With less than a week until the total solar eclipse on April 8, officials from the Union County Health Department are offering tips on how to prepare.
“Prepare for this event like a winter storm is coming,” Shawnna Sue Jordan, communications specialist with UCHD said.
She encouraged community members to make sure they have a supply of food, medicine, medical supplies and baby food or diapers, if necessary. She said having basic first aid or cold relief supplies on hand can come in handy.
Jordan also said those living in the area should have a full tank of gas prior to Monday.
She also asked residents to check on their friends, family or neighbors throughout this week to ensure they are ready to go and won’t need to run out for any items on April 8.
Jordan noted that U.S. 33, Route 4 and Route 31 are all main arteries for potential eclipse travelers, which could lead to a significant increase in traffic on Monday.
“This could mean potential gridlock and long delays in the afternoon (and) evening of April 8 as eclipse viewers head home immediately after the eclipse passes,” she said.
Given the influx of visitors, Jordan emphasized the importance of making a communications plan in advance.
“If we do see a large influx of visitors, cell phones may not work like normal, especially in rural areas with less cell coverage,” she said.
Union County officials are advising residents and visitors to bookmark the health department’s webpage dedicated to the eclipse, www.uchd.net/eclipse.
The website has important information to review prior to the eclipse and will be used for updates throughout the day on April 8. Information including road closures will be posted at the top of the website.
Those in the area can tune their radios to 1620 AM during the day to hear information regarding road closures, detours and other relevant information.
Community members can also download the Union County Sheriff’s Office app for emergency information.
Along with checking in on loved ones, Jordan shared a bit of information as to how to keep family pets safe.
While she said there is not a lot of scientific research on how domestic animals will behave during a total solar eclipse, most of the concern revolves around the “extra commotion” that comes with the event.
Experts from the American Kennel Club said pet-owners do not need to worry about special eclipse eyewear for their pets because they do not naturally look at or stare at the sun.
The experts added that the eclipse itself likely will not cause any additional stress on dogs given that it only lasts a few minutes, but if pets show signs of anxiety they can be calmed by staying in a quiet room or having a few treats.
Information from the American Kennel Club indicates livestock and wildlife are more likely to react to the eclipse because they are more attuned to the sun, although most reactions will be “benign.”
While the total solar eclipse is an event that calls for some preparation, Jordan encouraged those in Union County to enjoy the rare experience from “the perfect place” to see it.