Put this together as a community awareness flyer.

What have I missed

Family Year 2000 Preparedness Charter

1.We accept that the Year 2000 computer system related problems are real. We are taking action to ensure that our use of computing systems does not add to the problem by making sure our computer use is on tested machines using compliant software. Computer support persons have provided us with written assurance of testing outcomes for our machines. This assurance covers home use as well, particularly because our machines are connected to the Internet.

2.We appreciate there is not enough money or people to solve all the problems in time, and up to 5% of all systems will fail. In 1999 we agree to shop with and deal with businesses that credibly declare their Y2K status in the windows of their businesses.

3.We understand that interdependence of systems will create a domino effect so pervasive that virtually everyone on earth will be impacted by Y2K events to some extent

4.We acknowledging that neither the political leaders nor Bill Gates can prevent the failure of computer systems from affecting us and what we care about.We accept responsibility for our own preparations and our own welfare. Since this problem will affect everyone at about the same time we accept we will be on our own as a family.

5.We admit our fears and anxieties but will avoid panic, maintaining a good sense of humour and keeping our cool. We will seek help by sharing our concerns with each other before we become a burden to the wider community.

6.We have prepared our homes and workplaces for possible disruptions to utilities, telecommunications, transportation, financial and government services for periods of up to a month. We have emergency items ready.

7.We are protecting our loved ones from potential health related problems by securing food, essential medicines and water supplies. Knowing the Health and Medical services may be affected we have had our medical checkups, scans, and dental and medical treatments. We have pets and animals interests covered with food and water too.

8.We have preserved the value of our financial and other assets for the future We have purchased only what we would require to cover what we would normally consume, being mindful of our limited resources. We have sufficient cash to cover our day to day needs for a month.

9.We are voluntarily cooperating with, enlightening, supporting and assisting others in our community, workplace, in industry and around the world. We know there is plenty to do and a role for everyone.

10. We have collected our loved ones from around the globe as far as possible and advised those not able to come home. In short, this family group believes 'Y2K Personal Preparedness' means taking an organised self reliant approach to sharing what we have, fixing what can be fixed, coping with what cannot, hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

We are Planning for our Future after Y2K just in case.

-- Bob Barbour (r.barbour@waikato.ac.nz), December 15, 1998

Answers

BOB:

You mentioned pets and chattel - don't forget up to date immunizations, vaccinations and (truly) DENTAL work for your current critters; Consider also a "stocking supply" of the above and drugs for those last minute additions to your "shelter" (family members who bring home the anaconda) and any strays picked up along the way, which prove useful (the cheetah, the ocelot, etc.(Pulling Through by Dean Ing...))

cr AND Tari my bride

-- Chuck a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), December 15, 1998.

Heh Chuck the Night Driver, at what point in time does your "bride" become your wife? Just curious? I once heard a geeky engineer keep calling his wife his "bride" and they had been married 5 fricken years! HELLLLLOOOOOO! Does your bride go around calling you her bridegroom? Quit with the bride shit okay?

-- Enough (Enoughofit@zinko.com), December 15, 1998.

"Enough" -- you must have a real burr under your saddle.

What do you care what terms people use to describe relationships?

-- Tom Carey (tomcarey@mindspring.com), December 15, 1998.

Enough, if you were my husband I'd call you my jackass. If you're married, your wife probably already calls you that and you just don't know it.

-- . (.@...), December 16, 1998.

The burr under my saddle is him calling his wife his "bride." I just want to know at what point in time does he use her real name, or the term his "wife?" Does one remain a bride and a bridegroom for ever? He's only ran that term into the ground now, and I'm not quite sure what he's trying to prove to us. Like "heh, I am marriage material because I have a bride now?" What the hell does that have to do with anything? His wife is human being. Wouldn't it be weird if she started interacting on this forum calling Chucky "my bridegroom?" You can't tell me Tom that you wouldn't want to say "BARF?"

-- Enough (Enoughofit@zinko.com), December 16, 1998.