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FEMA: Y2K Problems can be Avoided? FEMA Official Statements (Koskinen Too), Workshop Schedules, Links & New Y2K MaterialsWarning: Long, Long Post
Well, some of it is good. Much is mild. Some is pure spin. Could be useful for Y2K Beginners. -- Diane
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/99036.htm[John Koskinen's Remarks from Atlanta Y2K Conference -- Available on Real Audio -- Link on web-site]
Y2K Problems can be Avoided, FEMA Official Says
Atlanta, February 17, 1999 -- The transition to the Year 2000 is not expected to bring major national problems with the nation's infrastructure and the country can avoid localized disruptions if work begins now to make systems compliant, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Director Mike Walker said today.
"Nothing about Y2K is preordained except for the date," Walker said, speaking at the first of 10 Y2K workshops FEMA is holding across the country with state emergency managers and Y2K coordinators to prepare for the Year 2000 transition.
"We know what the problem is and we know how to fix it," he said. "As leaders in our respective sectors, we should as a matter of first priority resolve to encourage those to fix that which has not yet been fixed. That is the surest way to prepare for Y2K."
Walker told the more than 200 participants at the workshop in Atlanta that a lot of progress has been made in dealing with potential Y2K problems. "But a great deal remains to be done, particularly in the small business sector and in many small towns and counties," he said. "We in the emergency services sector should prudently plan for numerous small disruptions, which could occur simultaneously across the country." Based on current information, he said, the potential disruptions are likely to be localized and limited in scope and duration. Walker said that people should prepare for potential Y2K disruptions like they would prepare for disruptions caused by a winter storm. People do not need to stockpile supplies or fear the kinds of national disruptions some extremists are predicting, he said. In fact, he warned that the kinds of actions many are recommending, such as hoarding or taking money out of banks, could actually precipitate the very disaster the 'naysayers' are forecasting.
"I have a great deal of faith in the American people," Walker said. "I know they will see through the naysayers and fearmongers who are trying to scare us or make a buck. When you look at everything Americans have dealt with throughout our history, Y2K is nothing. Yes, it poses a challenge. But it pales beside the great challenges Americans have previously faced and the great challenges Americans have conquered.
"It is important that we tell the American people everything we know," Walker continued. "For an educated public is a strong public. And an educated public will always make the right decisions."
Other speakers at the opening plenary session at the Atlanta workshop included John Copenhaver, FEMA director for Region IV and members of the National Y2K Team, representing the U.S. Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services and Transportation, the Federal Reserve Board, National Communications System, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the American Red Cross.
The schedule for the initial series of FEMA Y2K Workshops is as follows:
Atlanta Feb. 17-18
New York City Feb. 23-24
Boston Feb. 24-25
Philadelphia Feb. 25-26
Dallas March 9-10
Chicago March 10-11
Kansas City March 11-12
Seattle March 23-24
San Francisco March 24-25
Denver March 25-26
FEMA is one of nine critical sector coordinators working with the President's Council on Y2K Conversion, headed by Presidential Advisor John A. Koskinen. The Emergency Services Sector (ESS) group is working to make sure that all segments of the nation's emergency management community operate normally through the cross-over period from 1999 to the Year 2000 and beyond and are able to handle the consequences of potential Y2K disruptions.
Updated: February 17, 1999
See Also ...
Y2K Workshop Press Kit Available Online
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/pkit_00.htmBackground
FEMA & Y2K
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/pkit_01.htmFEMA & Y2K
FEMA and the Presidents Council on Y2K Conversion
FEMA is the lead agency for the Emergency Services Sector working group of the President's Council on Y2K Conversion. The groups mission is to work with the nations emergency services providers and encourage them to assess their readiness to operate normally leading up to, during, and after the clock rolls over to the year 2000. The group includes the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Health and Human Services, Interior and Transportation, as well as the American Red Cross.
Y2K Preparedness, Training and Exercises
FEMA is providing guidance, training, and exercise assistance to state and local governments to help them to prepare for all types of emergencies including the Y2K transition. The effort is in partnership with many emergency management organizations including the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) and the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).
A number of Y2K-related activities are planned including a series of regional planning workshops. FEMA will also help stage a national Y2K tabletop exercise this summer. FEMAs Emergency Management Institute is developing Y2K-specific course material and will produce a series of satellite television broadcasts with Y2K information via FEMAs Emergency Education Network (EENET).
