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Issue #17 of the Hieronimus & Co. Journal is full of checklists and articles about how and why to prepare for the disruptions that could result from the Y2K computer bug. Reprinted here are the 12 pages of checklists from that issue, but if you would like the complete issue which includes many more tips and interviews with experts Victor Porlier and Larry Shook

Special price to order individual copies of Issue #17 of The Hieronimus & Co. Journal "Y2K: The World's First Global Computer Crisis" which includes 12 pages of checklists, other practical tips, and interviews with experts Victor Porlier and Larry Shook!

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What follows below are more Y2K tops posted before the publication of Issue #17 of The Hieronimus & Co. Journal and some of the information is repeated in both places. But there is also some new information contained in this first installment of information so we have repeated it anyway.

Disclaimer:
This publication is designed to provide general information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding that neither the author nor publisher is engaged in rendering legal, medical, or other professional services; it is not to be used as a substitute for professional legal, medical, or technical advice or services.

FOOD
*Keep meal preparation in mind. Remember you may be without refrigeration or electricity, so buy foods that can be prepared very simply, requiring nothing more than boiling water or that can be eaten cold or uncooked if necessary.

*Buy quantities that will allow the consumption of any perishable food at one sitting.

*Store large amounts of staples along with a variety of canned and dried foods. Staples like wheat, corn, beans and salt have nearly unlimited shelf life, and if necessary, you could survive for years on small daily amounts.

*Stock the following amounts of staples per person, per month:
Brown rice or whole wheat: 20 pounds Powdered milk: 20 pounds (Buy in nitrogen-packed cans. For babies and infants, mother's milk is best if possible.)
Corn: 20 pounds (To aid digestion, must be ground before eating. You can find hand-cranked grain mills for corn at health food stores.)
Iodized salt: 1 pound (Leave in original package.) Soybeans: 10 pounds
Vitamin C: 15 grains (Rotate every two years. Leave in original package.)

*Store wheat, corn and beans in sealed cans or plastic buckets. Use only food-grade plastic containers for long-term food storage.*Supplement the staples with canned goods, commercially packed air-dried or freeze-dried foods, supermarket goods, maybe home-made dried fruits and vegetables (more economical). The more supplements you include, the more expensive your stockpile will be.

An easy approach to long-term food storage:
1. Buy a supply of the bulk staples listed below.
2. Build up your everyday stock of canned goods until you have a two week
to one-month surplus. Canned goods will last 2-5 years beyond the stamped
"sell by" date (except tomato products and sauerkraut and high acid fruits).
Don't forget at least one non-electric can opener!
3. Rotate periodically to maintain a supply of common foods that will not
require special preparation, water or cooking.
4. From a sporting or camping equipment store, buy commercially packaged,
freeze-dried or air-dried foods. Although costly, this will be your best
form of stored meat, so buy accordingly.

Good Food For Emergency Storage

Dried: rice, beans, lentils, pasta, nuts, sunflower seeds, cereals, rolled oats, pancake mix, food/snack bars, beef/turkey jerky, bullion cubes, ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers),
crackers (in metal containers), potato flakes, baking powder, popcorn

Canned: vegetables, fruits, juices, tomatoes (rotate!), pasta sauce, soups, stews, tuna, precooked meats, Spam, non-carbonated soft drinks, milk, (if powdered, store extra water). Don't forget at least one non-electric can
opener!

High Energy Foods: peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, fruit roll ups, beef jerky

Fats and Oils: olive oil (recommended) or canola nut butters

Dairy: powdered milk, evaporated milk, powdered eggs

Meat substitute: Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) in various flavors, comes dry in cans, has long shelf life, tastes good, prepares with boiling water, highly nutritious.

Condiments: mustard, ketchup, soy sauce

Sugar: (white or brown), honey

Salt, pepper, assorted dried spices: garlic, onion, oregano, chili powder, etc.

Comfort or Stress Foods: cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags, cocoa, chocolate bars, canned nuts.

Vitamin and mineral supplements (very highly recommended). Zoh prefers
Super Veggies (1-800-773-0349) and the daily supplement from Dr. Myles Bader
(1-800-717-6001).

Foods For Special Diets: Foods or solutions for the elderly, babies or
those on special diets.

