CITY INFORMATION PANEL OFFERS Y2K TIPS ON CITYVIEW CHANNEL.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Los Angeles survived 9/9/99 - the forerunner to potential year-end computer problems - and now the city wants residents to be ready for possible difficulties with Y2K.

Under a program announced this week by Mayor Richard Riordan and Councilman Alex Padilla, the city has launched a new campaign called ``For You 2 Know'' with a checklist of things residents can do to be prepared.

``The city of Los Angeles is working hard to be prepared for Y2K,'' Riordan said. ``Although we do not expect major problems, there are some simple tips every resident can use to be ready for Y2K.''

The program uses the city's cable station, CityView, to get information out and also will have a public service program on radio and on other television stations.

``We need to be prepared for Y2K just as we need to be prepared for earthquakes,'' said Padilla, who chairs the City Council's Information Technology and General Services Committee.

Among the suggestions made by the city are the following:

Have accurate financial and billing records, including bank accounts, investment statements and insurance policies.

Back up important records on home computers.

Make sure any home computers are Y2K compliant.

Stock enough disaster supplies for up to a week, including food, water and any medications.

Have extra cash on hand.

Keep automobile gas tanks filled.

Prepare to use alternate cooking devices.

Have flashlights and extra batteries, as well as blankets and clothes.

Check smoke alarms.