Y2K and The Federal Response Plan
The Federal Response Plan is used to quickly mobilize federal resources to help state and local governments in the face of catastrophic disasters, such as an earthquake or hurricane. Under the plan, FEMA provides assistance to state and local governments in such areas as transportation, communications, public works and engineering, firefighting, information and planning, resource management, health and medical services and other areas.
Federal planners are developing Y2K supplemental material for the plan. Their planning assumptions are based on Y2K assessment reports prepared for President's Council on Y2K Conversion. Current assessments show the country's basic infrastructure will work and there will be no major nationwide disruptions. However, there may be a need for federal response assistance to handle scattered Y2K-related disruptions. FEMA is prepared to implement the Federal Response Plan in connection with Y2K disruptions, if necessary.
FEMAs Y2K Compliance Program
FEMA is positioned for continued operations through the Y2K transition. Clay Hollister, FEMAs chief information officer, reports work on all 46 of the agencys mission-critical systems will be complete by March 31. Hollister has directed FEMAs Y2K compliance project for nearly three years.
Updated: February 17, 1999
Workshop
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/pkit_02.htmFEMA Y2K Workshops
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regional Y2K Workshops are designed to help the nations emergency management community prepare for potential Y2K transition issues.
The workshops provide a forum for state and federal emergency managers to discuss Y2K readiness issues, potential consequences of Y2K disruptions and the coordination of necessary responses among local, state and federal responders.
Workshop participants include state emergency managers, state fire marshals and state Y2K coordinators from the states and territories that make up the Agencys 10 regions. Workshop participants also include national and regional representatives of federal agencies with Y2K responsibilities, including the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Health & Human Services, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Communications System and the American Red Cross.
Breakout groups will discuss issues of preparation and consequence management. In focusing on "preparation," participants are expected to identify potential vulnerabilities and actions and resources that may be needed to address those vulnerabilities. Participants also will be expected to identify consequences of potential Y2K disruptions and actions and resources needed to address them. Information gathered from the regional workshops will help form the basis for a national Y2K tabletop exercise to be held in Washington, D.C., in June.
FEMA is one of nine critical sector coordinators working with the Presidents Council on Y2K Conversion, headed by Presidential Advisor John A. Koskinen. Chaired by FEMA, the Emergency Services Sector group is working to make sure that all segments of the nations emergency management community operate normally through the cross-over period from 1999 to the Year 2000 and beyond.
The Year 2000, or Y2K, issue is worldwide and refers to electronic and computer system problems that may occur because of the inability of date-sensitive devices to compute "2000" when systems move from 1999 to the Year 2000 (Y2K). Virtually all systems that rely on computers or electronic devices that refer to date and time may be affected by Y2K in one way or another. This includes power, dispatch and communications systems, 911 systems, microcomputers, and much more.
Updated: February 17, 1999
Remarks
Mike Walker Remarks
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/pkit_03.htmMike Walker
Deputy Director, Federal Emergency Management Agency
[Note: He is in charge of Y2K and Terrorism activities at FEMA]
Remarks: FEMA Y2K Workshop
This is the first of 10 regional workshops we will be holding throughout the country. These workshops designed to help us all at the local, state and federal levels prepare for the potential consequences of Y2K.
First, let me say that your federal partners are not here to tell you what to do or how to do it. We are here to hear from you and hear your assessments of where communities in your states stand and what still needs to be done.
This morning will set the stage for the discussions which will follow the next two days an open and free-flowing dialogue about Y2K consequence management.
First, I want to be very clear about one thing. Based on current assessments, the sky is not falling. Y2K does not have to be a major disaster.
Of course, none of us has a crystal ball. It is hard to predict in February what could happen in December. But a lot of progress has been made in dealing with this issue. And, at this point in time, there is no indication that Y2K will result in national disruptions in Americas basic infrastructure.
However, the job is not complete. A great deal remains to be done, especially in the small business sector and in many small towns and counties.
While we do not expect major catastrophic dislocations from Y2K, we should prudently plan for numerous small disruptions disruptions that could occur simultaneously across the country.
We expect these potential disruptions to be localized, limited in scope, limited in duration, and to vary from one part of the country to another.
So, how do we prepare for what is still unknown? Based on what we know today, we should prepare for Y2K as we would prudently prepare for a potential winter storm. What these preparations entail will be one of the subjects of our breakout sessions today and tomorrow.
