Bugged by Y2K, Japan issues dramatic alert

TOKYO, OCT 29: Japan's government on Friday warned people to stock up to three days' worth of water, food, fuel and medicine to ride out ...

TOKYO, OCT 29: Japan8217;s government on Friday warned people to stock up to three days8217; worth of water, food, fuel and medicine to ride out the millennium computer bug. One of the most dramatic New Year alerts by an advanced nation, it is to be broadcast on television and printed in newspapers from Saturday, an official said.

Preparations for the year 2000, or Y2K, computer glitch were considerable,8217; Tokyo8217;s advanced information and telecommunications society promotion headquarters said in a statement. The government-appointed centre said it expected no serious impact on everyday life as a result of damage to the social infrastructure and consequent loss of service. It is important, however, for everyone in the country to be prepared in the event that problems do arise, including the kinds of minor difficulties that we all experience from time to time in everyday life.8217;

The New Year caution was triggered by computers which only read the last two digits of the year. Many computers are expected to fail whenthe clock turns to 2000, spreading unknown problems.

I would like people to prepare in case of emergencies, in line with the guidance announced today,8217; Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi said at the launch of an extraordinary Diet session.

The government statement warned people to:

Stock food and water 8211; No major problems were expected with the supply of food, electricity, gas and water, said the statement. Most households already keep on hand enough non-perishable food and water for two-to-three days as well as a first aid kit, torch, radio and batteries for use in the event of an earthquake or storm damage, so please double-check you have all these items within easy reach.8217;

Fill up fuel supplies 8211; Japan has oil reserves for 166 days, the statement said, and petroleum companies were taking all precautions but people should make sure they have enough kerosene and gasoline for the holiday period.

Check medicines 8211; People should check they have all the medicine they need. Investigations conductedso far indicate that there will be no problems with life-sustaining medical equipment such as heart pace-makers.8217;

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Avoid needless telephone calls 8211; No big problems are expected, the agency said. But people should avoid picking up the phone just to check it works, and jamming up the lines.

Be flexible in travel 8211; Travellers should build flexibility8217; into their plans and check the latest information before leaving.

Keep bank records 8211; While all financial institutions and post offices would back up their financial data, to be on the safe side we recommend that you retain any receipts, etc you receive up to the New Year period.8217;

Be ready for out-of-service cash machines 8211; People should prepare as usual8217; for when cash machines are out of service over the New Year holiday.

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Others 8211; People were urged to check home appliances, and to watch out for fraud related to the computer bug, including any computer viruses disguised as anti-Y2K programs. Small businesses were asked to draw up continegencyplans. Many people in Japan already have food and water supplies for three days to get them through earthquakes. A government official said work to fix the millennium bug in hospital equipment was lagging behind other areas but should be finished by the end of November.