With the solar eclipse right around the corner, the Greene County Health Department wants to make sure residents are safe and ready for the event.

Events are scheduled throughout Greene County beginning Friday, April 5 until the day of the eclipse on April 8. According to the health department’s press release, a partial eclipse will begin at 1:48 p.m. The total eclipse will occur between 3:04 p.m. and 3:08 p.m. The partial eclipse will end at 4:21 p.m.

As stated in a press release from the health department, “alongside the festivities for our locals, we are expecting a surge of visitors flocking to witness this extraordinary sight. It is important to prepare for the crowds and possible resource limitations. Let's make sure we are all set to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event safely.”

The Health Department provided some important reminders for the community:

Prepare for traffic and lines: Anticipate heavy traffic and longer wait times at local services.
Adjust appointments: Consider rescheduling non-essential/non-emergent appointments over the weekend and on Monday.
Stock up: Make sure to purchase groceries and fill up your gas tank ahead of time.
Medication readiness: Do not forget to pick up any prescriptions or medications before the weekend.
Communication plans: With increased visitors possibly straining our cell phone towers and internet connections, have a communication plan in place with family and friends. Coordinate where you will be and plan extra travel time in case of interruptions in cell service. Have open conversations with family and friends about eclipse plans to ensure everyone is prepared and on the same page.
Cash is king: Keep cash on hand for transactions, especially if internet access is limited or card readers are down.
School plans: Remember that schools have set up eLearning for Monday. Have paper worksheets, games, and other activities ready to keep our school-aged kids engaged in case of internet outages.
Emergency preparedness: Expect potential delays in response times from emergency services.

Community friendly tips for local business during the eclipse:

Hospitality ready: If you are in the food or hospitality industry, consider having a full staff and bringing in extra help to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Cash is key: Since card readers may be slow or not working, make sure to have cash on hand for transactions.
Parking and property prep: Even if you are not around, have a plan in place for managing your parking lot or property. Create eclipse-friendly signs and designate parking for employees only to ensure smooth operations.
Keep It clean: Help keep our community clean by providing trash receptacles around your business to prevent littering.
Logistical awareness: Ensure your employees are aware of the potential logistical and traffic challenges for the weekend. If possible, consider flexible hours or remote work options to avoid travel during the eclipse interval.
Delivery/appointment planning: Try to avoid scheduling routine deliveries or appointments during the eclipse weekend if possible. Arrange deliveries before or after the event to minimize disruptions.
Stay informed, stay safe: If feasible, encourage working from home during the eclipse weekend. Essential workers should plan for parking and travel challenges and consider packing an overnight bag in case of traffic jams.

Helpful tips for temporary campsites and parking lots:

Security considerations: If you are renting out a large area for parking, consider hiring a private security company to assist with parking management and traffic flow.
Trash and waste management: Have a plan in place for handling trash and waste. For temporary campsites or large parking areas, consider renting porta-potties and provide trash receptacles to prevent littering.
RV services: Provide RV patrons with information on wastewater disposal options. Check out the Greene County Health Department's website for wastewater disposal locations open to the public, as well as IDEM approved local pump and haulers.
Sanitation and safety guidance: Temporary campsite managers, visit the Greene County Health Department’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse webpage at co.greene.in.us/health for IDOH Temporary Campground Sanitation and Safety Guidance or contact us at 812-384-4496.

Eclipse glasses and eye protection:

Protect your eyes: Remember, never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Always use ISO-Certified 12312-2:2015 eclipse glasses when viewing the eclipse. It is okay to share eclipse glasses if you are not staring at the sun the entire time.
Sunglasses aren't enough: Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes sufficiently. For more information on safely viewing the total solar eclipse, please visit: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/.
Where to get glasses: You can find official eclipse glasses at the Greene County Health Department (217 E Spring Street, Bloomfield, IN 47424) while supplies last. Visit our 2024 Total Solar Eclipse webpage at co.greene.in.us/health for tips on making solar viewers and a family safety checklist.

Important safety tips for driving during the eclipse:

Stay safe on the road: Avoid stopping on roadways to view the eclipse and remember to use headlights while driving.
Prepare your vehicle: Start your journey with a full tank of gas and ensure you have essentials like water, medications, food, and appropriate clothing (such as boots, hats, and blankets) in your vehicle.
Be patient: After the eclipse, there may be long wait times to exit due to bottlenecks, roadblocks, and traffic jams. Stay calm and prepared with your favorite playlist or podcast to make the wait more enjoyable.