The Monthly Memo

Dear Colleagues,

Please visit our web page. The site address is: heab.state.wi.us.

PLEASE NOTE: The HEAB website will be unavailable on Saturday, December 4, 1999 due to a state server consolidation project.

I appreciate your feedback and thoughts! My phone number is 608.264.6181, FAX: 608.267.2808, EMAIL: jane.hojan-clark@heab.state.wi.us and SNAILMAIL: HEAB, P.O. Box 7885, Madison, WI 53707-7885.

Jane Hojan-Clark, Executive Secretary
Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board

For decades, two digits were used as a shortcut to designate years in some computer programs with calendar functions (e.g., "99" instead of "1999"). A small percentage of microchips built into industrial and household devices also used this technique. In effect, computers and microchips that are not "Year 2000 compliant" may read "00" as 1900 instead of 2000. If left uncorrected, non-compliant computers and microchips could cause automated systems either to stop working or to generate inaccurate information.

In recent years, private businesses and governments have worked hard to identify and correct vulnerable systems, starting with those that have the greatest potential impact on their operations and customers. Here in Wisconsin, Governor Thompson created the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Year 2000 Preparedness to assess these preparations and to recommend additional steps that should be taken. The commission created nine subcommittees to examine key sectors of the state's economy in detail (e.g., utilities, finance, health care and government). Information has been gathered directly from government and industry in the state and from various national sources (such as federal government agencies and authoritative private groups).

This brochure reflects key Blue Ribbon Commission findings. The bottom-line is that few, if any, serious interruptions of electric power, telephone, fuel, food, water or other essential supplies and services are likely in Wisconsin. Business and technology experts at the national level anticipate similar outcomes for most other parts of the United States, although some scattered service interruptions of limited duration are likely to occur in some places. The most severe problems are likely to be felt by businesses that are unprepared and, therefore, could be at a serious competitive disadvantage. Internationally, some other countries are far behind in Y2K preparedness, resulting in potential hardships and supply chain problems.

In spite of these generally optimistic findings, the inherent complexity and pervasiveness of the Y2K challenge make it prudent for Wisconsin families to treat the matter seriously. A few Y2K-specific steps (such as updating personal computers) may be needed, but overall most experts compare preparing for the Year 2000 to preparing for a major winter storm. Ice storms, for example, can interrupt electric power and make a drive to the grocery store hazardous for hours or even days at a time in Wisconsin. Accordingly, most of the advice in this brochure applies to the Year 2000 and every other year.

Electric Power: Because Wisconsin utilities have made Y2K readiness a top priority, few, if any, power interruptions are expected in the state due to Year 2000 problems. In addition to extensive upgrading and testing already completed, utilities will have extra generation capacity (e.g., plants that are normally operated only during the peak demand months of summer) and technicians available on New Year's Eve and Day. Flashlights and fresh batteries are always a good idea, but electric generator systems are not recommended for most households (although they may make sense for dairy farmers and others with special needs). Generators can pose substantial fire, poisonous gas emission and electric shock hazards for family members and utility workers. If used, they should be installed, tested and operated in strict compliance with manufacturers' instructions and local codes.

Heat: While no unusual disruptions of natural gas, heating fuel or propane supplies are likely to occur as a result of Y2K, there are some simple, low-cost steps families can take as a precaution. These include filling propane and oil tanks prior to January 2000, keeping chimneys cleaned and, if feasible, keeping a week's supply of alternative fuel (e.g., wood) on hand. Use alternative heating systems only if installed, tested and operated properly. Some heating devices, especially grills intended for outdoor use, can pose fire and poisonous gas hazards if used indoors. Check with local government building inspectors and/or fire officials for guidelines. If a safe alternative heat source is not available to you, check with local government officials, friends, neighbors and others to prepare a contingency site that you and your family can safely go to if necessary.

Telephones: Regular and emergency telephone systems are expected to be fully ready for the new year (although some overseas calls may not go through). The only real threat to the system is the possibility that large numbers of people will attempt to test it on January 1. Obviously, if everyone in the state picks up the phone to check for dial-tone at 12:01 AM, the system will be overloaded and there will be no dial-tone. Likewise, lots of calls to 9-1-1 "just to make sure it's working" will crash the system and could block real emergency calls from getting through.