People ask me all the time, "How serious is this going to be?" My answer is simple, "It will be as serious as we allow it to become." You see, nothing about Y2K is preordained except for the date. We know what the problem is, and we know how to fix it.
We cannot prevent an ice storm from snapping power lines. But we can prevent Y2K from interrupting power generation and distribution. Fixing Y2K is much more than a technology issue. It is a leadership issue. It is a matter of will and judgment.
Those who wait to deal with the technology fix will find themselves dealing with the consequences of their inaction. Where the lights go out will depend very simply on where Y2K has been fixed and where it has not.
Im from a small town in Tennessee. And I know how difficult it is to scrape up the money to make infrastructure investments on the local level.
But I also know that failure to make those investments will end up costing local communities so much more and, at the same time, endanger the well-being of American families.
So this is about leadership. It is about awareness. It is about taking action. And it is still not too late.
As leaders in our respective sectors, we should as a matter of first priority resolve to encourage those to fix that which has not yet been fixed. For that is the surest way to prepare for Y2K.
At the same time we must continue our prudent planning to meet the challenges we could face in those communities that just dont make the investment in time.
I have a great deal of faith in the American people. I know that they will see through the naysayers and fearmongers who are trying to scare us or make a buck.
This nation was not build on fear. It was built by hard working Americans with great ingenuity and a determination to make things better for their families.
When you look at everything Americans have dealt with throughout our history, Y2K is nothing.
Yes, it poses a challenge. But it pales besides the great challenges Americans have previous faced and the great challenges Americans have conquered.
The naysayers and fearmongers underestimate the determination and strength of the American people. They underestimate the will of the nation.
Finally, let me add that at the federal level, we are going to share everything we know with the American people. And we will be honest with the American people.
We will seek to discourage hoarding and taking money out of banks. For there is no need to head for the hills. And in reality, such actions could actually precipitate the very disaster those naysayers fear so much.
Nor are we planning for martial law or anything like that. I dont know how these rumors get started.
We believe the American people should know everything we know. For an educated public is a strong public. And an educated public will always make the right decisions.
Updated: February 17, 1999
John A. Koskinen Remarks
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/pkit_04.htmJohn A. Koskinen
Chair, Presidents Council on Year 2000 Conversion
Remarks: FEMA Y2K Workshop
As many of you know, the Y2K problem is a unique challenge that is truly unlike any that organizations have ever faced. Governments and businesses around the world have invested billions of dollars and much time and effort to ensure that computers can handle the transition to the Year 2000. Significant progress has been made in the public and private sector over the past several months, but despite the best work of everyone, some systems will not be ready by the end of the year, creating the possibility for disruptions in key services.
You are participating in one of 10 Y2K Workshops that will ultimately include emergency management and emergency service organizations of all 50 States and national and regional representatives of 27 Federal Departments and Agencies. These workshops will concentrate on the consequences management issues that may arise as a result of Y2K failures; examine emergency management decision-making capabilities; and identify policy and preparedness issues related to coping with disruptions caused by the Y2K problem.
Of special importance will be shared identification of State and Federal plans, along with expected actions and requirements. At the Federal level, we will use the information provided through these workshops to enhance our Y2K consequence management efforts.
The President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion was established in February 1998 to coordinate the Federal Governments Y2K efforts. We are obviously focused on ensuring that critical Federal systems -- which we control and operate -- will be ready for the Year 2000. But we are also working to support the Y2K efforts of state and local governments, large companies, small businesses, and governments around the world.
An important part of our efforts involves working with major industry associations to gather information about the Y2K readiness of critical sectors across the economy and to make that information available to the public. We do this through our web page
, through our toll-free phone line <1-888-USA-4-Y2K>, and through quarterly summary reports. We believe that we can mitigate overreaction by the public to the potential for Year 2000 failures by providing them all the information we have -- good and bad -- on government and industry progress. Such information is also critical to the efforts of all organizations to make plans for any contingencies. Based on the information we have at this time, we do not expect major national disruptions in critical services. There is no indication that the Y2K problem will cause national failures in basic infrastructures such as electric power, telecommunications, banking, and transportation. And major local disruptions are also unlikely in areas where local governments and businesses are working on the problem.
