But government officials are confident that the major systems have been fixed to correctly read the year. In fact, extreme behavior such as stuffing cash under a mattress might cause shortages unrelated to Y2K and make you more vulnerable to crime. That is not to say nothing will go wrong, either. Minor glitches are likely at the local level and with smaller businesses, and Y2K experts advise planning for temporary disruptions the way you would for an approaching winter storm or hurricane. And if traveling abroad, check the State Department's Web site .
Some foreign countries are less prepared than the United States.
That means making sure you have fresh batteries for flashlights and radio, as well as stocks of nonperishable food and water. This way, should there be disruptions, you won't tax the emergency response system with your needs. And by planning early, you help prevent lines and shortages that procrastinators might cause. There is no need to overreact, either. Hoarding drugs, food and other supplies could cause artificial shortages.