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Y2K Computer GliYear 2000Millennium BugY2K Computer GliYear 2000Millennium BugY2K Computer GliYear 2000

Millennium BugY2K Computer Gli

Year 2000

Consumer s andthe Year 2000 (

College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension


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ear 2000Millennium Bug2K Computer Glitcear 2000

Millennium Bug2K Computer Glitcear 2000Millennium Bug

2K Computer Glitcear 2000

Millennium Bug

2000

Y2K


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What Is Y2K and WhyShould You Be Concer nedAbout It?

Youve probably heard peopletalking about Y2K, the

Millennium Bug, or theY2K Computer Glitchand wondered whatthey meant. Y2K is ashort way of saying the

Year 2000. The terms Y2K, millennium bug, or Y2K

computer glitch often are used whenpeople talk about the Year 2000computer problem.

Why is there concern? In the 1950s,1960s and 1970swhen computerswere first builtcomputer program-mers used two numbers instead of four to indicate the year. For example,1963 was abbreviated as 63 and1991 as 91. Early programmers didthis to save computer space andmoney. Out of habit, many computerprogrammers continued to use twonumbers instead of four into the1990s. When the year 2000 arrives,this programming shortcut mightcause some computers to perform as if 00 means 1900 instead of 2000.

Some people believe that since theydont own a computer, the Y2K issuewill not affect them. The truth is thatcomputers affect our lives daily,whether we realize it or not. Smallcomputers, called microprocessorsor computer chips, run machines suchas elevators, VCRs, and commonhousehold appliances. Companies thatsupply services such as water andelectricity also rely on computers.If computers arent programmed todistinguish between 1900 and 2000, adisruption in services and other thingswe take for granted could occur when

January 1, 2000 arrives. Governmentagencies, financial institutions,companies, and organizations that feelthe Y2K bug will affect their opera-tions have been taking steps to makecorrections. When the necessarycorrections have been made and testedsuccessfully, an agency or organizationis described as Y2K-compliant orY2K-ready.

Despite intensive efforts to makebusiness operations Y2K-ready, no oneknows exactly what will happen on

January 1, 2000. The best alternativein light of this uncertainty is toprepare for what might happen. Thispublication contains steps consumerscan take to prepare for emergencies.Whether you believe Y2K glitches willbe dramatic or nonexistent, most of these steps should be taken to prepare for any unknown or natur al disaster. In suchan emergency, these preparations canhelp you manage until some normalcyreturns. Being prepared is the bestdefense you can have. In fact, many of the suggestions here are good prac-tices for any year . If electricity, gas,water, or sewer services failed, howcould you and your family adapt tothe loss of these services for a week ortwo? If your family enjoys camping,you may already have some idea of how to survive without all of themodern conveniences.

Caut ion! Caution! Caution!Con artists, people out to make a fastbuck, and unprincipled businessowners may try to take advantage of uninformed consumers or prey on thefear of the unknown. Do not be talkedinto buying a service or product that issupposed to remedy mishaps causedby the Y2K computer bug. Instead,seek information from reliable,

unbiased sources before making anymajor purchase. Checking with threedifferent sources before buying is agood way to protect yourself fromfraud.

Also, many so-called Y2K survivalists advocate stockpilingmonths of water, food, and medicineto prepare for potential emergencies inthe year 2000. If people follow thisadvice, it wont matter if our systemsfail. People, not computers, will createa great catastrophe in 2000 by causingshortages that seriously disrupt ourfood supply system. The AmericanRed Cross suggests preparing as youwould for a severe winter stormbykeeping a one- to two-week supply of essential food, water, and medicine. If we act responsibly as citizens andconsumers, we can all be ready for

Y2K and other potential emergencies.

Things To Do When

Pr epar ing for Emer gencFood1. Gather food itemsthat your family likesto eat, that needminimal preparation,and that do not needrefrigeration. Cannedand dried foods aregood choices.

