Preparing For The Eclipse
On Monday, April 8, 2024 Allen County will experience a total solar eclipse. The moon will pass in front of the sun and we will experience approximately 3 minutes and 50 seconds of darkness.
For the past two years we have been working with local agencies and as well as agencies from out of state who experienced the 2017 eclipse in their areas. With the information they provided, we’ve been able to prepare for ourselves and assist other agencies in what to expect.
What can Allen County expect? How can we prepare?
Eclipse tourism is very popular! Based on past experiences from areas in other states with similar circumstances as Allen County, our population is expected to double, maybe even triple. If this proves true for our area, we can expect an additional 100,000+ individuals in our area. Hotels in the area have already been booked, which is a good indicator that we’ll experience an increased population. Ohio is a quick drive away from several states, with a major highway running north\south, and another running east\west, we expect that we’ll have a number of visitors drive in on April 8th.
Increase in population
Expect for increased traffic likely beginning on April 6 – April 9. Extreme traffic delays are likely on April 8th, especially after we experience our totality. In other areas in 2017 traffic was gridlocked for as many as 8 hours after their totality ended. Help keep roadways clear for first responders, stay home if you can. Work remotely if that option is available to you. Reschedule any elective appointments that are able to be rescheduled. If you do travel, have a full tank of gas and be patient. Have snacks, water, and any necessary medications with you in your vehicle. Our hope is that Allen County isn’t disrupted to this magnitude but history suggests we will be
Interruption in cellular service
Think of being at a large event with thousands of people like a concert, reception is spotty at best. This will likely be the same scenario. Plan on cellphone calls and texts no being able to go through.
- Have a backup plan to contact your family and children if you will not be home.
- Locate a friend or neighbor with a land line.
- Check on your elderly neighbors and neighbors who may be in poor health or have medical problems.
- Certain credit card readers and other devices like hot spots that run on a cellular network will not work. Having some cash on hand might be beneficial.
Will 9-1-1 work?
9-1-1 calls and text messages are supposed to be given top priority by cellular providers. In the event of an emergency please call or text 9-1-1. If it is not an emergency please call our non-emergency line 419-227-3535.
Your essential items
Stock up with a week’s supply of your essential items. Expect that store shelves may end up depleted with the influx of visitors. Stores will need time to restock popular grocery item essentials. Keep in mind, this will not be a long-term issue as most shipments will continue their normal routes and schedules beginning Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Have a full tank of gas.
With the increased population, first responder calls will also increase, perhaps even double. Please be smart and safe. You can help all first responders by limiting or avoiding traveling April 8th.