Storage Tips (without refrigeration)

*Keep food in the driest and coolest spot in the house -- a dark area if possible.
*Do not store food or water near your supply of kerosene or other fuel. Water especially will absorb odors.
*Keep food covered at all times.
*Open food boxes or cans carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use.
*Wrap cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight containers.
*Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw top jars or air-tight cans to protect them from pests.
*Inspect all food containers regularly, and before use, for signs of spoilage. Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. If a can is distended or dented, or there is some other question about its safety, throw it out. Remember food poisoning kills!
*Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
*Don't store anything edible in your garage. The enemies of stored food and water are temperature, light, humidity and vermin.
*Military rations (MREs) can be bought at any surplus stores, and camp food (dried and dehydrated) at a camping supply store. Remember that MREs were designed as short-term emergency rations, and not meant to be eaten for a extended period of time. Do not rely on them as your sole source of food as they have been known to cause digestive problems.
*If you do purchase canned perishables (like canned milk, powdered eggs, baby formula), be sure they are sized for use. You won't be able to store opened cans of milk, etc., without risking food poisoning if you don't have refrigeration.
*One option for keeping foods cold is outside. If the temperature outside is consistently below 40 degrees, a Styrofoam cooler outdoors will work well for items like milk, margarine, cheese, etc. Just be sure to protect it from animals and curious passersby.

If you have plenty of time on your hands, one economical alternative is to grow your own vegetables and herbs this summer and learn how to preserve them with drying, dehydrating or canning. Make sure you know what you are doing first, by studying a book like Carla Emery's Encyclopedia of Country Living,
Sasquatch Books, 1-800-775-0817, www.SasquatchBooks.com.

Start laying in nonperishable basics today, such as toilet paper, tissue, toiletries, etc. If your local supermarket fails after Y2K, you may discover the barter market where toilet paper could be a valuable commodity.

WATER

*How Much Water?
Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation). Children, nursing mothers and ill people need more water than average. Your pets will also need clean drinking water.

*To Disinfect Water
To prevent the growth of microorganisms, before storing your water, add 2 drops of chlorine bleach per quart and shake it to dissolve (comparable to city tap water which is chlorinated). Use liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite and no soap. Some containers warn, "Not For Personal Use". You can disregard these warnings only if the label states sodium hypochlorite is the only active ingredient. Since there is some debate over the purity of tap water, make sure you treat it before storing it \long-term. You can also sterilize water by boiling it, but it takes 10 minutes and a sustained source of heat, and you lose water to the steam that way. Distilling is also possible, but not practical for most people.

*Storage Of Water
Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances, because tiny amounts may remain in the container's pores. Sound plastic containers, such as soft-drink bottles, are good. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. Rotate stored water every six months. Do not store water next to fuel or trash because it absorbs odors. Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place.

*Additional Water Sources Inside Your House
To save your precious drinking water for drinking, fill up your sinks and bathtubs on 12/31/99 and use this water for cleaning, force-flushing your toilet, etc. If an emergency catches you unprepared, remember there is water in your hot-water tank, in your plumbing, in ice cubes, and in the reservoir tank of your toilet (purify it first). Water beds usually contain toxic chemicals and should not be used as a source of drinking water. To use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by turning on the highest (elevation) faucet in your house and draining the water from the lowest one. To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.

*Learn How To Shut Off Your Water
Do you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll need to shut if off to stop contaminated water from entering your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines. Also, in cold climates, frozen pipes may burst if there is no heat. Shut off the water and drain the pipes if there's a strong possibility of this occurring.

How To Function Without Electrical Power
IMPORTANT TIP: If we are living without electrical power for any extended period of time, there will be a greatly increased risk of accidental fires. Make sure you have several Fire Extinguishers and battery operated Smoke and CO2 Detectors!

Heating Options *Fireplaces are only about 20% efficient, but they are greatly improved by adding a heating glow insert.

*Woodstoves are 60-85% efficient, and you can also cook on them.

*Kerosene heaters require an enormous amount of fuel storage (where are you going to put it?) Kerosene is highly flammable and must be stored away from the house and away from your food storage. A typical kerosene heater requires 5 gallons of fuel for every 24 hours of use.

*Propane heaters are not too expensive and you can have a tank installed outside your house or underground, if you make arrangements early enough in the year.

*Generators can be expensive, temperamental, and noisy, and require hazardous storage of fuel. Lower-tech alternatives listed above are better choices for most, unless you have a medical condition which relies on immediate return of power when the grid fails.

*Solar power devices can be expensive to install, but solar batteries and converters are a good long-term solution to reduce your reliance on the electric grid.

*Restrict heating to one or two rooms of the house and shut the doors on the rest. Try not to enter or exit the house from the room of the source of your primary heat. However, do make sure there is adequate ventilation to
prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide, other gases or smoke. Pile up mattresses, sleeping bags, thick blankets and pillows across from the heat source, but not too near it.

*Build an indoor tent with blankets and furniture, like you did when you were kids. It will help trap the body heat during the night.

*Remember the ill, the elderly and small children are particularly susceptible to cold, and must be kept warm. Have children sleep together or with you or with the pets.

