Tips for Preparing for April's Total Solar Eclipse: Fill Up Your Gas Tank and Be Ready to Wait

Small towns and rural communities across the United States are gearing up for the upcoming total solar eclipse in April. From Texas to Maine, these areas are expecting a massive influx of visitors eager to witness the sun being obscured by the moon, turning day into dusk. To prepare for the expected crowds of sun chasers, tourism and community leaders in the path of totality have taken various measures.

Extra fuel and portable toilets have been brought in, and residents and visitors have been urged to stock up on groceries and be patient. Some counties have even issued disaster declarations to ensure they have the necessary resources, such as additional police support. In Oklahoma, the U.

S. National Guard will also be on hand to assist. Due to the anticipated heavy traffic and disruptions, many schools along the path of totality have opted to either close or switch to remote learning.

States like Texas, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are among those taking precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff during the event. The warnings and preparations stem from the lessons learned during the last total solar eclipse in the United States in 2017. Tom Traub, a member of NASA's eclipse ambassador program, recalled the chaos that ensued in Beatrice, Nebraska, where the population swelled from 12,000 to 40,000 as eclipse watchers descended upon the town.

Gas stations ran out of fuel, restaurants ran out of food, and restrooms were overwhelmed, prompting a need for better planning this time around. In central Texas, emergency officials in Hays County are advising residents to have a "solar eclipse survival bag" stocked with essentials like a mobile phone, charger, maps, and a compass in case cell phone signals become jammed. Other prime viewing spots are also reminding visitors to bring a fully charged phone and to have key phone numbers written down as a backup.

Advice to stock up on fuel and food is also being emphasized in preparation for the eclipse. In Texas Hill Country, Kerr County's population of 53,000 is expected to double or triple, prompting officials to urge residents to ensure their vehicles are fueled up, groceries are stocked, prescriptions are filled, and provisions are in place for pets. Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine has signed an executive order to ensure the state is well-prepared, with emergency management officials recommending that residents top off their gas tanks or charge their electric vehicles before heading out.

In smaller regional airports like Cape Girardeau, Missouri, preparations are underway to accommodate the anticipated increase in air traffic. The 2017 eclipse caught the airport off guard, but this time, volunteers have been enlisted to help with parking and additional amenities like food will be provided. Offshore, the Coast Guard will patrol Lake Erie, where some boaters plan to watch the eclipse from the water.

With concerns about traffic congestion and safety, fire departments in the path of the eclipse are bracing for potential emergencies. Dr. Brad Raetzke, an emergency room doctor in Columbus, Ohio, and a medical director for local fire departments, is prepared for possible eye injuries from people staring at the sun without protective glasses.

He also expects an increase in crash injuries due to the influx of visitors and heavy traffic. As cities like Erie, Pennsylvania, prepare for the influx of visitors, residents are urged to plan ahead and be patient. Hotels are nearing capacity, and signs are posted outside the city limits warning of potential delays.

Despite the expected challenges, tourism officials are eager to welcome visitors and encourage everyone to enjoy the moment as they witness this rare event. In conclusion, the total solar eclipse in April is a highly anticipated event that has prompted communities across the United States to make significant preparations. From stocking up on supplies to improving infrastructure and emergency services, these areas are taking necessary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.

With proper planning and patience, everyone can witness the wonders of nature during this spectacular event.