The potential for problems associated with the "Y2K bug" is real; only the extent of those problems remains unknown. Y2K may prove to be much ado about nothing insofar as real problems that we'll encounter. Then again, we don't know. In any event, when we strengthen ourselves and our neighborhoods, we are better equipped to lend a hand during the next power outage, hurricane, who-knows-what? Whatever the future may be, the best security is a prepared neighbor.

What is Y2K?
The seeds of the Y2K technology problem were planted several decades ago, in the early days of computers, when memory in computers was precious and costly. Two digits were used for year dates, not four, to save space, a practice that continued even after computers were modernized. Lots of devices we rely upon have dates in computer chips. Next January 1, computer programs with two-digit year codes will not recognize 2000 as different from 1900, and the results are difficult to predict. The good news, however, is that business and industry and government have devoted tremendous resources to y2k corrections, or "compliance." We can be relatively confident that most local systems have been tested and re-tested.

Where are We Vulnerable?
The American Red Cross is the leader in citizen training for safety awareness and preparedness. It notes that the United States Senate Special Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem has focused its attention on the following areas: Utilities and the national power grid; International banking and finance; health care; transportation; telecommunications; pension and mutual funds; emergency planning; general business.

Will we experience disruptions in power supply, telephone service, traffic signals, ATM's? Or will there be localized problems elsewhere on the planet? Will they affect us? We simply don't know.

What's Afoot Locally?
Concord Citizens Y2K (CCY2K) is a citizens group that urges local people to use y2k as an opportunity to re-acquaint ourselves with our own support systems: neighbors, community resources, and our own talents we can employ if we must temporarily forgo the normal comforts we usually take for granted.

In both past and future issues of this publication, you will find Y2K-readiness news that will inform you. [Note: search here for "Y2K" (no quotes) to find past articles.] Also, Town of Concord public officials and the Chamber of Commerce sponsored a very informative session last winter, and another public program is slated for June.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Check here for Concord-Carlisle Community Education courses that will teach you first aid and other skills every citizen should learn.

Information, Inspiration, Teambuilding
CCY2K is developing a great plan to enable local people to ready ourselves for an emergency an ice storm, y2k, or ? at the neighborhood level. It is a valuable opportunity for grass roots neighborhood organization, and fun.

On May10th from 7-9:30 PM at the Concord-Carlisle High School Library, join other folks devoted to citizen action and community advocacy, and learn how to gather neighbors together for a Y2K dialogue. Participate in an exercise that makes the challenge "come to life." You'll share information about neighborhood needs and resources, and inform people about how they may conduct a personal readiness inventory' as well. This is true community-building in the New England tradition. Join us for a preparation session, and then consider hosting your own neighborhood gathering!