*Begin now collecting extra blankets and all kinds of winter clothing. These will be valuable items if a barter market develops.

*Winter Camping Tips For Keeping Warm: *painter's plastic drop-sheet makes a good emergency shelter *limit your sweating (its production and evaporation rob the body of heat; open buttons and zippers when getting too warm)

*metal canteens can be used as a hot water bottle *drink plenty -- your body needs water to make heat *alcohol creates the illusion of warmth but actually accelerates loss of body heat *high energy meals and frequent snacks, pack in the carbohydrates *air dry sleeping bags and clothing on extended camp outs -- dampness chills *sleep with a friend or with your pets *exercise -- pushups can warm you up in a hurry/p>

Cooking Options *Coleman camp stove, can use unleaded gasoline siphoned from your car
*Kerosene campstoves also available
*Sterno Cans, etc. Most camping-supply stores have quite a wide variety of devices with which you can cook, from solar to cans of ignitable gel. Make these purchases well in advance. Prices will go up and availability down as "the day" approaches.
*Nonelectric chafing dishes and fondue pots
*A good supply of wooden matches
*Keep a window open when cooking on alternative options
*Have fire extinguishers, and battery operated smoke detectors nearby and monitor children around alternative cooking options
*When The Electricity Goes Off: First, use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator. Then use the foods from the freezer (to minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it). Foods are safe to eat if still have ice crystals in the center, usually at least three days. Finally, begin to use nonperishable foods and staples.

Lighting Options
*Stock up on batteries and flashlights. You can store the batteries inside the flashlights if you place a small piece of cloth between the batteries and the contacts, which you remove when you are ready to use.

*Candles - go to a camping store for special long-lasting candles

*Kerosene or Coleman lanterns

*Solar chargeable flashlights

*Nontoxic light sticks are easy to carry, tough, and safe to play with.

Personal Health, Hygiene, Sanitation
*Have physical and dental check-ups early in the year and take care of any medical or dental problems now.

*Keep your prescriptions handy and ask your doctor to make a duplicate prescription so you can have extra medications stored.

*Get hard copies of your medical file, X rays, and other records.

*Check with the manufacturer or your doctor if your medical devices (pacemaker, etc.) are Y2K compliant. Those with the following conditions may be especially at risk and should take special precautions: Acute or chronic respiratory illnesses, heart ailments, unstable or juvenile diabetes, dependence on tube feeding, epilepsy, tracheotomies, urinary catheters, colostomies, dialysis dependence.

*Take advantage of the free classes offered by the Red Cross and on the web in basic first aid, CPR, etc.

*Emergency services: If phones are down, you will not be able to phone for emergency help. Learn now what to do in a variety of situations, such as a knocked-out tooth, fever, broken bones, falls, and other emergencies. This will reduce the likelihood of panic, and increase the chances of survival for the ill or injured person. Make sure you know the location of the nearest emergency facilities, and how to get there. Remember, don't expect the same quality of care you are used to if there is a general emergency in your community. Try to help out, not demand immediate treatment.

*Stock up now on personal hygiene products like shampoo, toilet paper (you can never have too much toilet paper!), razors, antacids, cold and allergy medicines, soap, toothpaste, etc.

Assemble a well stocked First Aid Kit. You can obtain a first-aid manual from your local American Red Cross chapter. Include the following:

* Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
* 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
* 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
* Ace bandages in 2-, 4-, and 6-inch widths are the most effective for compression to stop bleeding
* Band-Aids of various sizes
* Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
* Triangular bandages (3)
* 2- & 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
* Scissors
* Tweezers
* Needles
* Moistened towellettes
* Antiseptic
* Thermometer
* Tongue blades (2)
* Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
* Assorted sizes of safety pins
* Cleansing solutions like Bactine, Iodine
* Cotton Balls or Swabs
* Peroxide
* Eye flush kit
* Latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
* Sunscreen
* Bee sting kit, snake bite kit
* Burn cream or gel (Remember, risk of burn injuries will increase if you are cooking on camping stoves or heating your home with woodstoves or kerosene heaters.)
* Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
* Antidiarrhea medication
* Antacid
* Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the poison control center)
* Laxative, diuretic
* Activated charcoal (use if advised by the poison control center)
* Boric acid powder
* Large quantity of mineral oil
* Calamine lotion
* Coconut oil
* Castor oil
* Sodium bicarbonate
* Sweet oil
* Rubbing alcohol
* Glycerin
* Epsom salts
* Witch hazel
* Mercurochrome
* Good antibiotic ointment
* Suture kit
* Paper face masks
* Aloe Vera, plain and gel
* Tea tree oil
* Kyolic
* Your own personal remedies that you prefer. Whatever you use, buy more and store it.

