Although rural residents may think the much-discussed Y2K bug will not have a great impact on them, one millennium expert is urging them to think again.
The Y2K problem, or the millennium bug, refers to the fact that many older computer systems have used two digits rather than four to represent the date. The concern is that on Jan. 1, 2000, some of these systems might be unable to read the ’00’ and fail.
One British Columbia group conducted extensive research on the possible Y2K impact on rural areas. The Grassroots Consulting Group took a survey of 35 communities last December and found only five were at an adequate stage of planning.
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Since the survey, chief executive officer Richard Wright has tried to make more people aware of the implications when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s eve. He said many people have adopted a “say nothing” attitude about the situation.
“Rural people especially are not really well-informed about the issue, but then no one really is,” Wright said.
“That’s partly due to a fear of litigation. If a community or company says they’re ready and then something happens, they might be sued. That’s enough to keep them quiet.”
Wright said farmers across Canada should take a hard look at where they stand and prepare for possible trouble. He said the biggest potential problem is supplies.
Farm equipment comes from all over the world. Even if it is manufactured in North America, some supplies may come from other countries that are not Y2K ready. For example, baler twine from Portugal, oil filters from Turkey and knife guards from Korea may be hard to get for awhile in 2000.
“A lot of the companies where these things come from are considered at-risk, which means they’re 12 to 18 months behind where Canada is in Y2K preparation,” said Wright.
“Would a factory in Portugal be able to take orders and ship goods in a reasonable amount of time if there’s trouble? Probably not.”
Stock up on supplies
Fuel is another concern, says Wright. He fears people will get scared of a possible shortage and wait until the last days of 1999 to fill their tanks. This could create a false demand.
“Fuel supplies are in a delicate balance. You only get what’s used up. If everyone goes out and gets gas on Dec. 31 and then there’s a delay in bringing in more, there would be temporary problems.
“That’s not so bad for cities because they’d get supplies first, but what about more remote areas? It could take days, especially since about 25 percent of fuel comes from ‘at-risk’ areas.”
Wright said there are some simple steps rural residents can take to ensure the beginning of 2000 is hassle-free.
“Rural people are very good at contingency planning. They always have to be concerned with what happens if it floods, or freezes, or doesn’t rain at all.
“They just have to apply those skills here. By sitting down with family or a group of neighbors and making a plan, they’ll be in good shape.”
Wright suggests stocking up on supplies and parts, in case shipping problems occur.
“You don’t need to go overboard. Just buy a few of what you usually use in spring. Eventually you’ll use it anyway.
“Even if you don’t believe in Y2K, think of a plan as insurance. No one says ‘Gee, I’m sorry my house didn’t burn down’ when they don’t use their fire insurance.”
Wright said stocking up on extra food is also a good idea.
“I’m not suggesting going out and buying a year’s worth of dehydrated food. Just act like you’re going to be storm-stayed for a couple of days. Whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute.”
RMs not worried
Rural municipalities in Saskatchewan don’t seem to be too concerned about the new millennium.
Ken Engel, executive director of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, said he has not heard of any special preparations being made.
“It’s not really a big deal in the rural areas. It’s not like the cities, in that very few small places have their own water or sewer systems to worry about,” he said.
“If a computer in the RM office goes kaput, the tax notices might be a little late but that’s it. It’s not like the elevators are going to fall down.”
Mark Dubkowski, administrator for the town of Delisle, Sask., agrees.
“We’re not worried about the utilities, since they’re all saying they’re ready. We have our standard emergency planning that we have to prepare in case of evacuations or spills, but that’s it,” Dubkowski said.
“We’re pretty confident that everything will be fine.”
