If approved and executed beginning this spring, the effort would be one of the nation's largest municipal Y2K preparedness plans. Colo. Portland's Y2K plan calls for groups of roughly 150 households, or about 10 city blocks, each coordinated by a volunteer block leader. Each group will receive a workbook and literature explaining the Year 2000 computer problem, potential consequences and appropriate ways to prepare for contingencies. Because nobody knows how long any Y2K-related disruptions might last, residents will be coached on how to prepare for failures of basic services that last for 72 hours, two weeks and two months. Richard Hofland, Portland's Y2K Czar, said the risk of lasting, Y2K-related infrastructure failures is small and it is important that people not overreact by hoarding food and gasoline.
More information is where it's at.
Portlanders have been calling City Hall with fears about the local power supply, food and water availability, emergency services and other basic necessities. Hofland said it's important to turn citizens into Y2K experts. For example, Hofland noted that water scarcity can never be a problem in Portland. The city has always had a solid 72-hour emergency preparedness plan including volunteers, Hofland said, and Y2K outreach is only an extension of that. We're going to play to our strengths.