Determine the amount you need for atwo-week period by looking at pastpurchases. Grocery receipts from oneto two weeks can help you decide howmuch to buy for emergency purposes.Ask family members to help bydeveloping menus based on thefollowing emergency foods or thefoods you store.

2 0 0 0


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2. Rotate food items by eating from theemergency supply and replacing whatyou use immediately. This will keepyour emergency food supply fresh.

Food Items to Consider

CANNED

FruitsVegetables

JuicesMilkSoupMeat (beef, pork)FishPoultryPrepared foods that need only tobe heated (items with a 6- to 12-month shelf life are good choices.)

DRIED

SugarFlourBaking mixMuffin mixPowdered milkSalt, pepper, and frequentlyused spicesReady-to-eat cerealUncooked instant cerealPastaRiceNutsCrackersCookiesFruit (raisins, apricots, prunes)

OTHER

Peanut butter JellyCanned beveragesCandy (hard)Vegetable oil

FOOD STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS

Prepackaged foods store best andusually wont spoil until opened.

Buy items in one- or two-use sizes soyou dont have to store opened food.

Use food-grade storage containerssuch as glass jars, plastic bags withsturdy closures, and vacuum-sealedcontainers.

METHODS TO HEAT FOOD

Propane or kerosene stove with fuelOutdoor charcoal or propane grillCandle warmersNon-electric chafing dishesFondue pots

Sterno

WATER

Expect to use at least one gallon of water per person per day, and store athree-day to two-week supply for eachfamily member. Water can be stored in

thoroughly washed plastic,glass, fiberglass, or

enamel-lined metalcontainers. Cleanplastic soft drinkcontainers are good

choices and arereadily available inmost areas.

Heating and CoolingHow can you stay warm or cool if your primary system fails?

Consider the Needs of AllFamily Member sWhen gathering supplies to preparefor an emergency, be sure to thinkabout the needs of all members of your family. Some of them may haveadditional requirements. Elderly family members may need

special foods, medical items, orspecialized products such asdenture care products.

Babies probably will require special

foods or care needs such as dispos-able bottle liners, disposablediapers, toys, and medicationmeasuring spoons.

Anyone with an ongoing healthproblem that requires daily mainte-nance will need to have medicineson hand, such as inhalers forasthma patients or insulin fordiabetics.

Basic ItemsPaper cups, plates, and bowls(no dishwashing conserves water)Plastic utensilsFlashlights with batteriesNon-electric can opener

Matches in a waterproof containerAluminum foil (to line cookingpans)Plastic storage containersNeedles, thread, and scissorsShut-off wrench to turn off household gas and waterCandles, lamps, and lamp oilBattery-operated smoke alarm

Tarps or plastic sheeting

SafetySmoke and carbon monoxide

detectors (replace batteries eachOctober)Fire extinguishersGenerators (If you use one, makesure it is in a well-ventilated areaaway from indoor air intakes.)

Sanitation/Personal Care Toilet paperPaper towelsContact lenses and solutionsExtra eyeglassesPlastic garbage bags and ties invarious sizesDisinfectantHousehold chlorine bleachFeminine hygiene supplies

PetsFood (canned or dry)

ToysLitterBeddingOther routinely needed items(medicine)


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EntertainmentWithout electricity, some commonforms of entertainment, such astelevision, will be unavailable. Be sureto store items that can provideenjoyment and ease boredom, but

dont require electricity. Possibilitiesinclude:Craft supplies and directionsBoard games

Jigsaw puzzlesCardsBooks

First Aid Kit Take a first aid and/or cardiopulmo-nary resuscitation (CPR) course orrefresher. You can buy a first aid kitand manual from your local AmericanRed Cross chapter. You also can puttogether a basic first aid kit. Be sure toinclude:

Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes Two- and four-inch sterile gauzepads (46)Hypoallergenic adhesive tape

Triangular bandages (3) Two- and three-inch sterile rollerbandages (3 rolls)Scissors

TweezersNeedleMoistened towelettes (baby wipes)Antiseptic (peroxide)

