DATE: April 1999

TO: Household Fellowship Coordinators

FROM: Board of Trustees

RE: Preparations for Y2K [Year 2000 = Y (year) 2 x K (1000)]

God bless you richly in the prevailing and powerful name of Jesus Christ.

As the world's opinion of Y2K varies from one end of the spectrum to the other-intimating severe and long-lasting problems and shortages to only moderate annoyances and interruptions-we in the household of The Way will prepare ourselves in the best way possible so that we can be at peace in the face of any adversity.

Proverbs 22:3:

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself, but the simple pass on, and are punished.

As we prepare, each person will need to evaluate the particular situation in which they will find themselves on and around December 31, 1999. God supplies our need by way of the household. Overall, the strength will be in fight of the households working together to meet needs, and therefore we think that an evaluation will be necessary by the designated-area definition set up by your leadership in light of the resources available to your grouping of households.

NOTE: This evaluation will not only be in terms of the items on a preparations list but also in terms of what human resources are available, such as: who are the medically trained people, the mechanics, electricians, plumbers, in the designated area of households? Having a division of labor is the simplest way to prepare. Wherever possible, have "experts"in each category of need. An example of experts in an area of need would be planning to have designated "security" people. These could be personnel in your area who are already trained in the field or someone who has the capability to be trained.

Attached please find information to distribute and review with your fellowship to help each person or family unit prepare themselves personally as well as to help you prepare together as a household. Enclosed is the following:

(1) General Preparations

(2) Safety Considerations

(3) Security Considerations

(4) Detail Preparation Information-Assessment and Individual Preparation

(5) Resources for Further Study

(6) Red Cross brochure pages

Review this material carefully so that you are clear. Be sure to get your own answers and direction from your leadership before you begin communicating to your people.

We are believing that all this preparation will be valuable for you and your families and disciples no matter what breakdowns may or may not occur.

GENERAL PREPARATIONS

The levels and types of preparedness will vary considerably according to the primary locations of the individuals and households. Based on the many lists available on individual preparedness, the following are good general items to check on and account for:

Develop levels of response. For instance, if the interruption is for three days or less, stay put and use your personal resources. If the "interruption" extends beyond three days, you go to your level 2 plan, which might be the sharing of resources between households on a preplanned basis. At some point it may be necessary to begin your plan that has people moving 'in together to conserve the resources. You will need to itemize a listing of what would be needed at each level.

Prepare proper/needed clothing for your family. It will be wintertime many places.

Have on hand the medical supplies you depend upon, including prescriptions.

Be debt-free

Check with the financial institutions you deal with concerning their Y2K readiness.

Have a hard copy readily accessible to you of important documents such as financial accounts, wills. policies, deeds, or anything that will help document your position even if their systems fail.

Suggest you do not use credit cards from November 1, 1999, until after the new year.

Consider having additional cash on hand in secure yet readily accessible places. The amount will depend on your situation.

Keep any November and December 1999 bills and payment receipts in a safe location.

If your paycheck is electronically deposited or you make automatic payments to an account, check on these situations.

Begin preparing food storage of nonperishable items. Amounts will depend on 'individual situations.

Certain electronic equipment in your home may not function correctly. Take inventory now and think through a backup plan for these items

It may be wise to protect certain electronic equipment with surge and "brown out" protection. This is especially true for computer equipment. These types of electrical conditions may exist for an extended number of months. Surge protectors can be purchased locally. Whole house surge protectors are also available. Check electrical supplies for information.

Prepare and store non-technical equipment such as candies (don't bum without proper containers), flashlights, batteries, portable radios.

Begin buying bottled water until you have several cases stored.

Bolster your supply of cleaning products, 'including plastic bags for disposal.

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Check the readiness of your place of employment.

Lay out a clear plan for your backup method(s) of critical communications-such as with your family and household.

Check availability of backup transportation.

Check your school's Y2K preparedness and especially their plan for dismissal of the students and communications with parents in the event of power losses during the school day that make it necessary to close school. (Consider the fact that the phone system might not be functioning.) Work out a plan with your children that eliminates confusion.

Because some large computer systems (particularly governmental or defense) use Greenwich Mean Time for reference, some unusual occurrences may begin at 7:00 p.m. EST on December 1, 1999, which will be 12:00 Midnight GMT.

