Are you ready for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse that's happening on April 8th? If you live or work near Ohio, you should prepare for the millions of visitors expected to flood the area for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
According to Rebecca Owens, director of the Richland County Emergency Management Agency, the Mansfield area alone could see up to 250,000 guests during the weekend of the eclipse.
But don't worry, I've got you covered! Here are five tips to help you be more prepared and avoid any unnecessary stress:
1. Stock up on essential supplies
As visitors increase, grocery stores, gas stations, and ATMs might need more supplies. Stock up on essential items like emergency food supply, medicine, and cash to avoid inconvenience. You should also refill your prescriptions early in the week to avoid any last-minute rush.
2. Expect service interruptions
With so many people in one place, cellphone service might be limited, and the internet might be affected too. Ensure you can access a secure wifi network and communicate via text instead of making phone calls. This will help you stay connected with your loved ones in an emergency.
3. Make a plan for every potential emergency
Ohio's roads will be busy during the eclipse, and traffic is expected to be even worse after the event. Reschedule any regular medical appointments on April 8th to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Also, plan for any potential emergency, and know what to do if the roads are blocked.
The eclipse will enter western Ohio at 3:10 p.m. near Greenville in Darke County and will reach Cleveland by 3:15 p.m.
4. Know where you're going to watch the eclipse
The ideal situation would be for everyone to stay home and watch the eclipse from the comfort of their living room. However, if you plan to go out and watch it with others, plan ahead. With so many people on the roads, you don't want to be stranded in a traffic jam watching the eclipse from the side of the road.
5. Get the proper solar glasses
The most important thing to remember is to protect your eyes during the eclipse. Make sure you have the proper solar glasses to watch the eclipse safely. You can find them online or through schools and libraries. Don't take any chances with your eyesight!
The International Organization for Standardization has set safety standards for solar glasses. Glasses that meet those standards are stamped with "ISO 12312-2:2015" to ensure their safety. Always look for the stamp before using solar glasses to avoid low-quality ones.
Free Eclipse Glasses:
Visit to The Space Science Institute/STAR Net Library Network
Solar Eclipse Countdown
In which US states the total solar eclipse 2024 will be visible?
Path of totality will pass through many places on April 8, 2024! These include northwest Mexico, 15 US states and five Canadian provinces (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland).
| Location | Partial Begins | Totality Begins | Maximum | Totality Ends | Partial Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, Texas | 12:23 p.m. CDT | 1:40 p.m. CDT | 1:42 p.m. CDT | 1:44 p.m. CDT | 3:02 p.m. CDT |
| Idabel, Oklahoma | 12:28 p.m. CDT | 1:45 p.m. CDT | 1:47 p.m. CDT | 1:49 p.m. CDT | 3:06 p.m. CDT |
| Little Rock, Arkansas | 12:33 p.m. CDT | 1:51 p.m. CDT | 1:52 p.m. CDT | 1:54 p.m. CDT | 3:11 p.m. CDT |
| Poplar Bluff, Missouri | 12:39 p.m. CDT | 1:56 p.m. CDT | 1:56 p.m. CDT | 2:00 p.m. CDT | 3:15 p.m. CDT |
| Paducah, Kentucky | 12:42 p.m. CDT | 2:00 p.m. CDT | 2:01 p.m. CDT | 2:02 p.m. CDT | 3:18 p.m. CDT |
| Carbondale, Illinois | 12:42 p.m. CDT | 1:59 p.m. CDT | 2:01 p.m. CDT | 2:03 p.m. CDT | 3:18 p.m. CDT |
| Evansville, Indiana | 12:45 p.m. CDT | 2:02 p.m. CDT | 2:04 p.m. CDT | 2:05 p.m. CDT | 3:20 p.m. CDT |
| Cleveland, Ohio | 1:59 p.m. EDT | 3:13 p.m. EDT | 3:15 p.m. EDT | 3:17 p.m. EDT | 4:29 p.m. EDT |
| Erie, Pennsylvania | 2:02 p.m. EDT | 3:16 p.m. EDT | 3:18 p.m. EDT | 3:20 p.m. EDT | 4:30 p.m. EDT |
| Buffalo, New York | 2:04 p.m. EDT | 3:18 p.m. EDT | 3:20 p.m. EDT | 3:22 p.m. EDT | 4:32 p.m. EDT |
| Burlington, Vermont | 2:14 p.m. EDT | 3:26 p.m. EDT | 3:27 p.m. EDT | 3:29 p.m. EDT | 4:37 p.m. EDT |
| Lancaster, New Hampshire | 2:16 p.m. EDT | 3:27 p.m. EDT | 3:29 p.m. EDT | 3:30 p.m. EDT | 4:38 p.m. EDT |
| Caribou, Maine | 2:22 p.m. EDT | 3:32 p.m. EDT | 3:33 p.m. EDT | 3:34 p.m. EDT | 4:40 p.m. EDT |
So, there you have it! With these five tips, you'll be more prepared for the Solar eclipse Ohio 2024 and avoid unnecessary stress. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy this spectacular event!