The afternoon of Monday, April 8, 2024 will bring sights of a total solar eclipse to visitors in Wyandot County and across Ohio. According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the path of the solar eclipse will span around 124 miles, stretching across 13 states from Texas to New Hampshire.
Gov. DeWine has activated the Ohio Emergency Operations Center for Monday, April 8.
With an expected influx of visitors to the community, Wyandot County Public Health is offering the following tips for county residents and visitors alike to have a safe and fun solar eclipse watch party.
With additional people coming into the county and utilizing Wyandot County resources, locals and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for interruptions to travel.
For a complete list of things to do in Wyandot County during the eclipse weekend (lodging, food, events, and emergency services), visit the official Wyandot County 2024 Eclipse website
Wyandot County locals interested in offering temporary campsites to visitors may need to receive a temporary campground permit. Permits are required for temporary campgrounds that offer five or more campsites and that are charging a fee for staying on the property.
Everything you need to know about setting up your temporary campgrounds can be found on the temporary campground page.
Once approved county temporary campgrounds will be listed on the Wyandot County 2024 Eclipse Website. Ohio weather in April is unpredictable. Plan ahead for safe ways to stay warm and hydrated during your stay.
More people in the county means more people visiting the local stores for supplies. Be sure your household is stocked with necessary food, medication, etc. in the days leading up to the eclipse to get through the eclipse weekend and a few days after.
Be sure to get some cash out of the bank ahead of the eclipse weekend, too! It's possible that additional visitors will put strain on the available cash and on credit systems in the area. Make sure you're prepared, just in case.
Wyandot County offers many wonderful local restaurants and favorite chain restaurants. Local food trucks also are likely to be operating during the eclipse weekend.
For food establishments looking to sell food off-site, additional permits are needed. More information can be found in the temporary food vendor packet. Still have questions? Contact Wyandot County Public Health at 419-294-3852.
Some organizations may opt to offer food "by donation," which does not require a license. Note that these organizations cannot suggest a donation amount. These facilities do not undergo the same inspection and certification protocols through Wyandot County Public Health as temporary food vendors, mobile food trucks, and food service operations.
The increase in people using local cellphone towers and internet services may have some effect on our communication abilities. Don't rely on text messages or the internet to work. Plan ahead for these disruptions. Print out or screen shot important information and directions ahead of the eclipse. Make a plan for how you'll contact emergency services if they're needed. Discuss ways to contact loved ones and neighbors in case of emergency or delay.
Rest assured that the Wyandot County Emergency Management Agency has tested communication systems and has prepared redundant communication methods to ensure that emergency communication lines are open and ready. Subscribe to receive Wyandot County emergency alerts here.
It is never safe to look at a partial solar eclipse without proper safety equipment or techniques. During the very brief time the sun is in a total solar eclipse, the total eclipse may last only a short period of time, and when looking towards the sun as the moon moves away from blocking the sun, one might get a solar burn on their retina which can cause permanent damage to their eyes. Visit NASA's eye safety webpage to learn more.
The Ohio Emergency Management Association explains that the only safe way to look directly at a partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers. Homemade filters and ordinary sunglasses don't offer enough protection.Start thinking now about eye safety to determine the best viewing option for yourself and your loved ones.
Solar Eclipse Glasses:
Additional eclipse eye safety tips are as follows:
Even during a partial or annular eclipse, or during the partial phases of a total eclipse, the Sun will be very bright. If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.
Find more Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
