Planning ahead is the best way to survive the unknowns of Y2K or any other emergency that could disrupt utilities and services we take for granted, experts say.
With that in mind, county and city officials, in a joint effort with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, have developed the "Home Guide to Emergency Preparedness: Preparing a Plan for Emergency Events in Y2K." The eight-page guide can be found as supplement to this week's Gazette.
"While there is specific Y2K information, it's really geared to all kinds of emergencies," said Mark Hilliker, community resource development agent for the county UW-Extension Office and editor of the guide. "If they just read through it, I think they will find some common sense information that will help them in all sorts of emergency situations."
Y2K refers to a computer programming glitch, where some computers and microprocessors that only use two numbers to designate a year might think 2000 is actually 1900 and fail.
The guide includes information on the six basic items people should have in their home - food, water, first-aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools, emergency supplies and specialty items. It also covers what to do for pets in emergencies and steps to take when electrical power is lost.
Hilliker recommends people plan ahead and gather supplies well before Jan. 1 to beat any last minute rush.
"We don't expect there to be any major problems, but on the other hand, we recommend they have enough food on hand for a three-day situation and enough cash for a long weekend," Hilliker said.