Emmitsburg, Md. August 17, 1998 -- The approach of the Year 2000 has captured attention and stirred imaginations worldwide. Much has been written about the impact of this date change on computer systems. There are currently many automated and intelligent computer systems not designed to account for the millennial date change of January 1, 2000. If not addressed, there is a legitimate concern that the Year 2000 Problem could consequently affect our nation's telecommunications systems.

Michael K. Powell, Defense Commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), recently discussed the problem in an article entitled "The Year 2000 Bug and Public Safety Communications." With his permission, this piece borrows heavily from his article to address related issues that could impact fire and emergency services.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the FCC, are particularly concerned about the public safety communications networks and operational systems that fire departments and emergency service organizations rely upon to ensure prompt and continuous emergency services to the public. It is possible that the Y 2000 Problem could affect electronic devices as diverse as security systems, communications and dispatch systems, 911 reporting systems, and the microcomputers that help run apparatus and climate control systems.

"Problems with any of these systems would have a negative impact on emergency services ability to respond," said USFA Administrator Carrye B. Brown. "The fire and emergency services community must make checking and correcting these vital systems a top priority for Year 2000 readiness."

Many fire departments nationwide have already acted to fix Year 2000 Problems. Yet, there is concern that some departments are just now realizing the seriousness of the problem, and have not yet taken the necessary steps to prevent system disruptions. There will be no last minute miracle fix and the deadline cannot be negotiated. No one can afford to put off the inevitable any longer:

America's public safety communications networks and operational systems must be made ready for the Year 2000.

By acting now, departments can ensure that Year 2000 incidents are minor annoyances rather than major catastrophes. Fire chiefs are strongly encouraged to establish an open dialogue with equipment suppliers and manufacturers. Take advantage of the special services created to deal with this issue. Many manufacturers have done mass mailings to inform customers of their Year 2000 efforts. Special Internet sites with catalogs of compliant and non-compliant products have been established. There are also a number of manufacturers with 24-hour telephone support hotlines.

Fire departments should also undertake readiness programs to troubleshoot potential problems and examine all mission-critical systems. Good planning must also recognize that in spite of these best efforts, some systems and network elements could fail on or after January 1, 2000. Therefore fire departments and other emergency service organizations must develop contingency plans.

The USFA has developed a brochure addressing frequently asked questions about Y2K. As part of its outreach to the fire and emergency services, this brochure has been mailed to all fire departments, State Fire Marshals, major fire service organizations, and State Fire Training Directors.

This information, along with a procedure for determining if a computer system is Y2K compliant, has been posted on the USFA World Wide Web site at www.usfa.fema.gov/y2kcom.htm.

"With the help of our partners at the state and local levels we can get the word to the fire service community in adequate time to devise solutions and avoid problems and confusion in the future," Brown said.

FEMA, including USFA, is actively working to make its internal systems compliant. FEMA and the FCC are also full and active participants on the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion. The FCC has established a Y2K page on the Internet, located at www.fcc.gov/year2000/ which serves as a resource center concerning the Year 2000 Problem and telecommunications, including public safety communications. The President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion has also established a special Internet web site at www.y2k.gov.

The challenge of implementing Year 2000 readiness squarely rests with those in charge of public safety offices, including fire departments, nationwide. Department chiefs and supervisors must develop a clear understanding of what needs to be done to successfully meet the Year 2000 Problem. Public safety officials must make certain that if Year 2000 related problems develop, they have contingency plans in place.

Our national well-being, the fabric of our communities depends on the reliability of public safety communications services.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Office of Emergency Information & Media Affairs --- Washington, D.C.

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