(Editor's Note: Well, it seems that the Y2K problem was mostly hype. However, some experts believe the real problems will occur when 2038 comes along. So, we'll keep this article alive, just in case.)

Electricity

1. The utility you want least to lose is probably electric power. Most companies say they will be ready to meet the Y2K challenge. Check with providers to assess their readiness.

2. Don't jump to the conclusion that you need a generator: They're expensive, they require you to store substantial amounts of flammable fuels, and they must have a hands-on trial run long before Dec. 31.

3. A smaller unit will power just a few appliances, like a pair of lamps or TV, and will do so only as long as it is kept well-fed with gas, propane or diesel. DO NOT attempt to wire larger generators directly into your electrical panel; this is a VERY DANGEROUS job that requires a professional, licensed electrician.

Home Office

1. If the electricity goes out, it will come on again with a whoosh (a k a power surge), which can damage electronic components. Plug everything -- phone lines, cable TV feeds and computer electrical cords -- into surge protectors. They're available at electronics stores or through power companies, which will also sell you a surge damper for your main service line.

2. Even if you've made your home computer Y2K compliant, back up your files and keep hard copies of crucial documents. Scanners, printers and copiers generally don't have calendar functions, and should not have problems.

3. Telephone service may be dysfunctional. If it is, there's nothing you can do about it. Charge the cell phone; it may work if land lines don't.

4. Banks and other financial institutions say they're Y2K-okay. But just in case, keep paper records of financial transactions made during December, January and February (considered the overlap period, when problems might occur.

5. Keep some cash on hand, perhaps enough to cover expenses for a week or two. Don't withdraw your life savings and stuff it under the mattress.

Bedroom

1. If your only blanket is electric, or hooked to a heater, you'll be in for cold comfort if the power goes out. Keep some old-fashioned blankets and quilts around for warmth. Sleeping bags also work well.

2. Wind-up and battery-operated clocks will keep you on time without electricity.

3. Pack a few essentials in case the lack of power (and/or water) forces you to leave home temporarily.

Bath

1. Public water supplies may continue without interruption, but pumping and treatment systems are dependent on computers. If you rely on well water, you still need power to run the pump.

2. Fill the tub with water for washing and flushing. Store additional water in jugs, to cover personal and household use.

3. Stock up on critical prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. Even if your household is problem-free, your doctor and pharmacist may experience computer outages that make it difficult to access medical records.

4. Assemble a first-aid kit. Don't assume that emergency 911 services will continue without disruptions, or that you'll have a working phone to call them.

5. If waste treatment plants stop functioning, sewer mains may not accept deposits. You might consider buying a portable marine toilet (about $60) that handles the problem with disinfecting chemicals.

6. In a recent USA Today survey, 69 percent of adults polled identified toilet paper as the single most important thing they wouldn't want to be without. Be prepared.

Kitchen

1. Store some non-perishable foods that don't require cooking. (Don't forget the manual can-opener.)

2. If it's cold outside, you can store perishables outdoors in picnic coolers.

3. Stock up on paper products and plastic tableware. If the dishwasher is on the blink or if you have no water, you'll be glad that everything left on the table can simply be thrown away.

4. Gas or electrical service interruptions may mean the stove is useless. Substitute cook tops might include camp stoves fueled by propane, gas grills and even fireplaces (for the latter, use only cast iron pots.)

5. NEVER use charcoal grills indoors; the fumes can kill you.

6. Appliances with microchips or microprocessors, including refrigerators, coffee makers and microwaves, may become whimsical at the turn of the century. You can, and maybe should, determine in advance which are subject to Y2K disruptions.

7. Customer-service numbers for manufacturers of consumer electronics are available in Jim Hickman's book, "Your Y2K Protection Plan."

8. Keep a battery-powered radio around to keep in touch with the world in case telephone, cable TV and computers are unavailable. Extra batteries are required, too.

9. Don't forget your about your pets. Make sure you have pet food and medications on hand, and think of where your pet will stay if the family has to seek shelter elsewhere.

Living Room

1. A wood stove or fireplace probably won't heat your entire house, but it can warm a room in the nicest possible way. Order cordwood now.

2. Candles must be used with caution. When you stock up, skip the decorative kinds and go for hard-to-tip emergency candles guaranteed to burn for 120 hours.

3. Don't put total faith in electronic entertainment: Cable service may fail, stereo systems with microchips may go on the fritz and your VCR may lose all memory of how to record programs. Playback functions will not be affected (unless electrical service is down), so stock up on movies if you like.

4. Just in case, plan some old-fashioned amusements. Lay in a few good books and some board games for the kids -- show them how you amused yourself in the days before color TV and Game Boys.

Garage

1. Most car manufacturers say their vehicles are free of Y2K bugs. But the flow of gas and petroleum supplies may be at risk, along with the control of refineries, pipelines and super tankers. Locally, gas station pumps may be computer-operated and vulnerable. Be prudent and fill your car's gas tank.

2. It's not a bad idea to have a transportation alternative. Tune up the bicycle and inflate its tires. Dig out the cross-country skis, in case it's snowy.

3. A garage-door opener is one of those modern conveniences that might lose its microchip mind. Know how to accomplish a manual override.

Laundry Room

1. Learn in advance whether your washer and dryer are free of Y2K problems by calling manufacturer's customer service lines. You can wash clothes by hand if you have someplace indoor where they can drip dry.

Basement

1. Newer furnaces equipped with electronic thermostats or electronic ignition systems may fail if electricity goes off.

2. Gas customers are dependent on uninterrupted supplies (companies do claim to be Y2K compliant); oil customers should fill tanks before the end-of-year holidays.

3. Hot-water heating systems and hot-water heaters can malfunction without a supply of water. Find out in advance from your plumber and heating contractor how to safely shut these appliances down to avoid damaging them. Have the necessary tools on hand.

4. If heat fails and outside temperatures are below 32 degrees, you'll need to drain water pipes to keep them from freezing and breaking. Shut off the main water supply and open the lowest faucets in the house first; open other faucets part way to accommodate the expansion of ice formed by residual moisture in the pipes. A kerosene heater can keep plumbing in the basement from freezing.

5. Know where your electrical service panel is located and how to shut down circuits or replace fuses. Have spare fuses on hand -- pennies are NOT a safe substitute.

6. Be sure to have a battery-powered light available in the basement, so you can see what you're doing.

Outside

1. Fill propane tanks for your barbecue in case you need the grill for cooking. Stock charcoal if you're still using an old-fashioned grill and be sure you still have some starter fluid.

2. Order firewood now for fireplaces and wood stoves. Avoid softwoods (pine, fir) which contribute to creosote build-up in chimneys and stove pipes. Collect adequate kindling to get the fire going -- if you don't have scrap lumber or a good supply of smaller cut branches, lay in fire starters like pressed composite logs.

3. Don't get left out in the cold by a home-security system that locks you out. Find out if your system is Y2K compliant, or learn how to accomplish a manual override. Or both.