Household Finances: Wisconsin financial institutions, insurance companies and securities firms are implementing sound strategies to achieve Year 2000 readiness. In fact, 100% of Wisconsin's depository institutions have already met or exceeded the final benchmark for readiness. As an added precaution, keep paper copies of important financial documents, including your most current investment, payment, payroll, checking and savings account records. Social Security and other state and federal payment (and tax collection) systems are expected to be Y2K ready. Information about getting a paper record of your earnings history and an estimate of Social Security benefits you may be eligible for are available by calling 1-800-772-1213. Credit cards, debit cards and ATMs are expected to be Y2K ready and the federal government's protection of insured deposits will not be affected by Y2K. Excessive cash withdrawals are not recommended, but plan to have enough cash on hand to get you through a long weekend. Also, be on the alert for old consumer scams that may be dressed up in a new Y2K costume. No legitimate financial institution official or "examiner" will ever ask you to withdraw cash or move funds to another account to "test" a system for Y2K readiness.

Food & Water: No extraordinary food or water supplies are recommended for Y2K readiness. However, given Wisconsin's weather extremes, households should always have enough nutritious and easy-to-prepare food on hand to last for a few days to a week. These could include food for special diets, powdered milk, ready-to-eat canned goods, fruits and vegetables, soup, juices, cereals, crackers, potatoes (fresh or dried flakes), sugar, peanut butter, jelly, raisins, granola bars, trail mix, cooking oil, beans, white rice, dry pasta, or anything else your family eats regularly that stores well. You may also want to have a reasonable supply of "comfort foods" on hand, such as cookies, hard candy, instant coffee, tea bags, cocoa, chocolate bars, canned nuts, or other special treats. About one gallon of water per person, per day is recommended (half for drinking and half for food preparation and sanitation). Factsheets on safe food and water storage are available from your county extension agent and on the state's Y2K web site (http://y2k.state.wi.us).

Health Care & Prescriptions: While some concerns remain about the readiness of some health care business systems (e.g., billing and scheduling), patient care in Wisconsin is not likely to be significantly affected by Y2K. Families with special medical needs should review their plans with their health care provider. For example, it may be prudent to schedule elective dental and medical work prior to the first of the year. The pharmaceutical production and distribution system will be ready, but some groups are advising that patients stockpile prescription medications. If this advice is widely followed, it could cause shortages. Therefore, stockpiling of medications is not recommended. However, it obviously makes sense to routinely fill prescriptions you may need before January 2000.

Personal Computers: Most hardware and software manufacturers have web sites that offer information about their products. Diagnostic programs and patches are available at computer stores or can be downloaded on the Internet from several sources (the state's web site has information about this). Apple reports that its computers made since 1984 are fully Y2K compliant.

Consumer Devices With Microchips: While microchips can be found in everything from watches to heating systems, few are expected to pose significant Y2K hazards in homes. However, thermostats, security systems and other digital devices could be vulnerable. Check with manufacturers, suppliers or a qualified technician if you have questions. Many manufacturers of consumer electronic devices have Y2K information on their web sites. Automobiles have no known Y2K problems that could affect performance or safety.

Dependents: Schools and daycare centers are working to find and fix their own Y2K problems. But some schools may not open if they can't ensure a safe, warm environment - similar to what schools do now when severe winter weather strikes. You may want to make alternative child care plans and remember the needs of elderly and disabled relatives, friends and neighbors.

Other Supplies: Here are some other generic household emergency supplies you may want to have on hand. Remember that most experts suggest only a few day's worth of supplies for disruptions caused by Y2K or other situations and that storing gasoline or other fuels in a building can be extremely hazardous.

• Battery-powered radio
• Standard (non-cordless) phone and/or CB Radio
• Blankets, sleeping bags
• NOAA Weather Radio and batteries
• Non-food products: toilet paper, tissue, plates, cups, plastic utensils, matches, aluminum foil (to avoid dish washing by lining pots and pans), plastic garbage bags with ties, soap, liquid detergent, and disinfectants
• Plastic buckets with tight lids (to serve as temporary sanitation facilities)
• First aid kit and manual
• Special items for infants (diapers, wipes, formula), elderly or disabled family members
• Personal hygiene products
• Pet needs: food, chew toys, bedding, pet carrying case or crate, and litter
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb. A-B-C type)
• Extra set of car keys

  (This list is not inclusive. You may want to consider other items that you may need.)