Throughout the ages, man has constantly faced one crisis or another. For the caveman, it was famine, wild animals, and acts of nature. In more recent times, acts of nature (fires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) still abound. In addition, there have been numerous man-made disasters (wars, depression, hazardous material accidents, airline disasters, etc.) to contend with.
Now, as we approach the twenty-first century, we are constantly reminded of yet another potential man-made disaster, unlike any other that mankind has ever faced -- Y2K.
While the majority of disasters have been limited to certain geographical areas, Y2K is destined to affect almost everyone world-wide.
When it comes to disaster, most people tend to take the ostrich approach. However, hiding your head in the sand won't make the problem go away.
While doing research for Y2K: The Layman's Survival Guide, I spent months reading books, magazine and newspaper articles, watching TV, and surfing the Internet. I also talked to people working on the front line, attempting to fix the Y2K problem. As far as I am concerned, the evidence is overwhelming that the threat is real. Yet, I still find it all hard to believe.
It is interesting to note that the people working on the front line are among those who are the least optimistic.
Some years ago, I was employed in a large medical center where, in addition to my other duties, I served as a member of the trauma team. For some twelve years now, I have been a volunteer member of a disaster team. From past experience, I can assure you that accidents, emergencies, and disasters are very real, and they don't always happen to someone else. I can also assure you that being prepared ahead of time will greatly improve your chances of survival in a disaster.
There has always been a fear of the unknown and we will definitely be traveling in uncharted waters. Y2K will be a unique experience. There are those who say it will be nothing more than a blip on a big screen, while others predict that it will be the end of the world as we know it today. Chances are, it will fall somewhere in between.
The anticipated problems cover a wide spectrum. At one end are creature comforts. Some, or all, may be lost at least temporarily, resulting in possible inconvenience and discomfort. At the other end, are potential failures in some critical safety systems, which could result in life-threatening situations. About the only thing we know beyond the shadow of a doubt is the date -- 1/1/2000.
I realize it is hard to believe that something as simple as two digits can turn our world upside down, but consider this. It was a single satellite, Galaxy 4, that failed in May of 1998 causing some 50,000,000 pagers to become inoperative! It was also a simple O-ring malfunction that led to the explosion aboard the spaceship Challenger! It was a simple act of not forwarding a warning message which may have led to the sinking of The Titanic!
In order to adequately prepare for any disaster, you need to start with a sound game plan. Y2K: The Layman's Survival Guide will fill this role. Written in easy to understand, non-technical language, it consists of two parts. Part One briefly explains why the problem exists, what is required to correct it, and some of the possible ramifications. Part Two focuses on a number of areas that need to be addressed as you prepare for the Millennium Bug.
It is interesting to note, that one of the areas I discuss in this Guide did not show up anywhere in my reasearch. I personally feel that it is a key issue and one having the potential to be a real win-win situation. It may also prove to be a real lifesaver!
For those of you who still have doubts, consider the following. Two of the largest relief organizations, The Red Cross and The Salvation Army, have both expressed their concerns and are gearing up for Y2K. Federal, state and local governments, as well as businesses of all sizes, are spending millions of dollars to become Y2K compliant, and are putting contingency plans in place in the event they miss the deadline. Both the military and civilian law enforcement agencies, are also putting plans in place to deal with possible Y2K related problems.
Doesn't it only make sense that you too should spend a little time and effort preparing for what may be the event of a lifetime?
This project is a humanitarian effort. Although I am qualified to instruct various disaster preparation classes, it is only physically possible to reach a limited number of people in a classroom setting. Therefore, in order to reach as many people as possible, at a price within everyone's budget, I chose to write Y2K: The Layman's Survival Guide and market it primarily via the Internet.
This Guide is available for a limited time at the introductory price of only $5.95! (US dollars)
By acting now, time is your ally....but if you procrastinate, time will become your enemy!
If you prefer, you may mail your check or money order for $5.95 (US dollars) to:
Mr. Frank Lessard
PMB 331
112 Harvard Avenue,
Claremont, California 91711-4716
If you are mailing your payment, please include your e-mail address.
