COLUMBUS – The state agencies who have taken the lead in preparing for the total solar eclipse on April 8 laid out their plans Wednesday for protecting Ohioans and the thousands of visitors expected to flood the state to witness the rare celestial event.
“The safety and well-being of Ohioans is always at the forefront of everything we do. We have been preparing for the April 8th solar eclipse for several years to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime event can be safe and memorable for all,” said Gov. Mike DeWine as he announced the signing of an executive directing all state departments and agencies to be ready for the eclipse.
The safety of Ohioans is always at the forefront of everything we do. We have been preparing for the April 8th solar eclipse for several years to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime event can be safe and memorable for all.
Details: https://t.co/cPQF4GMzha pic.twitter.com/OYSgKNunZa
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 13, 2024
With 55 of Ohio’s 88 counties in the path of totality and hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to travel to the state, a handful of state agencies are tasked with ensuring the health and safety of Ohioans and tourists before, during, and after the eclipse, DeWine said.
Ohio Emergency Management Agency
The Ohio EMA is coordinating the state’s preparation and response and has a list of safety recommendations for anyone traveling to view the eclipse:
- make a preparedness kit for vehicles with snacks, drinks, cash, cell phone chargers, and blankets.
- top off their fuel tank or fully charge their electric vehicle before heading out.
- have a family communication plan to ensure they know how to reconnect in case they get separated from friends or family at a large gathering. Make sure children have contact information for parents or guardians with them.
- be aware of weather conditions and where they might seek shelter in the event of severe weather. Activate emergency alerting features on mobile devices.
Ohio Department of Transportation
ODOT is treating the eclipse like a major travel holiday by restricting roadwork and reducing the size of active work zones as much as possible to accommodate the extra traffic. There are locations where this isn’t possible, including the I-70/71 split in downtown Columbus, I-70 in Zanesville and I-75 through Cincinnati and Dayton.
Travelers are urged to arrive early and stay late to avoid the heaviest traffic, which is expected to happen after the event is over as everyone tries to head home at the same time.
Due to the potential for cell phone service interruptions, ODOT officials urge travelers to have a paper map with them to assist with navigation.
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Also similar to a holiday weekend, troopers will be highly visible and ready to assist motorists in the days leading up to, during, and following the eclipse.
Patrol officials remind drivers that stopping on the side of roads or exit ramps for non-emergencies, such as viewing the eclipse, is strictly prohibited and they should not attempt to view or capture the eclipse while driving.
Consider factors like traffic and travel time and formulate a well-thought-out plan that includes departure times and routes
Motorists can dial #677 in Ohio to report unsafe drivers or stranded motorists.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio state parks and wildlife areas will provide a great backdrop for the astronomical event.
A list of Ohio state parks and wildlife areas in or near the path of totality can be found on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ website, along with information about camping sites, travel tips, and eclipse-related activities happening around Ohio.
Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states during the existence of the United States of America. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806, and the next total solar eclipse will not pass through Ohio until the year 2099.