But we do need to be prepared for the possibility that the Y2K problem could cause temporary disruptions in some services, especially in areas where governments and businesses have not devoted appropriate attention to the problem or are lagging behind in their efforts to fix systems. By themselves, such disruptions are manageable. But the unique challenge the Y2K problem presents us with is the potential of numerous disruptions happening all at once, which will place additional burdens on the most well-equipped emergency response mechanisms.
Were good at responding to individual challenges. We need to be just as good about responding to multiple challenges. We need to be thinking about how to best respond to the possibility of failures in a number of community systems that operate communications, emergency services, health care, public works and utilities, and transportation.
The Federal Government is now working to develop a mechanism for coordinating responses of Federal agencies to potential Y2K disruptions and to take preventive action where possible. This effort, which will rely upon existing emergency structures within FEMA, DOD, and other agencies, will help to improve information flows and will depend upon close collaboration with State and local government and private industry.
Some of the most important work in emergency response takes place at the State and local level, and you can play a key role in assuring preparedness -- right now.
As you work to collect assessment information to determine the possible consequences of Y2K conversion in your area, you can motivate critical service providers -- both public and private -- to take all necessary steps to ensure that their systems are Y2K compliant.
State officials should be reaching out to county and local governments not only to determine the progress they are making but to encourage them to share information with the public about the status of key services -- like power and water -- and information about how local officials are preparing to respond to any disruptions. Ultimately, we want to ensure that people are as confident in our ability to respond to the Y2K problem as they are in our ability to respond to storms and other natural events.
You will have the media's attention -- and the public's attention -- throughout 1999. This is an opportunity to get out the basic disaster preparedness message that the emergency management community has been advocating for years. Because at this point, we are advising people that they should prepare for the Y2K problem as they should always be prepared for any temporary disruption in services.
We must also be prepared to react to new assessment information as it emerges. We at the Federal level will do all that we can over the remainder of 1999 to ensure that you and the public have the most up to date assessment information. And to facilitate information sharing among emergency responders, FEMA's Emergency Educational Network (EENT) will be used to share best practices and lessons learned at the local, State and Federal levels. Programming will include updates on Y2K preparedness through regularly scheduled National Alert Broadcasts and special broadcasts that will cover detailed discussions of Y2K preparedness and training activities.
Unlike storms and other challenges emergency responders face, the Y2K problem is unique and hard to quantify, which makes preparation all the more difficult. But if we work together, I am confident, as the President has said, that we can ensure that the Year 2000 problem is the last headache of the 20th century and not the first crisis of the 21st.
Updated: February 17, 1999
Bulletin
News Release
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/pkit_05.htmY2K Bulletin Newsletter
EMA Issues Consumer Guide to Prepare for Y2K
WASHINGTON The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a consumers guide to preparing for the Year 2000, the Y2K Bulletin. It is part of FEMAs effort to provide timely, accurate information on preparedness for Y2K.
[Y2K Bulletin included in Additional post below]
"Being prepared is key to dealing with any potential emergency, whether natural or man made," said FEMA Director James Lee Witt. "We need to take the same approach we use with hurricanes, tornadoes or floods --- prepare for the worst and hope for the best."
When the calendar turns to 2000 (Y2K), problems may occur because many computer-driven systems were designed to recognize the last two digits as designations for a year.
The Y2K Bulletin contains answers to questions most commonly asked about Y2K, what to do about consumer electronic products, including your personal computer, and steps for small- business owners to take, among other topics.
"It is important that we tell the American people everything we know, for an educated public will always make the right decisions," FEMA Deputy Director Mike Walker said.
Single and multiple copies of the four-page newsletter are available at no cost from FEMA. To place an order, call 1-800-480-2520. Copies of the Bulletin also are available.
Updated: February 17, 1999
Web Sites
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/pkit_06.htmFederal Y2K Web Sites
Presidents Council on Y2K Conversion
http://www.y2k.govFederal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/y2kU.S. Department of Transportation
http://www.y2ktransport.dot.gov/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.govU.S. Department of Energy
http://home.doe.gov/y2k/y2k.htmU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/im/ceimp/y2k.htmlNational Communications System
http://www.ncs.gov/n5_hp/Customer_Service/NCS-Y2K/Year2000a.htmlEnvironmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/year2000/index.htmAmerican Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/y2k.htmlUpdated: February 17, 1999
For complete FEMA coverage of Year 2000 Issues
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/See also the thread ...
