Here are some guidelines for you to consider.

Preparing for Y2K is not a wasted effort. If the predictions are wrong and no major problems occur, then you will be one step closer to being prepared for some other type of disaster.

What are the possible problems that Y2K could create?

It is impossible to predict how extensive or catastrophic Y2K related problems will be, or how long they will last, but there will be disruptions and failures. Some of the disruptions that will affect the largest number of people and animals include:

Electricity

It is likely that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will require all nuclear power plants to be temporarily pulled off line at the end of the year to avoid forced shut-down problems. These plants provide 28% of the nation's power, 40% to people on the east coast, and 70% to people living in Minnesota. Areas that receive their electricity from sources other than nuclear power plants could experience some disruption in service too.

Telecommunications

If there is no power, then telephones, fax machines, the internet, and e-mails will not be functioning either, making it difficult to communicate.

Heating

Without electricity there could be a disruption of heating sources. And, with Y2K hitting in January most of the United States will be experiencing the coldest month of the year.

Mail

The United States Post Office is not yet ready for Y2K, which means there could be a disruption in mail pick up and delivery.

Financial Systems

Financial institutions are in the best shape of all sectors, but having enough cash on hand to carry you through the worst of the disruption is a good idea. If your business takes in money, you might want to consider purchasing a safe if you do not already have one, so that you have an alternative way to keep the money safe until it can be deposited. There may be a temporary disruption in the use of ATM cards, which Americans have become very dependent on for their banking needs.

Food

Initially only selected types of food will be available. What will likely be affected is the food distribution systems over time. Stores could run out of items and have a hard time getting shelves restocked in a timely manner.

Water

If your supply of water is provided through a local water department, a disruption could happen. People who have wells could experience a disruption too if the well pump is electrically run. A generator could help to alleviate this potential problem.

PREPARING FOR THE Y2K

So how will our animals be directly affected by Y2K?

Domestic animals have the greatest likelihood of being affected by Y2K, whether it's a dog or cat living in a single household or an entire stable full of horses. It will be their basic survival needs that will be at risk. This would include food, water, and protection from cold weather.

Suppliers may not be able to stock stores with pet food and hay & feed suppliers may experience a disruption in their delivery schedule. If water service is disrupted, it will be especially difficult to provide fresh drinking water for large numbers of horses and to have enough water stored until service is restored. Large boarding facilities may want to explore alternative water storage methods.

Owners of two or more dog, cats or horses should allow for a two week supply of food and containers to hold a two week supply of essential water should be gathered for each animal. Horses living in colder climates will have the added risk of water freezing solid in their buckets. Keep breaking the ice crust in your water troughs. Have a method of heating water should you need to melt frozen water.

If there is no source of heat in a home, in a kennel or shelter, the animals will definitely feel the effects of cold weather, especially older animals or ones more sensitive to colder weather. Animal shelters may want to begin collecting towels and blankets to be used to keep animals warm. If you do have generator power and are using portable heaters, be extremely careful using them around animals. Horses living in colder climates should have all weather turn out rugs on hand (just in case) and stabled horses should have warm blankets or fleece liners to wear under their stable rug. It is better to be safe than sorry.

The availability of emergency medical care for a sick or injured animal is another concern, but it would not effect as many animals. If an animal is on medication, there may be a period of time that you could not get a prescription refilled, so be sure you have a reserve supply. You should check with your veterinary hospital to see if they are planning for Y2K too.

Horse and pet owners should develop a plan for getting gasoline for their transport vehicles. The availability of gasoline may be temporarily disrupted during Y2K. If gasoline is being stored, be sure it is kept in approved containers in a safe location.

So what should be done to prepare for Y2K?

Panic is the greatest risk we run. Planning is what will get us through this. erts, plus emergency service providers, are telling people, businesses, and government entities to prepare for two weeks of possible disruptions and failures. It will be a wait and see game, and obviously there will be lots of people watching. Whatever the initial effects are they will come and go, but there may be other minor disruptions that linger for months. To best respond to whatever happens at the start of 2,000, assess your vulnerabilities and develop contingency plans for your home and business.

If you are willing to adapt and be ingenious, you will minimize the effects Y2K will have on you and the animals you are responsible for. Because it will be impossible to fix all Y2K problems before the year 2000, it is imperative that people plan and prepare for contingencies in their home and businesses NOW!

The information above was provided by Cathy Moyer, co-founder of the Denver-based non-profit Cassandra Project. Moyer and co-founder Paloma O'Riley have been working for years at waking up Americans to the realities of Y2K.

For more detailed information about Y2K, you may want to visit the Cassandra Project website at www.cassandraproject.org

If you would like more information about being prepared for a disaster:

UNITED ANIMAL NATIONS
P.O. Box 188890
Sacramento, CA 95818
Tel: 916/429-2457
http://www.uan.org or email info@uan.org