◆What is Y2K and how might it affect me?

Y2K stands for Year 2000. Early computer programs were written to store and manipulate dates using two digits of the year instead of four. So, when the year 2000 rolls around, computers, hardware and software that have been programmed with this two-digit format may fail to operate properly.

Many may read the year 2000 as "00" and think it is year 1900. This misreading could cause a range of disruptions in services and electronic equipment.

The City of Chicago has been working on the Year 2000 problem for more than two years to avoid and minimize any disruptions in City services that could result from the Y2K computer problem.

◆What you can do to prepare...

Citizens should take steps to prepare for Y2K — just as they would for any emergency situation, such as power outages, storms or other circumstances in which the normal operations of your home are disrupted. The unusual nature of Y2K provides an opportunity to review your situation and prepare for any kind of emergency — and for potential problems unique to Y2K.

The City of Chicago and private providers of critical services have taken steps to address the Y2K computer bug and continue to work on avoiding disruptions. Despite these efforts, there still may be problems that affect the lives of citizens. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with general tips to help you prepare for Y2K — or for any emergency.

◆General Preparedness Tips

If you are concerned about disruptions, we recommend that you do your errands ahead of time — just as you would in preparation for any storm:

• ●Keep your automobile's gas tank at least half full.
• ●If you take prescription medications, make sure you have up to a week's supply on hand.
• ●It's probably a good idea to have a battery-operated radio around, in case electrical service is disrupted for a short time. Have extra supplies of batteries and flashlights around the house.
• ●Go grocery shopping in advance.

◆Y2K Specific Readiness Tips

In addition to basic readiness, there are a few specific things you can do to prepare yourself, your family and your home for Y2K:

• ●Conduct an inventory of essential computer-controlled devices in your home, and check with the manufacturers of this equipment to find out if any items may be affected. This includes programmable thermostats, electronics, garage door openers, electronic locks and anything else that may be controlled electronically.
• ●Take special care to check with your alarm service providers regarding the Y2K compliance of home alarm systems — such as security and fire alarms.
• ●If you live in an apartment or condominium building, check with the condo association or building manager to make sure that the central heating and cooling systems, elevators, fire alarms and access control systems have been checked for Y2K compliance.
• ●Some people may choose to purchase a generator because the well-being of a family member depends on a continuous source of electricity. For example, they may rely on ventilators, a dialysis machine or a baby monitor. If you choose to purchase a generator, be sure to have it installed by a certified electrician. If you choose to purchase an alternative heating device, be sure it is approved for indoor use and is listed with Underwriters Laboratories.
• ●Make sure you have paper records of important financial transactions, such as mortgage and other loan payments, for the few months leading up to December 31, 1999.
• ●If your paycheck, Social Security or any other payment source is directly deposited into your bank account, keep deposit statements for year-end payments and watch your account in January to make sure payments arrive. If they do not, contact your bank.