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Waterloo Region officials are predicung a quiet rollover into the year 2000 this Saturday as most of the Y2K bugs have been exterminated over the last 18 months And any problems that do arise will be handled by a joint task force made up of the police and the region‘s emerâ€" gency planning department The police will be setung up a command centre at police headquarters, while a rep from the region‘s emergency planâ€" ning department, the ambuâ€" lance services and the palice department go out on site visits of critical points in the emerâ€" gency network to make sure everything came through the rollover all right "We‘re going to visit the disâ€" patch centre for the emergency services, and visit the local hosâ€" pitals just to make sure their rollovers are smooth, just as predicted," said Marg Verbeck, the emergency planning coorâ€" dinator for the region. And as predicted most of the major services are Y2K compliâ€" ant in time for the New Year including the local water, gas and electrical uulities in the area. "We have spent about 18 months working with hospiâ€" Region ready to handle any Y2K problems Bob Vrbanac Chronicle Staff In case of an major emerâ€" gency, the region has also preâ€" designated a couple of evacuation centres and a couâ€" ple of refueling stations should anything occur. General preparations for an emergency include: * posting emergency numâ€" bers in a prominent location in your home, with 911 only used for emergency calls to police, fire and ambulance services; tals. school boards, the Comâ€" munity Care Access Centre, police, fire and ambulance to make sure everything is preâ€" pared," said Verbeek "We do U[lg(lll]g C"’lfl’gt’"k) "'lJndgf' ment and preparedness in our community, but we stepped up our community membership to include all of our uulines like Union Gas and Hydro." * avoid using the telephone unless it is absolutely necesâ€" * all responsible members should be how to turn off gas, oil and water supply; "...we think that things are going to be very smooth for the rollover." â€"Marg Verbecek, emergency planning coordinator family taught electric * keep your vehicle gas tank at least half full so you will be able to evacuate even if gas staâ€" tions are closed:; * don‘t risk fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning by trying to heat your home with makeshift appliances; * if you are cold, leave your home and seek shelter with family. friends or at a shelter in vour area. The region will use the media to advise you of what‘s happening, if anything, and * predetermine a meeting place and message point for family members who are sepaâ€" * when purchasing a generaâ€" tor for emergency power, conâ€" tact an electrical contractor for proper installation; * prepare an emergency kit contaimng first aid supplies, bottled _ water, _ candles, matches, nonâ€"perishable food a flashlight, a batteryâ€"powered radro and blankets. You should be seltâ€"sufficient for at least three days, rated by an emergency "We want folks to listen to the radio and if we‘re advising people not to go out unless they have to, that‘s what we‘re advising them to do." "Other than that, we think that things are going to be very smooth for the rollover," said Verbeek "We want people to enjoy themselves on New Years and not call 911." said Verbeek Despite the general prectâ€" tions we can all take, Verbeek is predicting a quiet night this Friday. instructions on evacuation centre openings, emergency routes, public health advisories and continual emergency updates. The information will be broadcast locally on CKGL 570 AM. CHYM 96.7 FM, Oldies 1090 AM. KOOLâ€"FM 105.3 and the Zone at 92.9 FM "Leave those lines for those who are injured or are in acciâ€" dents. Happy{ arnd Prosperous The City of Waterloo received the Highest Provincial Award for Communities in Bloom and an invitation to complete Nationally. Thank you for another great year and we look forward to continued prosperity in 2000. 52 acres of environmental lands were acquired. Phase One of the History Walk at Silver Lake was unveiled. A new Fire Training Building was built by fireâ€"fighters at the Weber St. Headquarters. An Agreement in Principal has been reached with Conestoga College to construct a new $50 million campus for 2000 students in the Eastbridge Area. A Clean Ais Plan was implemented. The transfer of the Transit and Garbage functions to the Region has occurred. 1999 was a busy year at the City of Waterloo and here are some highlights: The First Gulf redevelopment proposal in Uptown was approved. 33 acres of industrial land were sold. The planning and land acquisition for Millennium Recreation Centre was completed. Construction of this $30 million project, which includes a golf course, soccer fields, trails, a multiâ€"pad arena and access to the Grand River will begin in 2000. Full Year 2000 readiness has been achieved The Mayor and Council of the City of Waterloo want to wish everyone a very Â¥yâ€"â€"«~"* _ C aa â€" : j ubsohtmegt 7 m Fzcla uce facozl htel Qonk.. EVW T€ar