City's Y2k warnings are unduly alarmist

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http://www.pioneerplanet.com:80/seven-days/1/opinion/docs/032640.htm

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Published: Monday, December 6, 1999

Brochure, Web Site

City's Y2K warnings are unduly alarmist

Citizens should take prudent precautions for Y2K, but not become overly concerned. Unless the Y2K computer problem lives up to the movie, the city of St. Paul will not be faulted for inadequate preparations. Some might even complain that city leaders have gotten just slightly carried away, needlessly increasing fears.

City task forces have been planning for the unknown hazards of Y2K for two years. Emergency response agencies will be ready for anything at midnight on Dec. 31. An impressive network of shelters and communication sites has been set up.

These are prudent steps. The city's efforts to inform and reassure the community have also been constructive, especially in the Hmong community, where misunderstandings and concern have been widespread.

Still, a brochure the city mailed to all residents in late November, as well as the city's Y2K Web site, seem unproductively alarmist in some places. St. Paulites are advised to prepare for Y2K ``as though it is an impending natural disaster.'' Residents are also asked whether they are prepared to cope, all on their own, with medical emergencies, an exhausted food supply and even ``civil unrest.''

Yikes. Of course people aren't prepared for these horrors. Nor can they get prepared for them between Thanksgiving and New Year's. There's little point in raising extremely unlikely but nightmarish prospects about which citizens can take little practical action.

Contrast St. Paul with the state of Minnesota's advice on its Y2K Web site. You're ready for Y2K, the state says, ``if you are prepared for a typical Minnesota winter storm.'' That sounds like you should get to the video store early, not dig in to fight off a mob.

The city means well. Its practical household recommendations are helpful. The Y2K planning, officials hope, will help the community be better equipped to deal with any future crisis, not just Y2K.

Citizens should take prudent precautions for Y2K, but not become overly concerned. No one can know with certainty, but most expert opinion is that any disruptions will be few, minor and brief. Include an ample supply of calm in your Y2K survival kit.

-- Homer Beanfang (Bats@inbellfry.com), December 06, 1999

Answers

Yeah, could be considered alarmist in late November. Too bad it wasn't out to the people in Nov.1998 instead of Nov.1999. Better late than never? Maybe. Geez I'm glad I started payin' attention when I did in late 1997! I hope they pray 1st, and prep tomorrow.

on de rock

-- Walter (on de rock@northrock.bm), December 06, 1999.


>>>Citizens should take prudent precautions for Y2K, but not become overly concerned. No one can know with certainty, but most expert opinion is that any disruptions will be few, minor and brief. <<<

Yeah, right! And John Koskinen is going to get the George Washington "I Cannot tell a Lie" Award.

-- Irving (irvingf@myremarq.com), December 06, 1999.


Oh, and they forgot to add , that they GUARANTEE that January in ST.PAUL will be the warmest on record, so no need for stocking up on any type of heating preps!

BTW, where I am, the weather is just about the same as St. Paul, so January/February is no small feat to try to get through without heat!

-- profit of doom (doom@helltopay.ca), December 06, 1999.


Walter,We are so glad your prepared,We also know where you live,see you soon.

-- Haile Rastamon (easypickens@ontherock.org), December 07, 1999.

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