Thermometer Tongue depressors (2)Petroleum jelly or other lubricantAssorted sizes of safety pinsCleansing agent/soapLatex gloves (2 pairs)

SunscreenNonprescription drugs (aspirin ornon-aspirin pain reliever)Anti-diarrhea medicationAntacid (for stomach upset)Syrup of ipecac (use to inducevomiting if advised by the PoisonControl Center)LaxativeActivated charcoal (use if advised bythe Poison Control Center)

Medical Consider ationsOther things to consider or do:

1. Have a two-week supply of anymaintenance drugs (those usedevery day).

2. Get or update copies of yourmedical and dental records.

3. Get or update vaccines for tetanus,flu, and pneumonia.

4. Register with your local emergencymanagement office if you are on alife-support system that requireselectricity, such as dialysis or pumpsfor intravenous drips.

5. Have a printed copy of key medicalinformation on each family member,such as immunization records, anymajor surgeries, allergies, usualmedications, doctors names, andphone numbers.

CommunicationRadio with plentyof batteriesWalkie-talkiesCellularphone

Home Appliances/HomeOffice Equipment

The date feature on most householdappliances is not critical to its func-tioning. In most cases, the date is anextra. Appliances that display only atime of day and/or day of the week arenot likely to be affected by the Y2K computer glitch, but those with amonth/day/year calendar function maymalfunction. If you are concernedabout the operation of an appliance,contact the manufacturer for moreinformation. Before calling, make sureyou have the product name and modelnumber handy for easy reference.Check your owners manual for toll-

free numbers. If the manuals cannotbe located, check with telephonedirectory assistance for companynumbers. Ask for the consumerinformation department. Localreference librarians also may help you

locate company addresses and phonenumbers.

Per sonal Computer sPersonal computers can be affected bythe Y2K bug just like larger mainframesystems. There are three major areasof concern: your hardware, yoursoftware, and the filesspreadsheets,databases, documents, and otherdatathat you created with your

software. Make a list of your computersoftware and files and assess their

Y2K-readiness status.

The first thing to do is check yourBIOS chipthe circuit board thatsets the date on your personalcomputer. BIOS stands for basic input/output system. To find out about yourBIOS chip, check the owners manual,talk to the manufacturer, or test it. Itmay need to be replaced. Software alsomay need to be replaced or upgraded.

If you dont feel confident with theinformation you get from the manual,call or write the manufacturer orsupplier. Many have toll-free numbers.

You also could check themanufacturers Web site. Some Websites offer free software to test yourpersonal computer. Many of these arelisted on Pennsylvanias Web site forproduct compliance, http://www.pa2k.org/html/compliant.

In addition to your hardware and

software applications, its important tomake sure that your files are Y2K-ready. When upgrading your files, usea four digit year: mm/dd/yyyy.

If you dont feel confident in makingsoftware changes or date formatchanges, consult a professional.


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Financial Mat ter sKeep printed copies of all bankstatements, canceled checks, mortgagepayments, car payments, and otherfinancial transactions that you may

need for proof of payment for a fewmonths before and after the arrival of the year 2000 or until you are satisfiedthat there are no problems with theaccounting systems of your financialinstitutions.

Get a copy of your credit report fromone of the major credit bureaus beforeand after January 1, 2000. A reportcosts about $8.00.

Experian: (888) 397-3742http://www.experian.com

Equifax: (800) 685-1111http://www.equifax.com

Transunion: (800) 888-4213http://www.tuc.com

For installment loans (those with fixedmonthly payments), get statementsfrom your creditors that list yourpayments toward principal, interest,and other charges. Get a paymentschedule showing your loan balanceafter each monthly payment is made

until the loan is repaid.Contact Social Security for a recentpersonal earnings and benefit estimatestatement before 1999 ends andsometime in early 2000 to checkrecords. You can call Social Security at(800) 772-1213, or visit the Web siteat http://www.ssa.gov.

Do not give your credit card numbersor bank account numbers to anyonewho calls you. If you do, they canaccess your accounts.