LINKS: Know Your FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000NRV
-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), February 17, 1999
Y2K Bulletin (For Consumers)
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/ bltn00.htmPage One
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/ bltn01.htmKnow Your Risks
Preparations Are Well Underway
Y2K Information Sources
We need...to make sure that this Y2K bug will be remembered as the last headache of the 20th century, not the first crisis of the 21st.< br> -- President Bill Clinton, Jan 20, 1999
Know Your Risks
Much is being done at all levels of government and in the private sector to make sure transition to the new millennium comes without a hitch.
By now most everyone has heard about the glitch that could confuse many computer operations at the turn of the century. Potential problems range from coffeemakers refusing to perk to power outages.
Whether or not any of these projections come true, we need to prepare. We need to take the same approach we use with hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.
The likelihood that whatever disruptions we experience when the calendar turns to 2000 or Y2K will be minor or short lived should not keep us from doing everything we can to be ready.
Y2K problems may occur because many systems were designed to recognize last two digit designations for each year. Many software programs could be affected, but it is widely reported that serious problems also could occur because of embedded computer chips that are sometimes hard to locate. Chips are used in small systems (some thermostats) and large (electric power grids).
Because of advanced planning and actions in the public and private sectors to assess potential risks and to implement corrective measures, experts monitoring the situation do not expect significant disruptions in the normal flow of daily life.
However, as with any potential disruption, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that you assess your risks and take action to prevent problems.
This newsletter provides information to help you join your federal state and local governments in supporting President Clinton's call to make sure that the Y2K bug will be remembered as the last headache of the 20th century, not the first crisis of the 21st.
Preparations Are Well Under Way
In the Federal Government
President Clinton created the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion in February 1998. Representatives of more than 30 federal agencies are working to see the government is in compliance with Y2K needs. The Council promotes action and offers support on Y2K conversion to public and private sector organizations.
In Congress
Both the House and Senate established committees to confront the Year 2000 issue. They are working with government and the private sector to see that computer systems are Y2K compliant before the end of the year.
At FEMA
FEMA heads the emergency services working group of the President's Council and is responsible for helping state and local emergency management organizations, fire services, and emergency medical services get ready for Y2K.
Y2K Information
Pre-recorded information is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
CALL 1-888-USA-4-Y2K
(1-888-872-4925)
Toll Free
Information specialists are available to answer other questions from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Mon-Fri.
Updated: February 17, 1999
Page Two
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/ bltn02.htmY2K Questions
Consumer Electronic Products
Dates to Watch
Y2K Questions
The President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion prepared the following responses to the most commonly asked questions from the public.
Will the Y2K problem create major national disruptions in critical services?
There is no indication at this time that the Y2K problem will cause national disruptions in basic infrastructures such as electric power, telecommunications, banking, and transportation.
The President's Council is collecting information on the status of business and government Y2K work and will keep the public advised of progress throughout 1999
What should I be doing now to prepare for the Year 2000 transition?
Stay informed. Always be prepared for temporary disruptions in services, no matter what the cause.
Ask your local government, your bank, your utility company, and other organizations you rely upon what they are doing to be ready for the Year 2000.
Could Y2K failures in billing systems wipe out my payment records?
Some record keeping systems could be affected, but government agencies and private sector companies are working hard to ensure these systems will be ready. If Y2K failures do occur it is unlikely that your records will be erased. But it is always a good idea to keep copies of billing and other records.
Should I keep large amounts of cash at home?
There is no need. The banking industry has been working on the problem for several years and at the end of 1998, 96 percent were rated as being on track to be Y2K ready by June 30, 1999.
Computers operating ATM machines are being tested so that they will be ready.
While banks are confident that their record keeping systems will be ready for the Year 2000 it is always a good idea to keep copies of your bank statements.
I keep hearing that the Y2K problem will cause massive power outages. Is this true?
Massive national disruptions in electric power are unlikely. The industry has an aggressive program for monitoring Y2K progress coordinated by the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC).
According to NERC the industry has completed work on more than 50 percent of its critical systems and is committed to achieving 100 percent compliance by June 30, 1999.
The possibility of minor local outages can never be completely ruled out. However, the electric power industry said it is ready to meet that challenge each day.
Will it be safe to fly on January 1 2000?
