Is any other city making this recommendation, or is this unique to Detroit?

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/991220/mi_det_wat_1.html

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* Fill your bathtub with water no later than 10 p.m., December 31. This water is for personal hygiene such as flushing toilets.

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-- Linkmeister (link@librarian.edu), December 21, 1999

Answers

[Fair Use: For Educational/Research Purposes Only]

Monday December 20, 4:06 pm Eastern Time

Company Press Release

SOURCE: Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Emphasizes Customer Preparedness for Y2K

'Prepare like you would for a winter storm - just in case'

DETROIT, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has been working diligently since 1997 so that water and wastewater services can continue uninterrupted during the year 2000 rollover. The utility has put in place a Y2K readiness team as well as a Six-Step Plan to address Y2K issues as recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. So far, more than $50 million has been allocated for the effort.

Placing health and public safety issues at the forefront, DWSD, like many governmental organizations, encourages residents to actively prepare for Y2K as they would for a large snowstorm, a holiday weekend or any potential emergency.

The Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency have recommended that residents make preparations for Y2K and consider incorporating some of the following emergency preparedness guidelines into their family's routine:

* Store one gallon of tap water per person, per day, for cooking, drinking and personal hygiene -- enough for a three-day period. It is advised that plastic food-grade containers with screw-top lids be used -- the type typically utilized for pop, milk and orange juice.

* Fill your bathtub with water no later than 10 p.m., December 31. This water is for personal hygiene such as flushing toilets.

* In case of low water pressure, conserve water and limit its use to essential needs until pressure is back to normal.

* If your home or business loses heat, turn off the water where it enters the building at the meter. Drain the pipes to prevent them from bursting.

* To report water main breaks in Detroit (an increase in main breaks is a normal occurrence during cold weather), call the Department's 24- hour customer service number at 313-267-7401.

Other general emergency preparedness measures not directly related to water are included in an information packet available through the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. To obtain a copy, call the Y2K Hotline at 313-964-9562. Y2K preparedness information can also be found on the DWSD website at www.dwsd.org

SOURCE: Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

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-- Linkmeister (link@librarian.edu), December 21, 1999.

"* If your home or business loses heat, turn off the water where it enters the building at the meter. Drain the pipes to prevent them from bursting."

How many people will not read this notice? Of those who do, how many would know how to drain their pipes?

-- (RUOK@yesiam.com), December 21, 1999.