This message is from: Lori Albrough <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Another computer person checking in to say the Y2K problem is being overhyped in the media. This is not to say things will be perfect. There will be problems, but a lot of them at the time of roll-over (when the clock changes from Dec 31, 1999 11:59 pm to Jan 1, 2000). I'm planning on not flying at that exact moment :-) Resist the urge to take all your money out of the bank and cash in your investments. Everyone getting panicky ahead of time could be worse than the actual Y2K problems.
BUT, everyone should be prepared for emergencies. Last year's ice storm in Eastern Ontario and Quebec should have taught us that. People were without electricity for weeks, some up to a month. This means no heat, no lights, no WATER, no transportation as everything was coated in treacherous ice. The army delivered water to people and farms, but I heard if you didn't have somewhere to store the water, you were still in trouble. We have a 30 foot deep dug well lined with large boulders, it has a hand pump and was used by the original people who lived here. Their house and barn are long gone, although the foundations remain. This well has never failed to produce water with just a few pumps of the handle. Last year we had the water tested and although it does have some bacteria, it is safe for livestock and OK for humans if boiled. Last winter we had occasion to use it when our main well pumped fried itself. So water is taken care of. We also have a large supply of wood for the wood stove, hay in the hay shed, and emergency rations in the cold cellar. The only thing I don't have is much of an emergency medical supply kit (ie, drugs for the horses). I've always relied on our vets quick response. Also, first aid knowledge (for people) is something lacking. A first aid course has always been something I've been planning to do.... Time to get on that. I bought this excellent book, basically it's "what to do if you can't get the vet". It's called "Emergency" and is by Dr. Karen Hayes (who also wrote the "Complete Book of Foaling", another good one). "Emergency" covers step by step for Laminitis, Colic, Head Injuries, Wounds, Eye Problems, etc. etc. Also gives a list of drugs you should have on hand (although I haven't implemented that part). Anyway, a really good book to keep in the barn. Y2K aside, emergency preparedness and disaster planning is something that everyone should be thinking of. Lori Albrough Bluebird Lane Fjords Moorefield, Ontario, Canada
