Food, Water and Other Supplies

• Prepare as you would for a long holiday weekend by having at least a three-day supply of food and water (one gallon per person per day).The food industry is not only ready for Y2K but is resilient and accustomed to dealing with unexpected disruptions, such as winter storms. As always, it is a good idea to make purchases early.
  
• Make a personal assessment of items and services that are critical to your family, including special items or services required by infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
  
• Make sure that you have adequate clothing, tools and supplies, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio and a first aid kit as recommended by FEMA and the American Red Cross.
  
• Follow all appropriate safety instructions for fuel storage and use of heating and cooking devices or other emergency items.

Important records

• Keep copies of important records — particularly bank and financial statements, medical records and prescription drug information — in the few months before and after Jan. 1, 2000. When you receive a transaction receipt, check it for accuracy and compare against any future financial statement.
  
• Develop a list of phone numbers for hospitals, police and fire departments and neighbors.

Cash, medicine and gasoline

• If you decide to withdraw cash, hold only as much as you would for any holiday weekend. Withdrawing large amounts of cash is unnecessary and may invite theft.

Remember that financial institutions are well prepared for the date change and you have more than one payment option (e.g. checks, credit cards, debit cards, traveler’s checks).

• As always, refill prescription medications when you have a five-to seven-day supply remaining.

The pharmaceutical and health care industries are confident, based on experience, that following this standard practice is all that is needed for Y2K. If you have any questions about your health care needs,talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider.

• As you would in preparation for a winter storm, keep your automobile gas tank above half full. Service stations are re-supplied regularly — sometimes as often as every other day.

Telephones and scams

• Use telephones and the Internet only as necessary on Jan. 1. “Testing” the systems to see if they work or engaging in long conversations could create delays greater than those experienced during high volume usage periods such as Mother’s Day.
  
• Beware of Y2K scams. Be skeptical if someone tries to sell you product, service or investment that is “Y2K safe” or wishes to sell you Y2K insurance. Never give out your bank account, credit card or Social Security number unless you invited the call or contact.