The Red Cross Y2K Checklist
The Red Cross Y2K Checklist
Here’s some advice from the American Red Cross in Washington, DC, on Y2K preparedness:
Check with manufacturers of any essential computer-controlled electronic equipment in your home to see if that equipment may be affected. This includes fire- and security-alarm systems, programmable thermostats, appliances, consumer electronics, garage-door openers, electronic locks, and any other electronic equipment in which an embedded chip may control its operation. Stock disaster supplies for several days to a week for yourself and those who live with you. This includes having nonperishable foods, stored water, and an ample supply of prescription and nonprescription medications that you regularly use. See your family disaster supplies kit for suggestions. As you would in preparation for a storm of any kind, have some extra cash or traveler’s checks on hand in case electronic transactions involving ATM cards, credit cards, and the like cannot be processed. Plan to keep cash or traveler’s checks in a safe place, and withdraw money from your bank in small amounts well in advance of Dec. 31, 1999. As you would to prepare for a winter storm, keep your car’s gas tank more than half full. In case the power fails, plan to use alternative cooking devices in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t use open flames or charcoal grills indoors. Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves to keep warm. Do not plan to use gas-fueled appliances, such as an oven, as an alternative heating source. The same advice applies to wood-burning or liquid-fueled heating devices that are not designed to be used in a residential structure. Camp stoves and heaters should only be used out of doors in a well-ventilated area. If you purchase an alternative heating device, make sure it is approved for use indoors and is listed with the Underwriters Laboratories. Have plenty of flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Don’t use candles for emergency lighting. Examine your smoke alarms. If you have smoke alarms that are hard-wired into your home’s electrical system (most newer ones are), check to see if they have battery backups. Every fall, replace all batteries in all smoke alarms as a general fire safety precaution. Be prepared to relocate to a shelter for warmth and protection during a prolonged power outage or if for any other reason local officials request or require that you leave your home. Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for information about where shelters will be available. If you plan to use a portable generator, connect what you want to power directly to the generator; do not connect the generator to your home’s electrical system. Also, be sure to keep a generator in a well-ventilated area either outside or in a garage, keeping the door open. Don’t put a generator in your basement or anywhere inside your home. Check with the emergency services providers in your community to see if there is more information available about how your community is preparing for any potential problems. Be an advocate and support efforts by your local police, fire, and emergency management officials to ensure that their systems will be able to operate at all times.Subscribe Now for Access
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