Governor Ryan has asked all agencies to complete the work for Y2K as soon as possible, but continue testing and planning until Dec. 31. This means that we are looking at the total function of government being operational, not just a computer system. Although some agencies are very close to finalizing remediation and replacement efforts, numerous functions of government are still not defined as ready with less than 100 days to go before January 1. State agencies have been preparing contingency plans. Those draft plans will now be reviewed across agencies to look for areas not fully covered and those where there may be duplication.
Contingency plans provide a blueprint of what to do in the event of the 'what if' scenarios.
This exercise is something that can be used for a computer crash or electric outage any time of any year as well as other natural disasters such as ice storms or tornadoes. Plans are being finalized to establish agency and executive office procedures for the rollover period. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency will be operating the Emergency Operations Center beginning on December 31. The Center will serve as the state information coordinating location for county reports, as well as immediate updates from utilities and other service providers throughout Illinois. Periodic updates will be given from December 31 through the first work day of the New Year on January 3.