Hey Kids! Have you been hearing a lot about Y2K and wondering what it is and what does it mean to you? I was scared when I heard about this coming problem on the news and I talked to my parents about Y2K. Together we surfed the internet to learn about this problem and how our family would prepare for Y2K.

WHAT is Y2K?

Y2K stands for the year 2000. The Y2K problem is a computer problem related to the year 2000. A long time ago back in the early days of computers, programmers entered dates with only the last 2 numbers of the year:

EXAMPLE: 1964 would be entered as
64 only.

There are a lot of computers that only have the last 2 dates entered on their systems. There are also computer chips inside of things like elevators and cars that also only contain the last 2 numbers of the date.

WHY is this a problem?

On New Years Eve, when the clock strikes midnight and the calendar rolls over to the year 2,000 the computers that only have the last 2 numbers of the date will think the year is 1900 instead of 2000.

We don't know for sure what kind of an effect this will have on us and we think that the problem will be fixed in time. But it is always better to be safe than sorry and there is a small chance that we may have a time when we will have no power or telephone service. It is hard to imagine life as it must have been in 1900 but it is possible that for a while in the early part of 2000 that we may get to see firsthand. Do not be afraid and take comfort in knowing that people are working around the clock to fix the Y2K problem.

Imagine what things you can't do without power?

You can't play on your computer.
There will be no way for your house to stay warm unless you plan ahead and prepare to be without electric heat.
You won't be able to keep your food cold.
You won't be able to heat your food.
There will be no television.
The lights in your house won't work.
Grocery stores won't be open.
Banks won't be able to open.

Without power in our homes and in our cities, we will be forced to live as though the clock really did turn back to 1900. This will probably be only a short time problem if any problem AT ALL but we need to be ready just in case.

What does the dictionary say about the word prepare?

prepare

SYL:           pre-pare
PRO:           prih per
POS:     transitive verb
INF:           prepared, preparing, prepares
DEF:       1. to make ready.
SYN:           ready, prime (1)
SIM:           prep, fix, arrange, set, equip
DEF:       2. to make or manufacture by combining various elements.
SIM:           manufacture, make, produce, fabricate, concoct, whip up {whip (PHR)}, fix
POS:     intransitive verb
DEF:       to make things or oneself ready:
EXA:           Prepare for the worst.
SIM:           gear up {gear (PHR)}, provide, psych up {psych}
DER:           preparer, n.

Notice that the word prepare means to make ready and to prepare for the worst. That does not mean that we should be scared. It just means that we should be ready for the worst and hope and pray for the best! :)

WHAT Can You do to prepare for Y2K?

Y2K isn't scary because you and your family have the year of 1999 to prepare for this future event. Also, computer experts are working constantly to fix this problem.

The most important thing that your family can do to be ready for Y2K is to PREPARE in advance. Since nobody knows for sure what will happen on January 1, 2000, it is better to be safe than sorry.

If there is even a small chance that you could be without power for a long time in the cold month of January then you and your family need to make sure that you have some way to stay warm.If you have a fireplace in your house, then make sure that you have extra firewood. You and your family also need to have extra blankets and warm clothes around to help you stay warm. Tell your Mom and Dad that it is dangerous to use gas-fueled ovens as a way to heat your house.

Your family needs to plan ahead for food supplies also. You need to stock up on things like bottled water, and canned foods. Think about what your family buys every week at the grocery store and then plan ahead on what you may need. Little babies will need extra diapers and formula. Your best buddy Rover the dog will need dog food too. If you have to take medicine then try to have extra around during this time.

If the stores won't open then you may not be able to get gas for your cars. Tell Mom and Dad to fill up a few days before the big day.

It is also a good idea for Mom and Dad to have extra money in their pockets during this time because the banks may not open.

It will be dark without power in your house. Buy several flashlights and lots of batteries to help you find your way around.

You should read all about Y2K and keep up to date on developments concerning this future problem.

How Can I Learn More?

You can visit these helpful sites below:

Other Links About Y2K

My Favorite Link:

Annie's Be Prepared Page!

You can also send me an E-Mail with your questions on Y2K. I will try to answer them as quickly as possible.

You are concerned kid # to visit Ashley's Y2K Page for Kidz!
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