Editor's note: This is the fourth article in a series examining Ohio's and Athens County's preparations for Y2K.

A recent report issued by the United States Senate's Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem compares Y2K to a winter storm and suggests individuals make preparations accordingly.

The millennium bug, caused by the inability of computers to recognize the year 2000, will most likely affect America on a local, rather than national level, according to the report.

The report predicts there will be price increases for some goods and services, which will become scarce or unavailable because of interruptions in supply chains.

The committee also expressed concerns about the preparedness of healthcare providers and small businesses.

O'Bleness Memorial Hospital has been busy checking with vendors to ensure its clinical equipment will be functional on Jan. 1. The hospital hired a Y2K project manager who upgraded or replaced medical equipment susceptible to the computer problem.

O'Bleness is now evaluating how Y2K will affect computers used in administration.

"At this point we're about 90 percent ready to go," said Colleen Miller, public relations manager for O'Bleness.

But local hospitals are not the only ones preparing for Y2K.

Bromley Hall, 35 S. Congress, has installed new computer chips in the building's heating and cooling systems to ensure a smooth transition into 2000.

"I think we've got all our bases covered," said David Braden, Bromley Hall general manager. A final computer check will be conducted in the next few weeks, he added.

Mathews Insurance, Inc., 8 N. Court St., had two options to ensure it is ready for Y2K. Insurance Agent John Miller said the company could have upgraded its office management system, which runs its customer database and accounting system, or purchased a new one.

The independent insurance agency opted to buy a new Y2K compliant system and personal computers for about $8,000.

The agency is taking a wait-and-see attitude with less vital office equipment such as fax machines, Miller said.

"The only thing I'm worried about is doing a good backup on the 30th," he said.

Athens community members also are planning for inconveniences that might be caused by the Y2K problem.

"I would have four days extra food on hand," said Doug Bowie, network administrator for the Ohio University College of Communication. He plans to withdraw extra money from his bank in December in case a problem occurs with banks or ATMs.

Philip Campbell, assistant professor of Communications Systems Management, said he will prepare for Jan.1, 2000 as if he were preparing for a long weekend.

"Some people somewhere will lose power for a couple of days," Campbell said. "The effects abroad will be much more substantial than the United States."