In the unlikely event of a Y2K emergency, MIT's residential system wants the community to be aware of the following precautionary steps:
Elevators -- All residential elevators to date have been evaluated and are Y2K-compliant. However, in the unlikely event of a power outage, as a precautionary measure, elevators will be taken out of service for the Greenwich Mean Time rollover on December 31 (local time: 6:45-7:15pm), and then again during our Y2K transition time (11:45pm-12:15am). Please plan accordingly.
Utilities -- We have been assured by MIT's cogeneration facility and the City of Cambridge that power outages are unlikely. As an added safety measure, the Office of Residential Life and Student Life Programs (RLSLP), in conjunction with Facilities, is taking steps to check all of MIT's utility equipment to ensure good operating conditions.
Emergency housing plans -- Each residence hall is capable of providing cots and bedding. We have designated alternative locations in the unlikely event of a power outage or heat loss. Residents will be advised to relocate to designated areas if necessary. Relocation and backup information will be available if required.
Backup lighting -- In the event of power loss, emergency generators will provide backup lighting. Resident desks will have flashlights for residents' use.
Residential area staffing for Y2K transition -- RLSLP is developing a staffing plan for the Y2K transition weekend. There will be a liaison (Karen Nilsson, associate director) from Residential Life in the Y2K Command Center on the evening of December 31, as well as additional staffing on campus as appropriate.
Student staffing incentives -- RLSLP will be looking within its residential areas for student assistance over the Y2K transition weekend. We will be advertising student jobs at a special Y2K transition weekend rate. Please see your house manager for details.
Residential computing -- Please follow the guidelines that Information Systems has set for the MIT community.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on November 17, 1999.
