STORY:
Chicago Warned Against Hoarding For Y2K

Authorities want people prepared and business to check for compliance

Chicago area residents have been warned by officials, including Mayor Richard Daley, not to hoard food but be prepared for any eventualities that could arise from problems with the computer Y2K bug. Officials also say small and mid-size businesses are avoiding the simple task of evaluating their systems' Y2K compliance, despite increasing indications that they need to do it - and soon.

"It's like a snowstorm," said Daley, who advised people on medication to have an adequate supply on hand and others to be ready to check on elderly parents and people living alone just in case glitches develop and they need help. "No one should panic" and hoard supplies said Daley according to the Chicago Tribune.

Elizabeth Boatman, head of Chicago's Y2K readiness campaign, said 92 percent of the city computer systems are Y2K compliant and 100 percent of the critical systems will be ready to operate in the New Year by Sept. 30. Chicago police, fire and other city officials will be on duty Dec. 31, just as they would be if there were a severe weather alert, in case unforeseen problems develop.

Officials of three major local utilities, Ameritech, Nicor and Commonwealth Edison Co., said that Y2K remedies have been implemented and service will go into the new year uninterrupted.

Members of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Y2K Task Force say many small to midsize businesses are still not preparing for potential Y2K computer problems. For this reason, the Task Force is offering a free management tool to help these businesses navigate through the process of Y2K compliance and remediation.

Chicago is promoting its own millennium dance steps. There was no mention if doing the "Millie" will help overcome Y2K anxieties.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

DATE: 9/01/99

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