Yes. Airplane manufacturers report that none of the problems identified so far would present a safety risk. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration has already fixed more than 90 percent of its critical systems.
Will the federal government be ready for the Year 2000 transition?
Yes. More than 60 percent of critical government systems already are Y2K compliant. The President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion expects all of the government's critical systems will be Y2K compliant before Jan 1, 2000.
Dates to Watch
Not all Y2K computer problems will surface on Jan 1, 2000. There are dates along the way that could cause problems.
One of the first dates passed with only a few scattered incidents. Jan 1, 1999 brought isolated reports of malfunctions by accounting systems that project ahead one year.
A few businesses were caught short, one when its payroll system failed and another when its security system locked employees out on the first work day of the year. The problems were remedied quickly.
July 1 1999 is the date most (46) states begin their fiscal year 2000.
Sept 9 1999 might be problematic since some software uses 9999 to signal the termination of a program
Oct 1 1999 is the beginning of the fiscal year 2000 for the government.
Finally, experts warn that some computer systems may spew out the wrong information because of leap year. If a computer program or system cannot compute Feb 29,there may some malfunctioning.
Consumer Electronic Products
Consumer and home-office products containing microchips may have a problem if they are programmed to use a day/month/year calendar function.
Among products that use microchips are some small and large appliances, heating and cooling equipment, home entertainment products, photographic equipment, wristwatches, calculators, pocket electronic organizers, thermostats and security systems.
The President's Council says most of these systems should not be affected by Y2K problems. To find out if your electronics are vulnerable, contact the manufacturer Many have toll-free numbers and/ or web sites to answer Y2K questions.
Updated: February 17, 1999
Page Three
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/ bltn03.htmYour Personal Computer
Be Prepared
Your Personal Computer
There are no simple answers or hard and fast rules about whether or not your home PC is vulnerable to the Y2K bug. Generally, if you bought a new one in the last year or two and use it for simple functions, it should cause no problem. However, if you have an older computer or use elaborate applications, the chances of problems are much higher.
Potential problems with the roll-over to the Year 2000 can occur in the hardware, the operating system, and the application programs. Virtually all computers have a time clock in the hardware Even those that display the correct date on Jan 1, 2000 (01-01-00) may not be registering the correct date in the operating system or applications. Before making adjustments to the date, consult with the manufacturer. Most have toll-free numbers or web sites to answer questions.
Most older versions of operating systems, such as Microsoft's MS DOS and MS Windows 3.1, will roll over on Jan 1, 2000 to Jan 4, 1980. This will result in erroneous dates and times on documents such as spreadsheets, home accounting programs, and listings of files or documents. Consult the manufacturer of your operating system.
Even after you have adjusted the date of your operating system, it is not clear the application software program will use the new date. Each software program needs to be assessed separately. The best way to do that is to call the vendor or visit its web site.
What is clear is that before 2000 rolls around, save all your important files on a floppy disk and create hard copies.
Be Prepared
The President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion says the transition to Y2K is not a cause for you to disrupt your life.
"There is no indication that there will be major national disruptions in key infrastructures such as electric power, telecommunications, banking, and transportation, and most local authorities are leading aggressive efforts to solve the problem," John Koskinen, chairman of the President's Council, says. "However, we are telling people that it is always smart to be prepared for the possibility that anything -- from inclement weather to Y2K failures -- could temporarily disrupt services at any time.
Personal preparedness for transition to the Year 2000 is no different from ways you prepare for the usual winter storm. As always, you should have batteries for flashlights and radios, a three day supply of water and non perishable goods, and at least a half tank of gas.
The Y2K problem also is a reminder to take care of your billing, bank, and tax records. Having recent copies of records and statements on file at home makes good sense at any time.
The President's Council is monitoring the situation, and will provide updated guidance in the months ahead through its web page, http:// www.y2k.gov/, and toll free information line, 1-888-USA-4-Y2K.
Y2K Bulletin is a special edition of Recovery Times developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Additional copies of Y2K Bulletin are available by calling 1-800-480- 2520. Comments may be sent via the Internet to eipa@fema.gov or by mail to FEMA, EIPA, 500 C Street SW, Washington DC 20472.