Hygiene
*Sanitation and refuse
Have enough sturdy, lidded containers to hold refuse produced over a two-week period. If there are delays in garbage collection, rodents can become a major health threat where garbage accumulates. If waste builds up, consider burying bags in pits and use lime to cut down on smell and contamination.

*For personal waste
Improper disposal of human waste will pose a serious health hazard and contamination can spread like wildfire across a city. As long as your extra water supply holds out, pour a bucket of water into the toilet to force flush it. Don't use your drinking water if you can help it. Filling up the bathtub ahead of time should provide enough water for a week or more. If your shower works, don't let all the water drain afterwards. Bleach can be used to deodorize and disinfect the toilet when added to the water. As a last resort, line your toilet with a plastic bag and collect waste there, adding a cupful of lime for disinfecting, and then bury it in a pit at least
24 inches deep. Lime can be purchased in garden stores, but any anitbacterial agent is better than none (dishwashing soap, laundry powder).
If you have no yard, keep it outside in a tightly lidded container until services return. Apartment dwellers are particularly at risk here, and should approach owners now to arrange for portable potties in the parking
lot, absorbing the cost in higher rents.

Other Basic Supplies And Tools
* Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils (you don't want to waste drinking water washing dishes!)
* Disposable baby bottle liners
* Flashlights and extra batteries
* Manual can opener, utility knife
* Matches (a waterproof container is useful as well)
* Aluminum foil (better than dirtying pans)
* Plastic storage containers
* Paper, pencil, pen
* Whistle
* Needles, thread
* Medicine dropper
* Shut-off wrench (to turn off household gas and water)
* Candles, lamps and lamp oil
* Battery operated smoke alarm
* Plastic sheeting (in case of leaks, etc.)
* Toilet paper, towellettes (especially for babies)
* Soap, liquid detergent (antibacterial soap that doesn't use water is available)
* Feminine supplies
* Personal hygiene items (especially deodorant!)
* Baby needs (diapers, ointments, etc.)
* Contact lenses and solution
* Denture needs
* Extra eyeglasses
* Plastic garbage bags, ties, various sizes (for personal sanitation uses, etc.)
* Plastic buckets with tight lids (serve as great potties!)
* Disinfectant
* Lime from the garden store
* Household chlorine bleach
* Room deodorizer (spray or solid. No wall plug-ins!)
* Pet food, Kitty litter
* Ball of strong twine
* Large plastic tarps (as many as you can afford)
* Several pairs of work gloves
* An auger-type post hole digger
* Basic home repair how-to books
* Basic tool kit to include: hand saw, hammer, hand axe with a short handle, hacksaw, screwdrivers (both Phillips and common), a good knife (pocket or sliding blade kind), a good assortment of nails, pliers, crowbar or wrecking bar, staple gun and lots of staples

Financial and Personal Document Preparation
*Cash -- have enough on hand to cover your needs for at least one month

*Because most accounting systems are automated, expect some interruptions or problems with paychecks, government benefits, and the like.

*Keep canceled checks for the whole year of 1999 so you can prove you have paid the various bills

*Make sure your insurance is paid up.

*Identify a single location to file all crucial papers -- preferably fire proof

*Create copies now (certified, in cases of birth certificates, and other crucial documents) in case you need them later to provide government agencies, and you don't have access to a copy machine.

*Put important original documents in plastic covers to protect them and prevent you from accidentally giving away an original copy.

*Notify the appropriate people where this impor-tant information will be located in case you are not available when it is needed.

*Do not count on your bills being paid for you if you have automatic payment plans. Pay them manually at least three to four months in advance for a two-month period, extending into February of 2000. Make sure you keep track of all payments and have receipts. If there's a problem, it'll be up to you to prove you made the payment.

If our computer infrastructures fail, you may need to prove who you are, what you own, what you owe, and more. Collecting the following documents all in one place, and making copies now, will save you from panic or frustration later.

