Y2K May Spur Other Disaster Preparations

Orange County residents--who already have to worry about earthquakes, floods and brush fires--now have another potential problem to prepare for: the Year 2000 computer bug.

Or do they?

Some people believe the computer glitch will cause power systems to fail, jets to be grounded, bank teller machines to stop dispensing money and other problems at midnight Dec. 31.

Others are far less concerned, saying the vast majority of computers will make it to the new year without problems and that most of the doomsayers’ predictions are overblown.

In any case, disaster experts say, it’s better to be on the safe side, and now is the time to prepare.

“We don’t have a crystal ball. We don’t know what the future holds,” said Judy Iannaccone, spokeswoman for the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross. “But what we do know is it’s good common sense for any Orange County family to be prepared for any eventuality.”

Families should stock disaster supplies to last several days--food, water, prescription and nonprescription medication, as well as extra clothing and blankets, according to disaster experts.

It’s also a good idea to have cash on hand and fill the car’s gas tank before Dec. 31, they said.

“Frankly, families should be doing this anyway,” Iannaccone said.

At the same time, experts are warning the public to be wary of companies capitalizing on people’s fear by upping the prices of disaster supplies and Y2K-related books.

Officials at the American Assn. of Retired Persons, for example, are warning consumers to be on guard against con artists who might use the millennium bug as part of scare-tactics scams. They are urging people to be skeptical of unsolicited offers--by mail, phone or in person--for Y2K assistance and products.

Ed Restante, a survivalist in San Juan Capistrano, said he had seen Y2K books that were not very informative selling for as much as $50.

It should not cost much to be informed and prepared, Iannaccone said.

“If you take the necessary steps, then you don’t have to be in that anxious state of mind,” she said.

The Red Cross is offering Y2K brochures, disaster preparedness classes and supply kits. The organization will also have speakers available by the end of the month.

Westminster resident Margaret Newman, 58, began Y2K preparations last year. Newman has listened to survival tapes, stockpiled canned goods under her bed and collected water bottles. She bought a wind-up radio and battery-operated light fixtures and is still looking for a water filter.

“I’m convinced that it’s a serious problem, so I’m going to do what I can in my home and neighborhood,” she said.

Y2K is short for Year 2000. The so-called millennium bug results from computer coding that uses two-digits rather than four to represent a year.

“We are not sure if Y2K will be a legitimate disaster by any stretch of the terms,” Iannaccone added. “But if people are believing what they’re reading, take that concern and take it into positive action. It’s a good time to get prepared.”