Joe Stocks Director FEMA Office of Emergency Information and Public Affairs
Updated: February 17, 1999
Page Four
http://www.fema.gov/y2k/ bltn04.htmIf You Own a Business Y2K Around the World Y2K Websites
Y2K Websites [Repeat, as part of the Bulletin]
Presidents Council on Y2K Conversion
http://www.y2k.govFederal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/y2kU.S. Department of Transportation
http:// www.y2ktransport.dot.gov/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.govU.S. Department of Energy
http://home.doe.gov/y2k/ y2k.htmU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/im/ceimp/y2k.htmlNational Communications System
http://www.ncs.gov/n5_hp/Customer_Service/NCS-Y2K/ Year2000a.htmlEnvironmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/ year2000/index.htmAmerican Red Cross
http:// www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/y2k.htmlIf You Own a Business
James Lee Witt (left), director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, believes preparedness is the key to dealing with potential disasters, whether natural or man-made.
All businesses are vulnerable to potential Y2K problems, but there is no single solution. Even if a business has adjusted its computers, it may be impacted by suppliers or others who have not made a full adjustment for the new millennium. Have a plan of action for addressing Y2K problems. Following are steps to take in drafting such a plan:
Awareness Make employees and suppliers aware of the potential for Y2K problems and what it will take for your systems to be in compliance.
Inventory Inventory all automated systems and decide who will be responsible for getting them ready for the Year 2000.
Assessment Contact manufacturers to check compliance and, if necessary, corrective measures needed for non-compliant computer systems For systems that have to be fixed, decide whether to repair, replace, or retire them.
Testing The best way to see if your system is ready is to test it as if it were already 2000.
Contingency Planning Consider plans for all conceivable scenarios. Back up and protect your business data, ensure continued operation of your business with minimum delays, ensure continued flow of products and services.
Y2K Around the World
A little preparedness, a lot of facts, and a dose of common sense go a long way towards reducing the risk and easing minds regarding Y2K.
-- James Lee Witt, director Federal Emergency Management Agency
Most researchers agree that many foreign companies and governments probably lag behind those in the United States in addressing the problem of compliance for the Year 2000. One estimate is that only 50 percent of the world's countries have plans for meeting the Y2K challenge.
With the international economy increasingly reliant on electronic commerce, U.S. businesses and government agencies have an interest in ensuring that their foreign counterparts are addressing the problem.
Several international organizations are involved in raising awareness about the 2000 problem, including the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Bank, and the European Commission. The U.N. held a meeting on Dec. 11, which was attended by representatives of 120 countries. The World Bank will spend $30 million this year to help countries find solutions to pending computer problems.
Some developing countries may not be affected internally by Y2K because they are less dependent than developed nations on computer technology. Further, in those countries that are becoming more reliant, the systems are more recent and many of the newer systems are able to deal with the Year 2000.
Updated: February 17, 1999
-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), February 17, 1999.
Diane,Thanks for the time and effort you take to share this info with everyone! Greatly appreciated!!
-- shivermetimbers (zerodegrees@brrrrrr.com), February 18, 1999.
Diane,You have to be one of the hardest working members on this forum. Again, my thanks for your efforts.
There was one quote from FEMA early in your post that got my attention. It was "Nothing about Y2K is preordained except for the date".
On the contrary, what happens later this year and early next year will depend to a great degree on what a company, or government agency or utility did or did not do about Y2K in 1996 and 1997. But, we *can* change how well our own communities will deal with the inevitable problems that are coming.
-- Kevin (mixesmusic@worldnet.att.net), February 18, 1999.
How come Diane can post this fluff and be praised, yet when I post something that the Military sent its members, I am flamed? Just a question. Consider that the FEMA stuff is sort of coming from the government and all.... Did the FEMA information say that one branch of the military still has to replace 1/8th of it's telephone switches? Not meant to be a flame, just an honest question. I have lurked here for many months, and now am about to become real vocal.
-- (cannot-say@this.time), February 18, 1999.
Good question Cannot-Say. Perhaps it's because Diane and some of us are immune to flames, and so the flamers don't bother.Please continue to post any and all info that you think is relevant, and simply ignore the flamers. If you want help keeping flamers at bay, I'd be glad to help, I have a lot of practice };)
-- Chris (catsy@pond.com), February 18, 1999.
Ditto ... Chris.Diane
-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), February 18, 1999.
cannot-say@this.time,The reason I post some of the "fluff" (your term) is that FEMA is THE LEAD U.S. AGENCY co-ordinating Y2K efforts across the nation. It's just as important to stay on top of what they are saying about Y2K -- at least publicly -- as it is to see what the military, et. al. is DOING.
