EMA Director encouraging preparation for eclipse
With just over 30 days to finish final preparations for the total solar eclipse, Ashland County leaders encourage residents to prepare well ahead of time.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, only 21 total solar eclipses have passed through the lower 48 states in the entire existence of the United States. The last total eclipse in Ohio was in 1806, just three years after Ohio became a state.
The 124-mile-wide band that will cross Central Ohio is expected to bring hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of star-gazing enthusiasts from across the globe to Central Ohio.
County creates 23-member planning committee
“Due to the possible increase of 15-50K visitors to our community, have a three-day supply of food and medicine on hand,” said Anne Strouth Ashland County Emergency Management Agency director. “Fill up any gas-powered machines and generators prior to the 8th and reschedule any appointments for the day of and day after the eclipse.”
Strouth said residents should consider watching from home and wear the approved viewing glasses meeting ISO 12312-2 Standard.
“Expect roadways and businesses to either by busy or closed to the increased population,” she said. “Large crowds will be in several places especially those selected viewing areas. And have a meeting place established with family if separated.”
The Ashland County Eclipse Planning Committee was established as a result of the state’s EMA initiative to begin planning efforts for the 2024 eclipse.
“The purpose of our committee is to establish a plan for what needs to be done to address health, safety and welfare needs of our community,” Strouth Strouth.
The 23-person committee is not only addressing the day of the event, but the weekend prior, the day of and the days following.
“Our committee is broken down into the following sub committees,” said Strouth. “Community Awareness, Public Safety, Public Health, Resources/Logistics, Viewing Sites and Education.”
Commissioner James Justice, who is one of the 23 committee members, said planning is a key component.
A web page and maybe an EclipseFest in the works
“We have a web page coming out and that will explain a lot of what we are doing,” he began. “In the meantime we expect maybe 100,000 people, maybe 200,000 people to come to Ashland County and we have to prepare for that. There is a push for Freer Field to have en event like BallonFest, but it may be known as EclipseFest and there can be a little party over there for everyone. That idea is possibly in the works.
Justice said if the day is sunny, "traffic will be pretty much at a standstill from the possible number of people coming. Restaurants are gearing up and it looks like it could be party time if we don’t get clouds.”
Strouth talked about the area’s business partners serving on the Eclipse Committee and how they are sharing the committee’s work with the rest of the local businesses.
“Businesses should expect more foot traffic and increased sales and supply chain issues could arise,” she said. “Phone and credit card lines could be stressed and safety precautions will be important.”
From the business and traffic perspective
Other areas businesses should consider adjusting schedules for traffic, considering how employees can get to and from work, stocking and overstocking essential supplies and even considering closing the business if services and products are not essential.
Strouth said she has spoken to all of the gas station owners or managers in the county about their plans, telling owners to not have deliveries that day, but to instead have them earlier as not to tie up roads and to have a supply when visitors pass through.
“We’re trying to minimize traffic as much as possible,” she said.
At this point, no county roads are scheduled to be closed during the eclipse,” Strouth said.
“There is an application for Main Street wanting to close one little section,” she said. “Where there will be solar eclipse events starting on the Friday” and continuing through Sunday.
Shades for safe eclipse viewing
A&M Vice-President Zack Sidle said his company has a product NASA has deemed safe for viewing.
“It is shade 14,” Sidle said. “These are not goggles, but you can buy goggles to put them in. This can be used to hold up in the air for viewing. They are just lenses you can hold up and put over your eyes for safety. You would normally use them for welding, but this will work for the event.”
Sidle said they are $3 each and that they have roughly 1,000 in stock and they can get more if needed. A&M Fire is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday.
Samantha Whidden contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Eclipse plans in Ashland County addresses traffic, visitors, safety