Document checklist:

*Birth Certificates
*Marriage Certificates
*Divorce Decrees
*Credit Card Statements
*Identification Records (driver's license, green card, passport, etc.)
*Income Tax Information (copies of past returns, proof of estimated tax payments)
*Car and Rent Payments
*Mortgage and Other Loan Information
*Inventory of valuable household goods
*Be able to prove your entitlements:
*Bank Account Records - Checking and Savings
*Employer Benefit Statements
*Insurance Policies
*Investment Records
*Report of Earnings from Social Security
*Social Security Card and Records
*Titles, Deeds, Registrations for Property and Vehicles Owned
*Traveler's Check Numbers (in case they are lost or stolen)
*Trusts
*Wills
*Contact Information for Alarm Systems, Banks and Other Financial Institutions, Computer Hardware and Software Companies, Doctors, Employer, Insurance Agents, Life Support, Minister, Rabbi or Priest, Neighbors, Friends, Power, Light, Gas or other Utility Companies, Relatives, Social
Security Office

Bartering The best hedge against inflation and price hikes is purchasing in advance. If you are caught short or aren't able to put aside as much cash as you'd like, look into the barter economy. Barter is common practice in
many areas. More information about bartering can be found in books like Survival Bartering by Duncan Long, or on the web at www.lesfrench.com/html/tutorial.htm or www.thetradeworld.com/or
www.solutions-4u.com/barter/aboutbs.htm.

Communication/Entertainment
The Phone May Not Work Consider a CB radio or a family channel walkie talkie to maintain contact with the outside world or if a family member will be away for more than a couple of hours.

Plan For Life With No Television Expect to be the sole source of entertainment for yourself and your family and have plenty of books, games and crafts available. Entertainment systems, Walkmans, etc., may or may not
be affected directly by Y2K problems, but make sure you have enough batteries.

Radio Is Most Likely Source To Be Available For Information Make sure you have a portable battery-operated AM/FM radio with good reception, and enough battery power for at least a week of continuous play. Find out now how many batteries you need by inserting fresh batteries and leaving it on, then time
how long the radio will operate and buy batteries accordingly.

Ham Radio Ham radio equipment can operate on batteries or solar units. For more information on Amateur Radio see: http://www.voicenation.com/resources/general-resources/article-library/all-about-ham-radios.shtml

Transportation
*Car - Check with your car dealer to be sure your auto is Y2K compliant. Engine software problems could cause a backfire during start-up, which could result in a cracked intake manifold, which could erupt in a fire.

*Gas - Fill up your gasoline tank just before 12/31/99. Gas stations may experience a variety of electronic problems and/or delays in fuel delivery.

*Bicycles - Have backup transportation (bicycles, walking, horse and cart in rural areas)

*Airlines - Don't plan airplane trips over the century change, or, if you do, leave at least two weeks ahead of time, and plan an extended stay. Several airline companies have publicly announced that they may not fly. Several insurance companies, such as Lloyds of London, have said they may not insure air carriers. Senate Special Committee On The Year 2000 Technology Problem concluded that domestic airports have begun to correct their Y2K problems very late, that the FAA has a long way to go, and air transport remains a high risk. International air control is in a much worse state of repair, flight rationing is likely.

*Railways - The rail industry will not be any more likely to run than other public transportation. Beware of rail crossings. It has been reported that some microprocessor-based gate and signaling controls have experienced Y2K problems during testing.

*Traffic Control - While driving, treat every light as if it were a stop sign -- even if green. Many traffic systems are microprocessor controlled. As a pedestrian, distrust crossing lights and fall back to "looking both ways" first.

Safety/Security
*Preventing Accidents Since emergency services and transportation may be disrupted, do everything you can to prevent accidents, injuries and fires in your home. Check for frayed or loose rugs, unnecessary objects on stairs, halls and walkways, and protruding objects on walls (that may be bumped into
in the dark), and other hazards.
*If you use candles, put them in a safe place away from any flammable material.
*Be sure all children know the dangers of candles, chafing dishes, potpourri scent pots, the fireplace and space heaters.
*Never leave children alone near an open flame or with matches.
*Keep clutter away from the stove while cooking.
*If grease catches fire, do not throw water on it. Cover the pan with a lid. Be careful. Moving the pan can cause the fire to spread. Never pour water on grease fires or try to beat it out with a towel.
*Always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
*Do not store combustible materials in closed areas or near a heat source.
*In order to avoid injury, turn pot handles away from the edge on the stove, and never wear loose clothing while cooking.
*Don't leave cooking food unattended for extended periods of time--this is the most common cause of cooking-related fires.
*Only burn wood in the fireplace, and small amounts of paper at a time, to avoid a chimney fire.
*Have your chimney cleaned and flue checked before using.
*Buy a battery-operated smoke detector. If you already have one, clean and test it. A working smoke detector can double your chances of survival.
*Practice home fire drills: designate two exits from every room, make sure all family members are aware of an outside meeting place, and get out quickly.

*Your Neighborhood The best security is a prepared neighbor. Talk to your neighbors.

*Your Community Offer your services to the local police, fire and emergency services. You can assist by helping to raise funds for compliant equipment, alternative and/or back-up energy, and communication sources and equipment.
Get several neighbors together and speak at city council meetings, public hearings and other functions.

