Get your grocery shopping done. Print out directions for driving. And be prepared to wait patiently.

Small towns and rural enclaves along the path of April’s total solar eclipse are steeling for huge crowds of sun chasers who plan to catch a glimpse of day turning into dusk in North America.

Authorities in the areas along the path of totality, spanning from Texas to Maine, have made preparations for increased tourism during the upcoming eclipse. They have arranged for additional fuel and portable toilets, while also advising both residents and visitors to be ready for the event. Some regions have even declared a state of emergency in order to receive additional assistance with public safety and other necessary support, similar to how they handle severe weather incidents. The state of Oklahoma will also receive aid from the National Guard.

Due to predicted high levels of congestion and other interruptions, numerous schools in states such as Texas, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are either shutting down or transitioning to online education.

Tom Traub, a member of NASA’s eclipse ambassador program, stated that the 2017 U.S. total solar eclipse is a recent example that illustrates the worry.

In that particular year, he journeyed to Beatrice, Nebraska, where the typical population of approximately 12,000 significantly increased to about 40,000 due to the arrival of eclipse observers.

Traub, who is also a board member of the Martz-Kohl Observatory in Frewsburg, New York, reported, “Gas stations had no gas, restaurants had no food, and restrooms were at capacity and closed.”

On this occasion, the most popular viewing spots aim to prevent a recurrence.

He stated that they are getting ready for a mostly negative situation, but hopefully that will not happen.

In order to prepare for the solar eclipse, emergency personnel in Hays County, Texas advise residents to have a “survival bag” ready. This should include necessary items such as a mobile phone and charger.

According to the instructions, it is recommended to have a physical copy of maps and a compass in the bag – a nod to traditional methods!

The popular advice in popular viewing areas is to remember to have a fully charged phone, but also be prepared for potential signal congestion. In 2017, many drivers using their phones for taking pictures and navigating caused a strain on cell towers in high traffic areas.

“Take note of crucial phone numbers as a precautionary measure,” recommended the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Austin.

It is commonly advised by multiple Texas counties, who have declared disasters, to not wait until the last minute to purchase groceries in order to receive extra assistance with the large crowds.

Among them is Kerr County, located about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where the normal population of 53,000 is expected to double or triple.

“Ensure that your vehicles have a full tank of gas, you have an ample supply of groceries, your prescriptions are refilled, and you have enough provisions for any animals under your care,” stated Rob Kelly in an online announcement. Kelly is the highest ranking official in the county who approved the declaration of disaster.

In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine recently signed an executive order to ensure the state’s readiness. In light of this, emergency management officials are advising residents to fill up their gas tanks or fully charge their electric vehicles before embarking on any trips.

Traub recommends that individuals approach the eclipse in a similar manner to a snowstorm: by stocking up, getting ready, and preparing to hunker down.

Dan Serafin, the owner of Serafin’s Food Market in Erie, Pennsylvania, is making preparations by ordering additional supplies such as milk, eggs, water, and batteries. He expressed his surprise and disbelief, stating “This is crazy!”

Smaller airports in regional areas are also preparing for the upcoming event. According to airport manager Katrina Amos, additional fuel is being transported to the Cape Girardeau airport in Missouri.

In 2017, the airport was unprepared when it found itself in the path of totality along the Mississippi River in a city with a population of approximately 40,000.

Amos stated that unexpected extra planes, ranging from 40 to 50, landed that day.

Volunteers have registered to assist with parking the anticipated surplus of planes this year. Amos also mentioned that hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided.

The Coast Guard will have patrol boats in Lake Erie offshore, as it is on their route and some boaters intend to observe from the water.

According to Dr. Brad Raetzke, an emergency room doctor and medical director for multiple fire departments in the Columbus, Ohio area, all departments in the eclipse’s projected path will need to be fully staffed and ready for action.

Raetzke mentioned that with the increase in traffic, there may be a higher number of injuries from accidents. Additionally, he expressed worry about eye injuries from individuals looking directly at the sun without proper protective eyewear.

He traveled to Nashville, Tennessee with his family in 2017 to witness the eclipse. However, the journey back took 15 hours instead of the usual six, leading him to realize the significance of careful planning.

Visitors to the city of Erie, where hotels are almost full, are being encouraged to avoid the interstates. Signs have been placed 150 miles (241 kilometers) outside the city limits to alert them of possible delays.

Traffic will be “just almost nightmarish once totality ends,” said Chris Temple, the VisitErie spokesperson, who has been in meetings for more than a year planning for an onslaught of visitors that could double the size of the city of 94,000.

The city’s SHINE tourism motto, aimed at preparing for the eclipse despite potential difficulties, concludes with a reminder.

Temple encouraged them to savor the present.

Source: wral.com