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PLANNING & PREPARATION

Exodus 3:21:

And I will give this people favor 'in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when yea goes, yea shall not go empty.

Exodus 18:18-23:

Thou wilt surely wear away, bath thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee-, thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

Hearken now unto my voice, I Will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou gayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shallot teach them ordinances and laws, and shallot hew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear [respect] God, men of truth, hating covetousness- and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

Joshua 3:5:

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.

Nehemiah 2:17 and 18:

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Psalms 18:19-21:

He brought me forth also into a large place. he delivered me, because he delighted in me

The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

For I have kept the ways of the Lord. and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Psalms 37:16:

A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

Psalms 37:23-26:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth 'in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

I have been young, and now am old-, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

Psalms 101:6:

Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh 'in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

Psalms 119:59 and 60:

1 thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments

Proverbs 4:26:

Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

Romans 15:1:

We then that are strong ought to bear the mifirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves

I Corinthians 1:10:

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together 'in the same mind and in the same judgment.

I Corinthians 10:12 and 13:

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

I Corinthians 14:26:

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

I Corinthians 14:33:

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

I Corinthians 14:40: Let all things be done decently and 'in order.

II Corinthians 10:5:

Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Ephesians 5:16:

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

I Thessalonians 4:1:

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

Hebrews 10:38 and 39:

Now the just shall live by faith [believing]: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure 'in him, But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 11:6:

But without faith [believing] it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 12:1:

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which dot so easily beset us, and let us run with patience [endurance] the race that is set before us.

James 1:12 and 13:

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation. for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither he any man.

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SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

The greatest safety measure you can take is to anticipate problems and prethink solutions. Preparation and planning are the keys to prevention.

1. IN THE HOME

I Fire Prevention: It is critical to be vigilant in this category. Local fire department

service may be delayed or not available.

a. If you intend to burn wood in a stove or fireplace, have the chimney cleaned

and checked before winter.

b. Bum only wood in the fireplace. NOTE-. Burning paper can cause a chimney

fire.

c. Keep candles and kerosene lamps away from anything that might be

flammable.

d. Check extension cords, especially if connected to space heaters.

Always have A-B-C fire extinguishers close at hand.

f If you plan to interface a generator into your home's electrical panel, have the

transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician. Make sure the generator is

properly vented and distanced away from anything flammable.

g. Store fuel (especially gasoline) in containers designed for that purpose.

Exercise extreme caution with fuel. Keep on hand only if absolutely

necessary.

2. Health: Do not assume that EMS or hospital services will be available.

a. Have a comprehensive first-aid kit readily available.

b. Work with your doctor before January 1, 2000, to stock extra prescription

medications that are used on a regular basis.

C. Have an extra supply of over-the-counter medications that your family uses.

4. Take a CPR and Red Cross first-aid class in 1999.

2. IN THE CAR

1. Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank full]
2. Have an emergency kit in the vehicle
3. Do not travel alone
4. Travel with the vehicle doors locked.
5. Have a portable cell phone in your vehicle if possible
6. Traffic lights may be affected by Y2K. Do not assume they are functioning properly. Exercise caution at intersections.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

One of the first things to consider regarding security is the location of your home. If basic services (fire, EMS, police, power, water) are disrupted by Y2K, urban areas will be "high risk" compared to rural locations. Those 'in high risk areas may want to stay with disciples in safer locations during the first few days of 2000.

We are encouraging our disciples to prepare to be "self-sufficient" for a seven-day period. It is wise to set aside extra food, water, clothing, and money, but keep your plans confidential! If people know you have supplies, and basic services are disrupted as a result of Y2K, your home may be targeted for theft. Here are some points to consider

1. IN THE HOME

1. Burglars dislike noise. A watchdog or alarm system with a siren might be good investments if they fit with your living situation. Alarm systems require electricity. If you have one, make sure it has a reliable battery backup.

2 . Have good locks on 0 points of entry. One-inch dead-bolt locks are effective.

3. A square-edged length of wood can be placed 'in the bottom track of a sliding door to secure it. Screws can be added to the top track to prevent the door from being pried off.

