Addressing possible emergencies caused by the Y2K bug, the Consumers' Foundation (
Hanson Chiang (姜志俊), president of the foundation, said although most governmental institutions and enterprises had already finished with preparations for possible Y2K-related problems, the potential impact of the computer virus is still unknown.
As the effects of the Y2K bug could have a host of effects, Chiang said everyone should have emergency measures prepared.
Get backup copies of important data from your personal computer; ensure you have enough cash with you during the New Year holidays; have your mobile phone battery fully charged and check that your first-aid kit has all the basic necessities, was the advice from the foundation.
On the subject of transportation, the handbook reminded consumers that civil aviation flights would be reduced during the New Year holidays.
According to the Civil Aviation Bureau at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, 57 international flights had been canceled from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2, and 122 internal flights had been canceled from 9pm, Dec. 31 to noon Jan. 1.
The book also cited an investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organization, saying that several civil airlines in China, Central and West Asia and Africa had not provided clear information on their Y2K measures to the agency, and suggested consumers avoid traveling to these regions during the new year period.
For holiday travelers, extra attention is needed, said Su Chin-hsia (
Su said most property insurance had an excluding article for Y2K, which means indemnities would not be paid for accidents resulting from computer date-coding problems in the year 2000.
"This exclusive article is universal in overseas and domestic insurance companies, so travelers should take extra travel insurance with their trips," she said.
"But even with extra travel insurance, the exclusive article is valid, so the best way is to take extra care when you travel," she said.
On financial affairs, the handbook said all the banks would halt business between Dec. 31 and Jan. 3. ATM machines would stop operations from 8pm as of Dec. 31 to 8am the next morning.
According to the Bankers Association, all financial institutions would make extra copies of data for their clients by Dec. 31, so there is no need to have your bank data updated during the holiday.
The Bankers Association also reminded consumers not to give their bank accounts to anyone who requested them for alleged Y2K check-ups.
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