Eleventh hour checklist for Y2K readiness.

During this last month before the change to the new century, a final review should be conducted and preparatory steps should be taken, regardless of whether or not a more comprehensive plan was pursued, according to Peter G. Goodman of Kurzman Karelsen & Frank, LLP. A brief outline of these items follows:

Determine, to the extent possible, whether the following building equipment and systems will be operational after midnight December 31, 1999:

* Building and parking access;

* Fire alarms and smoke detectors;

* Lighting, including emergency lighting;.

* Telecommunications;

* HVAC systems;

* Elevators;

* Arrange for extra building staff to be present on December 31, January 1st and January 2nd in the event assistance is needed due to the unexpected malfunction of any building equipment or system.

* Arrange for adequate battery-powered lighting sources for hallways and other common spaces, and keep extra batteries on hand.

* Make sure all fire extinguishers are recharged.

* Confirm that fuel tanks are filled and extra building supplies are on hand.

* Keep cash on hand for emergency supplies.

* Make contingency plans for emergency heating and boiler service.

* Check that emergency generators are operational.

* Contact insurance brokers for final confirmation that appropriate coverage is in place.

* Arrange for the back-up on disk or hard copy of all computer-stored data such as rent records, accounts payable and accounts receivable records.

* Contact accountants to determine that back-up disks or hard copies exist of tax and other financial records relating to building operation.

Investing a brief amount of time on these final preparations likely will be worth the effort to avoid any Y2K-related complications. These steps should also minimize any complications in the event of an unexpected Y2K-related failure of building systems or equipment, or interruption of other services.