If you have questions about bankingand the Year 2000, call the FDICs(Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora-tion) toll-free consumer assistance lineat (877) FDIC-Y2K or (877) 334-2925.Information specialists will answercalls during regular business hours,Monday through Friday. Recordedinformation is available 24 hours a day.

TransportationMake sure you have at least a half atank of gas in your car or truck.

Beyond Your Household Get involved locally by attending

public meetings in your community.

Contact the local emergency man-agement office to find out whatpreparations are being made.

Hold a neighborhood meeting toupdate neighbors on Y2K preparations.

911Remember... 911 is for emergencyuse ONLY. Please do not call just tosee if it works.

Nonemergency calls could prevent ordelay someone with a real emergencyfrom getting help. Call ONLY if youhave an emergency and need assistance.

Final Note The suggestions listed in this bookletwill get you started preparing foremergencies. However, each family'ssituation is different. Give additionalthought to ways you can prepare yourhousehold. For instance, clothingneeds are important in cold climatesand persons who use gas to cook mightstore slightly different foods thansomeone who uses electricity.

Refer ences The Web sites listed were used asresources for this publication.

CSREES-Y2K Community Outreach The Cassandra ProjectPresidents Council on Year 2000ConversionU.S. Consumer Gateway

ADAMS .............................. (717) 334-6271ALLEGHENY ...................... (412) 473-2540ARMSTRONG .................... (724) 548-3447

BEAVER ............................. (724) 774-3003BEDFORD .......................... (814) 623-4800BERKS ............................... (610) 378-1327BLAIR ................................ (814) 693-3265BRADFORD........................ (570) 265-2896BUCKS ............................... (215) 345-3283BUTLER ............................. (724) 287-4761CAMBRIA .......................... (814) 472-7986CAMERON ......................... (814) 486-3350CARBON............................ (570) 325-2788CENTRE............................. (814) 355-4897CHESTER ........................... (610) 696-3500CLARION ........................... (814) 782-0033CLEARFIELD...................... (814) 765-7878CLINTON ........................... (570) 726-0022COLUMBIA ........................ (570) 784-6660CRAWFORD....................... (814) 333-7460

CUMBERLAND .................. (717) 240-6500DAUPHIN........................... (717) 921-8803DELAWARE........................ (610) 690-2655ELK .................................... (814) 776-5331ERIE .................................. (814) 825-0900FAYETTE ............................ (724) 438-0111FOREST ............................. (814) 755-3544FRANKLIN ......................... (717) 263-9226FULTON ............................. (717) 485-4111GREENE............................. (724) 627-3745HUNTINGDON ................... (814) 643-1660INDIANA............................ (724) 465-3880

J EFFERSON ....................... (814) 849-7361 J UNIATA ............................ (717) 436-7744LACKAWANNA................... (570) 963-6842LANCASTER ...................... (717) 394-6851LAWRENCE ....................... (724) 654-8370

LEBANON .......................... (717) 270-4391LEHIGH.............................. (610) 391-9840LUZERNE........................... (570) 825-1701LYCOMING ........................ (570) 327-2350McKEAN ............................ (814) 887-5613MERCER ............................ (724) 662-3141MIFFLIN ............................. (717) 248-9618MONROE ........................... (570) 421-6430MONTGOMERY ................. (610) 489-4315MONTOUR......................... (570) 275-3731NORTHAMPTON................ (610) 746-1970NORTHUMBERLAND......... (570) 644-4455PERRY ............................... (717) 582-5150PHILADELPHIA.................. (215) 471-2200PIKE .................................. (570) 296-3400POTTER ............................. (814) 274-8540SCHUYLKILL ..................... (570) 622-4225

SNYDER ............................ (570) 837-4252SOMERSET........................ (814) 445-8911SULLIVAN ......................... (570) 928-8941SUSQUEHANNA ................ (570) 278-1158