1. Garage doors should be kept locked at all times.
2. Install a door eye-viewer on the main entry door.
3. Install bright lighting around the exterior of the home, paying special attention to entrances and garages. Sensor lights triggered by motion are a particularly good deterrent.
4. Trim bushes and trees to allow the maximum exposure of windows and doorways.
5. Make sure there are no unsecured tools lying around that an intruder can use. Lock up ladders, shovels, and anything that can be used as a pry tool.
6. Have a cellular phone in your home to make emergency calls in case the telephone line is disconnected.
7. Designate an interior room as a "safe room" to which the family can retreat if the home is invaded. Utilize resources to make this room easily defensible.
8. Do not give out information about your daily routines, travel plans, or home security status to anyone outside the household, especially in the case of people doing phone surveys or sales.
9. Use signs as appropriate to your situation to discourage intruders. As examples: "No Trespassing," "Guard Dog on Duty," "Premises Protected by Brinks Security," or a general sign such as, "No Trespassing. Violators Will Be Prosecuted. No Exceptions!!"

H. PERSONAL

1. Carry "pepper spray" on your person and in the car. It is an effective tool when nonlethal force is needed.
2. Travel with at least one other person.
3. Carry a portable cell phone if possible.
4. Listen to local news broadcasts. Stay away from any areas where there is a potential for

civil unrest. Do not drive through "rough" areas of the city where the potential for assault

and car-jacking is high.

Avoid travel at night, especially during power outages or civil unrest.

 

 

 

 

6.

SAFETY/SECURITY

Exodus 2:24 and 25:

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

Exodus 3:7 and 8:

And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

And I am come dawn to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Exodus 10:23:

They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

Exodus 13:21 and 22:

And the Lord went before them by day 'in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

Exodus 14:13 and 14:

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Joshua 3:10:

And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Jebusites.

Joshua 24:17:

For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed.

I Samuel 17:37:

David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.

Psalms 4:3:

But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. the Lord will hear when I call unto him.

Psalms 4:5-8:

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than 'in the time that their corn and their wine 'increased.

I will both lay me down 'in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell 'in safety.

Psalms 37:1 and 8:

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Psalms 37:39 and 40:

But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Psalms 41:1 and 2:

Blessed is he that considereth the poor [humble]: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto tile will of his enemies.

Psalms 41:11-13:

By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever,

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

Proverbs 16:16-22:

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that

keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth 'in the Lord, happy is he.

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

Proverbs 25:19:

Confidence 'in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

Proverbs 30:5:

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Isaiah 8:12 and 13:

Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and let him be your fear [respect], and let him be your dread [awe].

Isaiah 31:1 and 4:

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord!

For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof

John 14:27:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Romans 8:34:

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

11 Corinthians 6:14-18:

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols9 fbr ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell *in them, and walk 'in them: and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing.and I will receive you,

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Ephesians 6:13-18:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour [all the resources] of God, that ye may be able to withstand 'in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield [discus] of faith [believing], wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet [garland] of salvation, and the sword [javelin] of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication *in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

I Timothy 2:5:

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

II Timothy 2:4:

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Hebrews 7:25:

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

James 4:7:

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

I John 5:19-21:

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth "in wickedness.

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

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ASSESSMENT: HOW YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED

How do you know what you need" You can't answer that until you know what you have-M detail! You might want to enlist the aid of your children and make a game of it. See how many things they can find

YOUR HOME - Appliances, Equipment, Services, and Utilities

STEP ONE - First, let's find and make a list of all the things in your home:

1. Grab a pad of paper and a pen or pencils.
2. Physically go to every room in your house.

3 Write down for each room:

Every appliance and fixture (medical devices, sink, tub, mirror, light, window, heater, fan,

vent, etc.)

Everything else 'in the room (clothes, furniture, towels, medications, toothpaste, toilet brush,

everything!)

Every utility and service in the room (natural gas, electric, water, batteries, etc.)

Don't forget to look in the drawers, boxes, storage containers, and list everything you find.

4 Now do the same for every closet, cabinet, storage area, etc

5 Start another paper and walk around the exterior of your house and make a note of where all the utilities enter your home and where the shut-off valves are.

6. Make notes of what fixtures are used outside, the lights, security systems, sprinklers, etc.
7. Go to your garage, storage shed, under the porch, in the attic and crawl space, etc., and note ei,ety,thing you find, even the smallest items.

