Y2K Readiness Checklist
Guide Extra: 9/12/99
Nobody knows exactly what we'll encounter on the morning of January 1, 2000. However, there are some relatively simple things that can be done to avoid the most commonly anticipated Y2K problems. Here is a very good list prepared by the Federal Trade Commission.
- If you have a personal computer, PC software, fax machine, camcorder, camera, digital wristwatch, monitored security system or Global Positioning System unit, check the manufacturer’s web site or contact the manufacturer to see whether your product has the potential for a Y2K problem.
- Make a list of your other household products with a calendar function. Check the manufacturer’s web site or contact the manufacturer by phone or mail to find out compliance status.
- If you have a bank, mutual fund or brokerage account, start to keep records of any transactions that you make at least 3 months before and after January 1, 2000. If you use your computer to make any of these transactions, download the records of your transactions and keep them on a backup diskette and print copies for your files.
- If you have a mortgage, car loan or other debts, keep your canceled checks as proof of the payments you’ve made. Ask your mortgage or car lender for a statement of payments already made and those to come with the amounts allocated to interest, principal and escrow. That will ensure an accurate record of your payments.
- Ask your financial service providers about their plans to deal with the Y2K date change. Make sure you are satisfied with the answers.
- Get a copy of your credit report from one of the three major credit bureaus. contact Equifax (800-685-1111), Experian (800-682-7654) and TransUnion (800-916-8800).
- If you have insurance policies, keep copies of the policies and records of the payments you make.
- If your credit cards expire after 1/1/00, you may want to carry alternate forms of payment such as cash or checks as a backup in case a retailer's equipment is unable to process the 00 card. Ask retailers how they will accommodate customers who wish to use credit cards when their equipment fails.
For Latest Y2K Information
Call Toll Free 1-888-USA-4-Y2K
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Latest Report Card of Government Y2K Progress
As determined by the House Committee on Government Management, Information and Technology
Y2K and the 911 System
It's the last thing you'll want to use on 1/1/2000, but if you have to, will 911
work?
