Contact: Ed Isaacs, 240-777-2911
For Immediate Release (December 16, 1999)

ARE YOU READY FOR Y2K?

With the New Year fast approaching, it's a good time for citizens to make sure they are prepared for the possibility of emergencies related to Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problems and are on the alert for con artists who might want to exploit consumer concerns about potential Y2K impacts.

Although County officials anticipate that Y2K disruptions will be minimal, there are some basic steps that residents can take to prepare as they would for any weather-related or other emergency.

The Montgomery County Y2K Project Office offers the following six tips to citizens who want to make sure they are ready for the Year 2000:

1. Watch out for Y2K scams. Never give out personal information, especially over the telephone, unless you are sure of the person's identity.

2. Don't withdraw large sums of money from the bank. Keeping your money in the bank is much safer. Both the Social Security Administration and the Veterans Affairs Administration have reported that they do not expect problems in issuing checks.

3. Check your medical devices and medications. Make sure your medical devices are in good working order, that you have sufficient batteries or other supplies needed to operate the devices, and that you have enough medications to last for several days. Avoid elective hospital procedures in early January.

4. Have an adequate supply of water and non-perishable food. Most emergency planners suggest having enough supplies for three to five days for weather-related events.

5. Stock sufficient batteries. Have fresh batteries for flashlights, portable radios, lanterns, and other battery-powered items that may be needed.

6. Have warm clothes and bedding easily accessible. Authorities do not expect power outages due to Y2K. However, winter storms are a possibility this time of year. Should widespread power outages occur, as they did during last winter's ice storm, the County may establish community-based shelters for residents, if conditions warrant.

For more information about Y2K, residents can:

View the "Year 2000 and You" videos available at all County Public Libraries and Regional Service Centers.

The Year 2000 or Y2K technology problem was created because memory in electronic equipment was scarce and expensive when computers were developed. Instead of using a four-digit code for year dates, a two-digit entry was used. Now, these systems are being updated and tested to prevent problems that could occur where computer chips control date sensitive functions or processes.

Montgomery County, federal and state governments, and private companies have all been working to address the problem. The County has tested all its systems and found them to be ready for the century date change and we anticipate minimal disruption.

Homeowners may still be affected by the Y2K problem, however, because some electrical appliances that are date sensitive, such as computers, televisions and VCR's, microwave ovens, digital alarm clocks and other electronic items may fail to work properly on January 1, 2000.

For more information, call the Montgomery County Y2K Project Office at 240-777-2940.

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