Minimizing Risk: For Researchers

• Identify who the building coordinator is and how he/she can be reached in case card-access doors fails to operate properly.
• Plan alternate means for maintaining research samples in case of a power loss. In particular, consider having alternate power or cooling sources or alternate locations for the samples. Consider auxiliary CO₂ cooling systems.
• Arrange with Environmental Health and Safety for collection and disposal of unnecessary chemicals and samples. In particular dispose of any extra/unnecessary chemicals and samples normally stored in cold-rooms, ultra cold freezers, fume hoods, and compressed gas cabinets that could be affected by the Y2K issue.
• Remove all collection of materials intended for recycling (newspapers, etc.) from your lab.
• Backup key hard drives and keep copies at an alternate site. If practical, keep a hard copy of vital data.
• Download and use the most recent antivirus software.
• If a generator is to be added in case of power failure, be aware of environmental, health, and safety restrictions.
• Create a communication list for research lab staff.
• If you work with researchers in non-U.S. facilities, have collaborative research areas reviewed for possible Y2K exposures.
• Advise graduate students on preserving research/dissertation data.
• Coordinate with your partners with respect to handling Y2K disruptions.

• Close and lock all windows and doors, and close blinds and curtains.
• Turn off all unnecessary lab services, including gas, air, vacuum, and water.
• Leave all radiator valves turned on to ensure adequate heating and avoid freeze damage.
• Make sure not to have long, daisy-chained extension cords.
• Make sure there are no space heaters running.
• Unplug nonessential equipment (including PCs).
• Consider full shutdown of experiments for the holiday weekend.
• If running continuous research during that weekend, consider having someone check the lab next morning to make sure there was no Y2K impact.

• Plan how to begin the restoration part of contingency plan, in case of failure.
• Test equipment before starting new experiments.
• Make sure ventilation is working properly.
• Test hardware and software.
• Report to Y2K Command Center any and all problems encountered.