Are you aware of how the upcoming solar eclipse will impact the Dayton community? This month’s ACIL Happenings article is dedicated to ensuring consumers are prepared for the once in a lifetime celestial event.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, obscuring the view of the Sun from a small part of the Earth, totally or partially. Total solar eclipses are extraordinary phenomena, occurring approximately once every 1.5 years, according to weather.gov. While that might not seem too rare It is worth mentioning that, as noted on Ohio.gov, in the entire history of the United States, only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states.
History will be made again on April 8, 2024, when a total eclipse crosses North America. According to Public Health of Dayton and Montgomery County (PHDMC), a 124-mile-wide area will have the privilege of witnessing a total solar eclipse, while regions outside this path will experience a partial eclipse. This is the first total solar eclipse in Ohio since 1806 and the next total solar eclipse in Ohio will not be until 2099.
The total eclipse in Dayton will begin at 3:08 pm and last 2 minutes and 42 seconds. The eclipse will last up to 4 minutes in other parts of the state. Darke County, for example, is in the direct path of the total eclipse. The longest time of totality, meaning the longest amount of time the total eclipse will be visible, in Ohio, as reported by Darke County Public Health, will be near Union City with a time of 3 minutes, 58.7 seconds. In the neighboring county of Miami, the public health department has advised residents that the total eclipse will last anywhere from 3 minutes 15 seconds to 3 minutes 47 seconds depending on where they are in the county.
So, what does this mean for Dayton? Large crowds. An estimated 5 million people witnessed a prior USA eclipse in 2017. Rural roads may see increased traffic with drivers who are unfamiliar with local road conditions and may travel at a high rate of speed. As a result, traffic jams that could last up to 13 hours are expected. Wi-Fi and cell phone signals may also be significantly impacted, according to PHDMC.
Based on the expected implications of the solar eclipse, PHDMC has some recommendations for Dayton residents. The eclipse will occur on Monday. Run errands the Friday before if not earlier. Have prescriptions filled during the week before the eclipse. Don’t wait until the weekend prior when stores might see an increase in foot traffic and wait times. Fill up on gas at least the day before the eclipse as a precaution. Check with your kids’ school regarding arrival and dismissal plans for the day. Avoid unnecessary trips on the day of the eclipse, particularly in the afternoon. If you must go anywhere, travel with water, medications, snacks, and other needed supplies should you encounter an extended delay on the roadways. Begin the day with a fully charged mobile phone, carry extra power devices. Credit card machines, like cell phones, could see lag times or not be working properly. Visit your bank’s ATM to have some cash on hand for an emergency.
ACIL staff is aware that some of our consumers use the help of Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) to complete activities of daily living. It is recommended that those consumers speak with PCAs about what schedules will look like from the Sunday prior to the eclipse through the Tuesday following it. Consumers and PCAs should discuss how traffic delays and/or other emergencies encountered because of the eclipse will be communicated to one another. It is also suggested that consumers speak to individuals in their support network aside from PCAs and have a person or two ready to provide care or otherwise help in an emergency.
PHDMC also has recommendations as to how to safely view the eclipse. Safe viewing is important because looking directly at the sun can seriously damage your eyes. Staring at the Sun for even a short time without wearing the right eye protection can damage your retina permanently. It can even cause blindness, called Solar Retinopathy. It is important to note that ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, or homemade filters are not safe for looking at the Sun. PHDMC and all public health departments mentioned in this article recommend using eclipse glasses to safely witness the total eclipse. Eclipse glasses are required to meet a worldwide safety standard known as the ISO 12312-2. Do not search for eclipse glasses on the internet and buy whatever pops up in the ads or search results. Check Suppliers of Safe Solar Viewers & Filters | Solar Eclipse Across America (aas.org) for reputable vendors whose products conform to ISO standards and buy from one of them. Additionally, it is advised that eclipse glasses first be used to look at a lamp or light bulb, to ensure that it can’t be seen. Only the Sun should be visible through genuine eclipse glasses.
Regarding the actual viewing of the total eclipse, before looking up at the Sun, cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter. Do not remove it while looking at the sun. If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on and put your eclipse glasses on over them. Moreover, even if you are wearing eclipse glasses, do not look at the eclipse through unfiltered binoculars, an unfiltered telescope, or take a photo with an unfiltered camera, the intense solar rays coming through unfiltered camera, telescope, or binoculars will damage the solar filter and your eyes. Lastly, and most importantly, all the public health departments cited in this article advise that you not hesitate to contact your doctor or eye doctor if you notice any significant changes in your vision after viewing the eclipse.
Have more questions about the total eclipse, how to handle its implications, and/or how to view it safely? Visit https://www.phdmc.org/resources/ohio-total-solar-eclipse or the viewing or business specific links below.
Preparing for the Upcoming Eclipse: https://www.phdmc.org/agency/agency/landing/eclipse/3024-preparing-for-the-upcoming-eclipse/file
Safe Viewing of A Solar Eclipse: https://www.phdmc.org/agency/agency/landing/eclipse/3016-safe-viewing-of-a-solar-eclipse/file
Schools: https://www.phdmc.org/agency/agency/landing/eclipse/3009-total-eclipse-for-schools/file
Nursing Homes: https://www.phdmc.org/agency/agency/landing/eclipse/3012-total-eclipse-for-nursing-homes/file
