Like Boy Scouts, Lawrence County’s emergency managers have adopted the motto, "Be prepared," when it comes to dealing with Y2K predictions.

Monday, December 27, 1999

Like Boy Scouts, Lawrence County’s emergency managers have adopted the motto, "Be prepared," when it comes to dealing with Y2K predictions.

Fire stations and the 911 center are protected by back-up power systems, so every fire department in the county – and grange halls in two townships – will be available that night to open up the fire stations if communications break down and residents need an ambulance or have to get in touch with a police station.

Now, the likelihood of such a catastrophe is nill. Phone companies say they’re ready. Power companies say they’re not sweating. Any Y2K crisis likely will be short-lived and probably affect only small businesses lacking the clout to fix their computer databases.

Still, an element of danger will exist on New Year’s Eve, specifically from pranksters and revellers.

All it will take to create that panic is one chainsaw against the base of a telephone pole, or one drunk behind the wheel of a car. A few snapped utility poles can cause a myriad of problems, especially for those needing an ambulance, policeman or firefighter that night.

So, a firm pat on the back to 911 workers, the Lawrence County Emergency Management Agency, the Lawrence County Firefighters Assocation and the hundreds of emergency responders who will brave the cold and Y2K Dec. 31 to keep watch over us.

Having a fire station or a radio-equipped building available in case we need help will make us all sleep safer as the millennium dawns.