*Secure Your Home Install residential steel doors with deadbolts, good locks on your windows, sliding doors and gates, and motion-detection lighting. There are now very good exterior solar lights that are equipped with motion detectors. Many last a week or more without charging. The best security measures include a well-lit area, the presence of a number of people, and the possibility of animal protection. "Beware of Dog" signs are proven deterrents.

Provide For Your Pets
This means including their food and water requirements in your plans. If for any reason you must evacuate your home, the Humane Society urges that you take your pets with you. Since emergency shelters will not accept animals (except ones that assist the disabled, such as seeing-eye dogs), you will have to make provisions for your pets elsewhere. Ask friends and relatives outside your area if they can shelter your pets in an emergency. Call kennels, hotels, and motels -- again outside your immediate area -- to find possible accommodations. For more information, contact the Humane Society of the United States, Disaster Services, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC
20037. From Victor Porlier's Y2K You Can't Avoid It, HarperCollins.

Emergency Evacuation Planning
*Learn your community's evacuation routes.
*Ask at your workplace about emergency plans.
*Learn about emergency plans for your children's school or day-care center.
*Meet with household members. Discuss with children how to respond to the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies.
*Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room. Indicate the location of emergency supplies (Disaster Supplies Kit), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, collapsible ladders, first aid kits and
utility shut off points.
*Practice emergency evacuation drills with all household members at least two times each year.
*Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches. Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
*Teach children how and when to call 911, police and fire.
*Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.
*Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated by disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).
*Teach children how to make long distance telephone calls.
*Pick two meeting places: 1. A place near your home in case of a fire; 2. A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.

If You Need to Evacuate

*Listen to a battery-powered radio for the location of emergency shelters
*Follow instructions of local officials
*Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes
*Take your "Go" Bag
*Lock your house
*Use travel routes specified by local officials

If You Are Sure You Have Time ...

*Shut off water, gas and electricity, if instructed to do so
*Let others know when you left and where you are going
*Make arrangements for pets. Animals may not be allowed in public shelters

Assemble A "Go" Bag with supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffel bag. Store a miniature version of your "Go" Bag in your car, and you will always be ready, even if caught away from home. "Go" Bags should include:
*A supply of water
*A supply of non-perishable high energy food like granola bars, raisins and peanut butter, hard candy
*A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
*Blankets or sleeping bags, or the all purpose trash bags
*A first-aid kit and prescription medications
*An extra pair of glasses
*A battery powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
*Credit cards and cash
*An extra set of car keys
*A list of family physicians
*A list of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices, such as pacemakers
*Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
*Maps of the area
*Booster cables
*Shovel
*Tire repair kit and pump
*Flares
*Consider making a similar "student survival kit" for your children to have with them at school at all times, and another for yourself to keep at work. (Change of clothes, water, food, blanket, first aid, identification/contact documents, etc.)

These Tips and Checklists Were Collated From the Following Sources

Paloma O'Riley's Cassandra Project, www.cassandraproject.org, phone: 303-664-5227

Ed Yourdon's Year 2000 Home Preparation Guide video with James Talmadge Stevens, www.readyfory2k.com, phone: 1-888-Y2K-4YOU

Dave Matthews Courtesy of Capitol Hill / Federal Center Outdoor Adventure Sports Group in Baltimore, MD

Ted Wright's Complete Disaster Survival Manual, www.TheEpicenter.com, phone: 1-800-948-8301

Barbara Hemphill's Taming The Paper Tiger, www.thepapertiger.com, Hemphill & Assoc., Raleigh, NC

Michael Lindemann's Global Situation Report, GSReport@aol.com

Find More Information About Y2K on The Internet

http://www.sightings@mindspring.com
http://www.utne.com/y2k
http://www.cassandraproject.org
http://www.redcross.org
www.TheEpicenter.com
http://www.y2kreview.com
http://www.yourdon.com
http://www.worldnetdaily.com
http://www.garynorth.com
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/roleigh_martin
http://www.magnet.ch/serendipity/hermetic/y2k.htm
http://www.euy2k.com
http://www.y2ktimebomb.com
http://www.y2kchaos.com
http://www.y2k.gov (the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion)
http://www.senate.gov/~y2k (Senate Special Committee)
http://www.y2knationalcouncil.com (free package on preparedness)
http://www.chucklanza.com (for municipality planning)

Recommended Y2K Books and Videos Y2K You Can't Avoid It! by Victor W. Porlier, HarperCollins, 1999, http://www.amazon.com (see page 5 of this newsletter for an interview with Mr. Porlier)

Awakening: The Upside Of Y2K, edited by Larry Shook, Judy Laddon and Tom Atlee, The Printed Word, phone: 509-624-3177 (see page 21 newsletter for an interview with Mr. Shook)

Ed Yourdon's Year 2000 Home Preparation Guide video, with James Talmadge Stevens, http://www.readyfory2k.com, phone: 1-888-Y2K-4YOU

Y2K Family Survival Guide video hosted by Leonard Nimoy, featuring Ted Wright, http://www.amazon.com

Y2K Citizen's Action Guide, presented by the Utne Reader, http://www.utne.com/y2k, 1-800-736-UTNE (for bulk orders). Available as a special offer for Hieronimus & Co. Journal subscribers, call 410-356-4852 for information.

