As the year progresses, y2k (the computer date glitch) is increasingly in the news. No one can say with certainty what will happen as the clock strikes midnight this new year's eve, but even the federal government is cautioning people to prepare as if for a bad winter storm or earthquake, and to avoid travel to some countries.
What does this mean to you?
I strongly advise you to begin now, if you haven't already, and focus on vital supplies such as water, light sources, warm bedding and clothing, batteries, battery operated radio, food that doesn't need cooking, and possibly propane cookstove or charcoal for your grill.
I also advise you to start keeping your car's gas level near full and continue to keep it at least 3 quarters full until the end of the year. If there are delays in gas delivery or problems with electric pumps, you will at least have that much. Your car's gas tank is the safest place to store gas--please don't resort to your garage for storage. Gas fumes are extremely flammable.
Other things to consider: baby wipes for waterless cleanup, paper plates, a stash of clean underwear (for those who go to the laundromat when all their clothes need washing), paper towels, plastic forks, spoons, knives, toilet paper, large trash bags, bleach to purify water [8 drops per gallon of clear water, 16 drops per gallon of cloudy water], kitty litter to aid disposal of solid human waste [place in garbage bag, inside bucket that will hold your weight], battery operated lantern [safer than candles in earthquake where gas line may have broken], entertainment such as library books on hand, games, cards, etc.
If you use a propane stove, consider extra fire extinguishers and check your smoke alarm. Ditto if you use candles.
Also choose foods that will cook quickly and conserve your propane. If you buy pasta, for instance, choose vermicelli or angel hair rather than rigatoni.
Make sure you choose some treats for your supply. Whether the disaster is y2k outages or earthquake/winter storm/hurricane/floods--comfort food will be much appreciated.
Stock up on over the counter medications and prescriptions. How much of your prescription medication to stock depends on how vital it is. Does your survival depend on it? Then I'd say stock a 90-day supply. If not, 30 days should be adequate. First aid supplies are also important for any disaster when medical resources at hospitals may be overburdened.
I leave it up to you whether you think guns and ammo are a necessity. I myself do not believe society is going to "break down" but I do think that if there are initial problems with basic services and supplies that various terrorist fringe groups such as white supremicists will take advantage of the situation. I have a problem with these people having more guns than people whose beliefs I share and trust.
I advise everyone to have water and other necessities well before the last two weeks before the new year--when many people may suddenly decide they need to stock up. Already I am seeing bottled water in the stores selling out when there are sales.
If you decide to set aside cash, think carefully about where and avoid the most common spots (the flour bin, the freezer, the fake food can, etc.) as I expect thieves will be scouting for money hoarders and burglary may rise. Again, don't wait until the last two weeks or month. Just set aside a portion of each check between now and Dec. 31st.
Renters: I advise you if at all possible to pay your rent for January in December. It will give you a cushion if there are problems that affect your job, your bank, or anything else that might affect your ability to pay your rent.
On the bright side, if nothing much happens, we'll all have a smooth January, financially. That's a change from the usual post-Christmas-splurge recovery.
Please also consider poor people as you plan--donations to food banks and salvation army are particularly important if anything happens. People worry about rioting--I say it won't happen if we think ahead and take care of the people whose resources are so meager that they feel they have nothing to lose. This Christmas season, let us stop the mass consumer-fest and give those dollars to charities. If you must give gifts to family, make it something useful in a y2k shortage.
Do you have an elderly neighbor? You might consider setting aside something for them in your supplies.
By now you may be feeling anxious. In fact, some people become so anxious even thinking about disaster preparations that they never prepare! The best way to deal with it is to make the preparations and then whenever it enters your mind, tell yourself you have already done what you could. Strengthen your support network. Our most important resources are human. Spend more time with your friends and family as the new year approaches. And don't forget to enjoy the excitement of this time! I decided to throw a party so I could have my family and friends around me as I greet the year 2000 (which may not technically be the beginning of millenium 3 but on an emotional level feels like it.
On a lighter note, I hear that we may run out of champagne, with the increased demand. Buy now!
If you want to know more about y2k, there are y2k links near the bottom of Cruzio's home page.