How Much Should I Store?
This is an important question, and ultimately, one which only you can answer. The Red Cross and FEMA suggest currently (Sept, '99) that one week's food and supplies be stored. Some people may decide this is too much and others that it's too little. Read, talk it over with friends and family, and then decide for yourself.

Food and Basic Supplies Store extra staples in canned or dried form. Buy what you normally use, so that if you don't need these for an emergency, you will easily be able to use them up. Buy foods which take little preparation or cooking time, and in sizes appropriate to possibly having no refrigeration to store leftovers. Water storage info is in the next section. Below are some suggestions. (Here are links to more food storage articles -- 1 and 2.)

Water
A minimum of 1 gallon per person per day is needed (two quarts each for drinking and food prep/sanitation). Store water in plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers only, and only ones which you know are very clean. Don't use containers which ever held toxic substances or milk containers. If you are not buying bottled water, make sure you disinfect the containers with a bleach solution. Use and replenish bottled water every 6 months.

According to the Red Cross, water already treated by the town doesn't need to be treated again. For other water, disinfect it by adding to each quart (32 oz) 3-4 drops of bleach which contains 5.25% hypochlorite and no soap or other ingredients. You can also purify questionable water by bringing it to a rolling boil for 10 minutes. (Here is another article on water storage.)

Health and Medical
Put together a basic first aid kit. You can find info on this from a variety of sources, especially the Red Cross. Also obtain and read a first aid manual from them. Why not take one of the courses they offer through Concord Carlisle Community Education?

If you take prescription drugs, discuss having enough on hand with your pharmacist or doctor. Make sure you have medical record information should you need it when computers might be down. Schedule tests, exams, and procedures to be completed before the end of 1999.

If you are dependent on electronic medical devices, find out from the manufacturer about Y2K compliance. Also discuss this with your doctor.

If you have special health needs which would be seriously affected by the loss of electrical power, please let your neighborhood contact know this and notify the fire department (978 318-3488) at once so they can be put on the special needs priority list. Special needs may include residents that need 24-hour medical attention, or are handicapped in any way.

Alternative Heat, Lighting & Cooking Sources
When using alternative heating sources remember that kerosene space heaters are illegal in the State of Massachusetts and are a leading cause of fires and deaths.

If you plan on using a fireplace or wood stove be sure to have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year or after every five cords of wood.

When burning try to use dry wood as it burns more efficiently and emits less smoke than wet or damp wood. When using an open face fireplace be sure to have a screen to prevent sparks from escaping and a fire extinguisher near by.

Test your smoke detectors at least monthly, if not weekly, when using alternative heating sources in the home and change the detector's batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings.

If you lose heat or are forced to depend on limited alternative heating, don't forget to run your faucets on low to prevent standing water from freezing and possibly bursting your pipes. If you decide to leave your home, please drain all accessible water pipes before you go.

If the power goes out and you need to use an alternative-cooking source you must do it outside. Alternative cooking appliances were not designed for use inside buildings, examples include gas grills, charcoal grills, Coleman gas grills, and Kerosene stoves.

Open flames used for light or heat can be dangerous, especially near children and pets. NEVER leave an unattended candle burning. Make sure you have plenty of flashlights and batteries on hand for safer light.

While an alternative heat, lighting and cooking source is very important in our northern climate, they all pose potential danger. Think carefully about the safety of your family and home using these alternative methods.

Waste Disposal
If your pipes freeze or are emptied, or town water does not work, you would not have water for flushing unless you store some. Melted snow or "grey water" leftover from washing or cooking will do. Dump a bucket of it into the bowl and it will flush itself.

Finances
Banks have taken Y2K very seriously and have been working on the problem for a long time. They do recommend keeping hard copy of all your records such as bank statements, cancelled checks, mortgage, car, rental payments, investments, credit reports, and other financial records. The burden of proof will be upon the individual should there be a problem.

Credit, debit, and ATM cards and machines will not be usable in the event of a power failure. If you decide to have some cash on hand, plan to withdraw it slowly over a period of time well in advance of the end of the year.

Fire Alarm Systems
Be sure to have your systems tested yearly and have it checked for Y2K compliance. The receiving systems at the fire department are Y2K compliant but will not be able to receive your alarm if your system is not.

The Telegraph Fire Alarm system in Town will remain in place until after the first of the year so that the residents will have an alternative method for requesting emergency assistance from fire, ambulance, police.

Other Ideas

Thanks to the Jaffrey, NH Y2K Preparedness Committee for help in preparation of this document


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