Wright's Complete Disaster Survival Manual by Ted Wright, www.TheEpicenter.com, 1-800-948-8301

The Hippy Survival Guide To Y2K, Mike Oehler, Keokee Publishing, 1-800-880-3573, http://www.keokee.com/hippyY2K

The Millennium Bug: How To Survive The Coming Chaos by Michael Hyatt, Regnery Publishing, 202-216-0601

A Survival Guide For the Year 2000 Problem: Consumer Solutions For the Worst Technical Blunder in History, by Jim Lord, J. Marion Publishing, 1-888-Y2K-2555,

The Year 2000 (Y2K) Computer Disaster Survival Guide by Randy N. Welsh, P.O. Box 219, Barneveld, WI 53507, 608-835-9703

Making the Best of Basics and Don't Get Caught With Your Pantry Down by James Talmadge Stevens, Gold Leaf Press, 210-695-4200 or on the web at http://www.getready.net.

Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery, Sasquatch Books, 1-800-775-0817, http://www.SasquatchBooks.com.

Always be sure your air supply is good -- ventilate any auxiliary heating or cooking (stoves, space heaters, fireplaces).

Winter is the hardest time of year to survive.
Y2K will first arrive in winter !

A few tips, followed by a few links...

Heating without electricity
Select one room in the house that can act as a sleeping and living area. Basements tend to keep their temperature more evenly in electric outages. If you have a wood stove, fireplace insert or fireplace in your house, that should be the room you occupy at night. If not, consider adding a wood stove or fireplace insert soon. Store wood in advance. If you live in an apartment you pick the room that gets the most sunlight. Plan to cover windows at night with insulating material like blankets or insulation put up with duct tape, push pins or light nails. Learn how to drain the water lines in your house, turn off the gas and furnaces.

Generators and fuel can be purchased to keep wells, water heaters and furnaces in houses and apartments operating without public utilities.

Warm clothing for each person: hats, gloves, scarves, good winter boots. Consider using a tent in the house, sleeping bags for inside the beds or sleeping in a tent set up in the living room or a bedroom.

Light
Store extra batteries, flashlights, candles, lanterns and matches. Look for candles on sale everywhere you go. Always use candles safely, away from anything flammable. A candle lit inside a tin can (lid removed) gives off a nice amount of heat and reflected light. A mirror behind a lantern can light up a portion of any room.

Information
Have a working battery operated radio for important news. A radio may be the only way you'll have of knowing what's going on.

Water, Water, Water
Store one gallon of water per person for each day. During the year, fill all empty containers with water after they've been rinsed with water and a few drops of bleach (fill to brim, soak overnight, empty, rinse and refill with clean water). Store
these water containers out of reach of sunlight or heat -- the two enemies of water.

How much water do we need to live on?
For example, a family of four would need 4 gallons a day x 7 days = 28 gallons of water for one week.

On New Year's Eve 1999 Fill your bathtubs and sinks with water. In case the electricity goes off you have water for toilet flushing, cleaning, and drinking.

Water purification
If you can't boil questionable water before drinking, plan to purchase a water purification system that campers use, as well as tablets for water purification from camping stores (see Back Packers Magazine, March 1999).

If you want to cook without electricity
Whether you are cooking on small camping stoves, on wood stoves, propane stoves, Sterno cans, house gas stoves, in the fireplace or on backyard barbecue -- be sure your cooking spaces are well ventilated. If you have none of these cooking options plan to eat uncooked foods, dry goods, and canned goods you like unheated.

Food
Store enough food for your family for at least one week. Plan out a basic menu in advance. Remember six small snack-like meals will be better than trying to prepare three big meals. Drink non-caffinated fluids in-between meals. Juice powders are good to add to water on occasion.

Vary food supplies
between fruits both dried and canned, nuts, beans, cooked grains, popcorn, cereals, soups, vegetables, tuna, beef jerky, etc. Be sure to have some special treats like chocolate, hard candy and energy bars, cookies, crackers, nut butters, jams, trail
mix. Remember dehydrated foods require you use your water supply before eating. Do a trial run in the grocery store. Go down each food aisle and write down the foods that your family could store and eat without cooking and without refrigeration, that are still nutritious. If you have children, this could be turned into a fun family exercise. It also allows them have a say in what you might store for them. Purchase what you will need a little each week throughout the year.

