Though they don't expect any major problems from Y2K, city departments have made extensive contigency plans just in case.

"[We think] it will be relatively routine fare, but we're always prepared for the worst," Fosque says.

Cambridge will have two major crisis centers open on the night of Dec. 31.

The 911 Center at the Fire Department headquarters near Canaday Hall will be supplemented by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a special gathering of city department heads that usually convenes when natural disasters threaten the city.

Throughout the day, O'Connor will be following events across the world, as countries such as New Zealand pass the critical Y2K threshold first.

And then, at 9 p.m., City Manager Robert W. Healy, Police Commissioner Ronnie Watson and leading officials from Cambridge's water, health, school, emergency management, police and fire departments will gather at the Department of Public Works' conference room at 147 Hampshire St.

"The key departments will all be represented at the Emergency Operations Center," Fosque says.

If major problems occur, those department leaders will spring into action.