And yet, always, always investigate "behind-the-scenes" for the truth of their public posturing versus their internal realities.
Remember FEMA is the key "public" agency link between the Y2K and terrorism issues.
Diane
-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), February 18, 1999.
Diane, It was not meant to be a slam against you. I was just asking a question, as I put up a link of a document that I thought some might be interested in. This forum seems to have become as of late, a list of insiders and anyone else that wishes to contribute to this forum in any form of "education" cannot due so. I think that this treatment is unfair to those of us that wish to inform others as well. I do not have the time to constantly sit at my computer to do massive searches of everything Y2K to put onto this forum. I for one, am working on the solution to the problem that will hit in little over 10 months time. For what it is worth, I think that the military is running scared and facing the fact that they are thinking that within their own ranks the people that serve this country may well contribute to bringing it down. By that, I mean the bank runs. Can I understand them wanting to calm people so that the financial security of this great nation stands for as long as it can? Yes I can. Can I understand that they are telling their members that things are not well, and to expect problems? Yes I can. If you do not think that things FEMA related are not discussed and cleared above them, then you are in for a sad awakening. I bet you 100 lbs of rice, that the government knows what FEMA is going to say before most members of FEMA know what they are going to say. Do I respect FEMA for what they are doing? Yes. All I ask of you, and everyone else on this forum to do, is to be kind of others that wish to present information that may or may not be "vital" to them. The military sending something out to the NAVY says a hell of a lot to me, considering that one half of my household is employed by the NAVY. They could not have said anything other than don't worry .... be happy.
-- (cannot-say@this.time), February 18, 1999.
cannot-say@this.time,I didn't really take your comments as a "slam." It's just that I HAVE taken a lot of time to look carefully at FEMA and their actions.
The number two guy Mike Walker has a DoD background, was newly appointed last October by President Clinton and is in charge of Y2K AND terrorism issues. That has never happened before at FEMA. I find it "interesting."
Yes, I too think the military is running scared. That's perhaps why we are seeing so much career shuffling in Washington, and Urban Warrior scenes all around the country. Several of us have noticed that people with DoD backgrounds are being strategically placed at most the alphabet agencies. I find that trend alarming too.
It's not ALL about terrorism, I suspect. Just WHAT it is, is not quite clear yet. Lots of speculation.
Sorry you feel unappreciated on the forum. Most of us semi-old threaders really welcome new and valuable contributors. It's the trolls we don't suffer lightly.
Personally, I don't have the time I once had to read all the threads. I must have missed your Navy link. Could you provide a link to it?
Thanks,
Diane
-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), February 18, 1999.
Well - let's see how these guys do: this is full of the now standard, but very blunt statements predicting "no harm" "small, localized problems" etc. Quoting a little bit from above:<< Y2K and The Federal Response Plan
The Federal Response Plan is used to quickly mobilize federal resources to help state and local governments in the face of catastrophic disasters, such as an earthquake or hurricane. Under the plan, FEMA provides assistance to state and local governments in such areas as transportation, communications, public works and engineering, firefighting, information and planning, resource management, health and medical services and other areas.
Federal planners are developing Y2K supplemental material for the plan. Their planning assumptions are based on Y2K assessment reports prepared for President's Council on Y2K Conversion. Current assessments show the country's basic infrastructure will work and there will be no major nationwide disruptions. However, there may be a need for federal response assistance to handle scattered Y2K-related disruptions. FEMA is prepared to implement the Federal Response Plan in connection with Y2K disruptions, if necessary.
FEMAs Y2K Compliance Program
FEMA is positioned for continued operations through the Y2K transition. Clay Hollister, FEMAs chief information officer, reports work on all 46 of the agencys mission-critical systems will be complete by March 31. Hollister has directed FEMAs Y2K compliance project for nearly three years. >>
How many people willing to bet they can predict their own remediation date right first? Says right above: March 31 - and the IRS is still "missing" after their supposed 31 January deadline "will be met" promise in November.
Now, what justifies their optimism - NO other federal government agency - other than Social Security - has announced compliance since December 1998. I want to know where FEMA is storing supplies for 250 million people if these guys are wrong.
-- Robert A. Cook, P.E. (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), February 18, 1999.