Prepare for Y2K bug: it may bite for three days

WELLINGTON - The Y2K Readiness Commission has launched a $2.5 million campaign urging householders to prepare for up to three-day cuts in essential services because of millennium computer problems.

Commission chairman Basil Logan said any Y2K disruption was expected to be brief and localised. But people should stock emergency supplies to deal with possible cuts to services such as water and power any time between New Year's Eve and March 31, 2000.

The commission has begun its public awareness drive with a millennium bug of its own. A series of television advertisements starting on Sunday will be fronted by "Ken," a computer-generated cartoon cockroach.

Householders are urged to put aside supplies including canned food, torches and at least nine litres of water a person.

They should also store materials such as bin liners and buckets for an emergency toilet in case sewerage fails. And they should have cash or cheques to last three days without electronic transactions.

The campaign, developed by The New Colenso advertising agency and the commission's consultants, Logos Porter Novelli, includes television, radio and newspaper advertisements, a school education scheme and a nationwide mail-out of an action checklist next month.

Mr Logan said research showed that 59 per cent of New Zealanders had made or intended to make preparations. A further 14 per cent said they would make plans when more information was available. More than 70 per cent wanted to know what help would be available.

He was confident the cockroach could command attention amid competition from politicians in the buildup to this year's general election.

"We chose a cockroach because they are known for their adaptation and survival skills. Fossils show that cockroaches have been around for more than 300 million years. That's 300,000 millennia." - NZPA

Survival essentials:

* Enough easily cooked, non-perishable canned food to feed your household, including pets, for three days if electricity fails.

* Three litres of water for each person a day, stored out of direct sunlight.

* Barbecue or primus (small cooker).

* Medical supplies.

* Disinfectant, buckets and plastic bin liners for an emergency toilet.

* Other emergency standbys, including batteries, a torch, candles, matches and a radio.

* Cash or cheques for three days' spending should power failures stop electronic banking.

* A full tank of petrol in the car (cars should be filled up well before Christmas, and refilled regularly, but it is dangerous to store fuel in or around home).