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio and a first aid kit.

For more information on recommended preparations, the brochure "Y2K and You" is available on the FEMA Web site, at www.fema.gov.

*M2 COMMUNICATIONS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED WITHIN M2 PRESSWIRE. DATA SUPPLIED BY NAMED PARTY/PARTIES.*

-- Homer Beanfang (Bats@inbellfry.com), December 17, 1999

Answers

"Don't wait until the last minute to take care of your Y2K preparations, FEMA Director James Lee Witt urged today..."

This IS the last minute...still the "three day storm."

Better than nothing I guess.

-- No Polly (nopolly@hotmail.com), December 17, 1999.