8 Now sit down and think about what services you have and list things like newspaper delivery,

garbage and recycling, healthcare worker, perhaps grocery, laundry, transportation services, etc.

9 Once you get that done, set it aside, and take a break!

STEP TWO-Finding alternatives.

1. Sit down with your lists and by color coding (with markers) or some other method, 'indicate which items listed are:

Not Essential (They are merely a convenience.)

Essential but not Critical (It would be difficult, but you could get by without it for a few days.) Critical (Health and safety would be jeopardized if it weren't used/available as your situation currently exists.)

Now, starting with "Critical" 'indicate which items could not possibly work or be available if there was a loss of electricity, telecommunications, water, or sanitation services. Mark these in red or put them on a fresh piece of paper marked "at risk." Do the same for the "Essential" list.

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3. For all those marked or added to the "at risk" category, you now need to find alternatives. For

example, if you added "heating" to the list because it's electric, start brainstorming what

alternatives are possible. Don't think about what you can or can't do at this point, just come up

with ideas. Some alternatives for heat could be wood stoves, fireplace inserts, kerosene or propane

heaters, solar or passive solar ideas, etc.

4. Next step is to go back through it and select 2-3 of the most 'interesting or likely alternatives.

5. Now you must do the research and find out if you can implement it physically and financially. The best source of information on each alternative is a company that sells them. Don't rely on information from just one company. Talk to several, get brochures, talk to hardware stores, etc.

6. As you go through the list and decide which alternatives are night for you, begin to implement them. Again, make sure you've done your homework; and keep 'in mind that usually the best sohition is ofien the simplest, and low tech. Low tech usually means there's less to fuss with if it breaks.

7. As you implement them, make sure you keep all manuals, learn how to use it properly and how to fix it, and always keep spare parts on hand and the proper tools.

Once you've got all your alternatives implemented, you can relax! Your home can now handle just about any type of emergency no matter when or what. The work you do here is not just for Y2K, but will help safeguard your home and family for years to come.

YOUR HOME-Food, Etc.

Now, let's see what you need 'in the way of food and supplies. The easiest way to figure out what to buy is:

1. Save every receipt for everything you buy for I month, especially groceries.
2. From the receipts, make a list of what you buy, in what quantity, and for how much.
3. After you have that information, decide how much you want to buy 'in advance. If you want to stock supplies for 2 months, then double the items and figures you have and go buy them. Remember, you don't have to buy everything at one time, and always keep track of the expiration dates.
4. After you've laid in your extra supplies, keep them fresh by rotating them. Eat out of your long-term storage and replace what you've used.
5. You can lengthen shelf life by making sure your supplies are kept 'in a cool, dry, and preferably darkened place.

For emergencies, remember that you don't necessarily need everything on the list. Also, avoid stocking up on special or luxury items, or those that have little or no nutritional value.

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Just as for your home, you need to list-for everyone in your home-any information that may be needed in an emergency. Include the following:

1. List all medications-over-the-counter and prescription-that all the family members use. Don't forget emergency items such as medications for allergic reactions to bee stings.

2. List any supplies used with them, such as needles, alcohol swabs, lancets. etc.

3. List all medical conditions, allergies, predispositions, surgeries, etc.

4. List all devices used at home or at a medical facility (e.g., dialysis machine, pacemaker, glucose

testing equipment, inhalers, respirators, etc.). This 'includes wheelchairs (and if they are battery

powered), stair lifts, automatic door openers, etc.

Once you've made your lists, discuss with your doctor:

1. How you can order enough medications and supplies 'in advance and store them safely.
2. How to handle the medical conditions, etc., "in an emergency. Do you need to purchase additional equipment? get training?
3. Find out from the manufacturers of the devices if they will work without error through the date change. Also, find out from your doctor what you can do if the device doesn't work properly or fails. There may be alternatives you can use 'in an emergency.
4. Make sure all the equipment you use has spare parts, and that you know how to fix them, and have the proper tools on hand.
5. Discuss all of the above with family members. Even children as young as 8 can take and learn first-aid classes, and know what to do 'in an emergency.
6. Practice fixing equipment, and test any emergency plans and training.