TIOGA................................ (570) 724-9120UNION ............................... (570) 524-8721VENANGO.......................... (814) 437-7607WARREN ........................... (814) 563-9388WASHINGTON................... (724) 228-6881WAYNE ................ (570) 253-5970, ext 239WESTMORELAND ............. (724) 837-1402WYOMING......................... (570) 836-3196

YORK................................. (717) 840-7408

Penn Stat e Cooper ativ eExtension County Offices
http://www.experian.com/http://www.equifax.com/http://www.tuc.com/http://www.ssa.gov/http://www.ssa.gov/http://www.tuc.com/http://www.equifax.com/http://www.experian.com/


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For Mor e Infor mation About Y2K, Contact:Your local Penn State Cooperative Extension office.The telephone number usually is listed under the county government officesas Cooperative Extension or Penn State Cooperative Extension. Seecounty directory on previous page.

PA 2K: Pennsylvanians Working Togetherhttp://www.pa2k.org(877) Pa2K-NOW (1-877-722-5669)

CSREES-Y2K Community OutreachThe USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Servicehttp://www.reeusda.gov/y2ktalk.htm

The Presidents Council on the Year 2000 Conversion(888) USA-4-Y2K (1-888-872-4925)This toll-free number was created by The Presidents Council on the Year2000 Conversion. It contains prerecorded information on concerns relatedto the federal governments preparation for Y2K; banking, personalcomputers, small business, air travel, and airports; and telecommunica-tions, electricity, and food supply. Callers can talk to information specialistsif they have questions about other Y2K issues.

American Red CrossFor local offices, check your phone directory under American Red Cross.http://www.redcross.org

Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association2500 Wilson BoulevardArlington, VA 22201-3834Telephone: 703-907-7600Search within this site using Y2K as the keyword.http://www.cemacity.org

Federal Emergency Management AgencyFederal Center Plaza500 C. Street S.W.Washington, D.C. 20472http://www.fema.gov

Individual Preparation for Y2KPaloma ORileyThe Cassandra ProjectPO Box 8Louisville, CO 80027-0008http://CassandraProject.org/home.htm

The Small Business Administrationhttp://www.sba.gov/y2kFor local offices, check under United States Government listingsin your local telephone directory.

U.S. Consumer GatewayYear 2000 IssuesThis web site contains links to federal government agenciessources of Y2K information.http://www.consumer.gov/year2000.htm

Y2K Consumer Action Guidehttp://www.utne.com/y2k/individual.html

Web users can find additional articles and information by enteringthe keyword Y2K into any Internet search engine, such as AltaVista,Yahoo, Lycos, or Excite.
http://www.pa2k.org/http://www.reeusda.gov/y2ktalk.htmhttp://www.redcross.org/http://www.cemacity.org/http://www.fema.gov/http://cassandraproject.org/home.htmhttp://www.sba.gov/y2khttp://www.consumer.gov/year2000.htmhttp://www.utne.com/y2k/individual.htmlhttp://www.utne.com/y2k/individual.htmlhttp://www.consumer.gov/year2000.htmhttp://www.sba.gov/y2khttp://cassandraproject.org/home.htmhttp://www.fema.gov/http://www.cemacity.org/http://www.redcross.org/http://www.reeusda.gov/y2ktalk.htmhttp://www.pa2k.org/


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Prepared by Cathy Faulcon Bowen, assistant professor and extension specialist,consumer issues programs, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education

Reviewers: Marilyn Corbin, Robin Kuleck, Fred Loomis, Barbara Miller

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research, extension, and resident education programs arefunded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S.Department of Agriculture.

This publication is available from the Publications Distribution Center, The Pennsylvania StateUniversity, 112 Agricultural Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802. For informationtelephone (814) 865-6713.

Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn StateCooperative Extension is implied.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of Congress May 8 and June 30, 1914, incooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Legislature. T. R. Alter,Director of Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania State University.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal accessto programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics notrelated to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state orfederal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any personbecause of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex,sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to theAffirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University ParkPA 16802-2801; Tel. (814) 865-4700/V; (814) 863-1150/TTY.

The Pennsylvania State University 1999

R50M799PS28352

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