Recreation -- What to do without TV?
Be sure that your battery-operated CDs, tape decks, and other toys have fresh batteries with extras put away. Have a few good board games, crafts projects, card games and books handy.

Think of your car as a back up resource!
Be sure your car is well-serviced for winter use and your gas tank is full prior to December 31, 1999. Keep a 72 hour survival kit in the trunk for each member of household. See www.TheEpicenter.com or call 1-800-948-8301 for more on how to prepare your auto.

Basic first aid kit
Have material on hand for cleaning and temporarily patching a wound. Stock up on aspirin and basic pain killers like Tylenol or Advil. Have extras of any prescription medications or natural remedies that you and your family regularly use. Other good ideas for basic first aid are Kaopectate for temporary bowel problems, Ipecac to induce vomiting, chamomile, ginger and peppermint teas for upset stomachs and cough/cold medicines for children and adults. The more natural the remedies the better.

Basic tool kit
For minor home repairs be sure to have ready hammer, crowbar, pliers, wrench, saw, screw drivers, plastic tarps, miscellaneous nails, screws, etc.

Small Sewing Kit with extra buttons, shoe laces, safety pins, etc.

Money
Have at least two weeks worth of cash on hand, in case you need to make any purchases.

Home Safety
Be sure your windows and doors are in good shape, smoke alarms working on batteries.

Home Files
Make copies of all important personal documents like
passports, birth certificates, bank accounts, stock accounts, life and other insurance
policies, titles, deeds, etc.

For more information on emergency preparedness
Call your local Red Cross chapter and ask them for their emergency preparedness booklets. For more thorough home preparedness, you can call any Mormon Church and ask them for their preparedness manual and 72 hour kit lists. Or call Hand of Man as listed. They all have different information for preparing a family pantry, medical and personal safety, what to put away for a family to live safely without electricity or running water, as well as how to prepare for an unexpected evacuation.

Every family, depending on its size, location and lifestyle will create their own solutions. Work with other families and community groups to do bulk purchasing of supplies. Do a little each month and it won't be a financial or emotional burden. Think of preparing your household and business as the best insurance policy money can buy. The more of us who prepare, the less burden we put on the local government's contingency plans during times of emergency. Where would you rather be, sleeping in a public shelter (if they have any room) or at home sweet home?

Take Part in Home Sweet Home Today!

Websites and phone numbers

www.Redcross.org
Good for emergency preparedness at home and for evacuation. Ask for their Emergency Preparedness lists.
In Baltimore, call 410-764-7000.

www.TheEpicenter.com
Good for preparing households for self reliance, autos for emergency safety, and back
packs for quick evacuation.
Call Hand of Man with Ted Wright
1-800-948-8301

www.Mormon.com
Church of Latter Day Saints - Ask for their manuals for preparing any home or apartment for food, water and alternative sources of heat and light. Good plans for a 72 hour emergency kit to a one year kit.
In the Baltimore Area -- to order Emergency Preparedness Manual (aprox. $15) Owen Fletcher --Stake President 410-686-6680

Other Great Y2K Links

News, reviews, municipal discussions, speakers and links about the Y2K preparations world wide, government preparations, community groups and resources (books, videos, supplies)

www.y2kreview.com
www.worldnetdaily.com
www.y2ktimebomb.com
www.millennia-bcs.com
www.beprepared.com

Books to Get

Y2K, You Can't Avoid It
Victor W. Porlier
Harper Collins, 1999
Excellent handguide to get ready, easy check lists

The Millennium Bug
How to Survive the Coming Chaos
Michael S. Hyatt
Regnery, 1998
Good overview of Y2K in all aspects of life, with good ideas for longer term preparedness and financial security

Awakening, The Upside of Y2K,
Judy Laddon, Tom Atlee & Larry Shook
The Printed Word, 1998
World over, people see our technological and ecological emergencies as an opportunity to reemerge as a more just and sustainable world.

The Y2K Citizens Action Guide
Published by the Utne Reader and available at some news stands or on the web at www.utne.com.
In Baltimore, call 410-356-4852 for more information on where to find it.
Great concise overview and many useful checklists and resources.

Here's To Your Home Sweet Home!

Rule of 3 and 4
You can live for 3 to 4 minutes without air.
You can live for 3 to 4 hours without warmth.
You can live for 3 to 4 days without water.
You can live for 3 to 4 weeks without food.

Shelter • Warmth • Water • Food

Creating options means having more choices. Choose Preparedness!