PREBLE COUNTY — State and local officials are continuing to encourage preparedness for the total solar eclipse which will darken skies across Ohio and a wide swath of the country on Monday, April 8.
Preble County agencies have been meeting for several months to make sure everyone is prepared for what may happen on the roads due to heavy traffic cause by “eclipse chasers” making their way to their chosen viewing locations, and area communities are planning events and activities for residents and visitors alike.
The eclipse is estimated to draw millions of visitors to the area of the country in the path of totality, which includes tens of thousands potentially making their way to Preble County. The influx of people is anticipated at doubling Preble County’s population.
All five county schools have already announced they will be closed on April 8.
During a Wednesday, March 6, Preble County EMA planning meeting, officials shared the following preparedness tips for residents:
Eye Safety
You must wear/use special filters or eclipse glasses. Eclipse glasses must be this kind: ISO 12312-2.
Use the glasses until the sun is totally blocked and as soon as the sun becomes unblocked again.
Special apps/filters are needed to view safely or take pictures with phones, cameras, telescopes, etc.
Traffic
Traffic can become congested, especially right after the eclipse. Consider limiting travel. If necessary, though, consider avoiding major interstates or highways.
Things to consider
•Appointments/errands — consider delaying or re-scheduling anything currently scheduled for April 8
•Gas, prescriptions, food, & water — supplies may be limited due to high demand. Things may not be available. Get it early if possible.
•Cash — If the internet gets disrupted, credit card machines may be down. Consider getting cash ahead of time.
•9-1-1 — Know when is appropriate to dial 9-1-1 (true emergencies.) If a non-emergency, contact the non-emergency number at: 937-456-6262.
•Cellular service — Cell service could get overwhelmed (especially Monday, April 8.) Consider how to operate if cell service goes down.
•”Leave No Traces” — Protect the natural community. EMA highlighted the seven principles to consider: Plan ahead and prepare, dispose of waste properly, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.
•Individual/family emergency plans: Consider creating plans with your family, neighbors, and/or co-workers based off the above information.
Communities and businesses across the county have been preparing special activities and events.
Community spotlight: Lewisburg
Members of the Lewisburg community have been planning activities across the village for both residents and visitors to enjoy across the pre-eclipse weekend and the day of the total solar eclipse.
Scheduled activities/events include:
Friday, April 5
Eclipse Cookie Decorating at Flour Bakery, 206 N. Commerce St. (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Open Mic at Brick Rhod Bistro, 109 N. Commerce St., 5-8 p.m.
Eclipse Commemorative Craft at Joy & Whimsy Depot, 200 W. Dayton St., 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, April 6
Lewisburg Historical Society Breakfast at Lewisburg Community Center, 265 E. Clay St., 8-10 a.m.
Trinity Marketplace and Lunch, Trinity Church, 511 N. Commerce St., 9 a.m.-4p.m. (Lunch is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Eclipse Cookie Decorating at Flour Bakery, 206 N. Commerce St. (10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.)
DJ Nikki Plank at Bicentennial Square, 1-4 p.m.
Lewisburg Trail Riders Club Chicken Dinner, 5 p.m. until sold out.
Dancing with the Stars, dinner, dancing, and trivia at Gatherings on the Green, 7500 Salem Rd., 6:30-10 p.m.
Sunday, April 7
Lewisburg Historical Society Breakfast at Lewisburg Community Center, 265 E. Clay St., 8-10 a.m.
Community Church Service (10-11 a.m.;) Lunch in the Park (11 a.m.-1 p.m.;) Games in the Park (1-4 p.m.;) and Music in the Park (4-6 p.m.) at Lewisburg Community Park on Knapke Lane.
Lewisburg Trail Riders Club hamburgers/hotdogs, available beginning at 5 p.m. until sold out.
Bingo/kids board games (6-8 p.m.) and euchre (8-10 p.m.) at Lewisburg Community Center.
Monday, April 8
Brunch at Flour Bakery, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Solar Eclipse Experience at Garber Nature Center, 9691 Ohio 503, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $5/person. Register online at preblecountyparks.com.
Spaghetti Dinner at Trinity Church, 5-7 p.m.
Solar Eclipse Wrap-Up at Joy & Whimsy Depot, 200 W. Dayton St. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Local businesses in the village will be open throughout the weekend. Officials note, there is a charge for food and some of the events involve a fee.
Events are subject to change, and/or be added in the coming days. Visit www.visitpreblecounty.org for the most recent updates.
Watch for additional preparedness information and community spotlights in the coming weeks.
To share your business or community’s planned activities for the Monday, April 8, total solar eclipse, email [email protected].
