Solar Eclipse 2024

• Large crowds are expected to show up for a once in a lifetime event.
• Expect traffic jams. A prior eclipse in the United States in 2017 had traffic jams that lasted up to 13 hours after the eclipse. Limit travel on the day of the eclipse if possible.
• Workers may experience increased commute times, especially for some shift changes.
• Travel with water, medications, snacks, and other needed supplies should you encounter an extended delay on the roadways.
• Fill up on gas at least the day before the eclipse.
• Get groceries and pick-up prescriptions at least the day before the eclipse.
• Rural roads may see increased traffic with drivers who are unfamiliar with local road conditions and may travel at a high rate of speed. Be mindful of children and pets.
• Possibility for cell phone and Wi-Fi to be significantly impacted based on large number of viewers.
• Begin the day with a fully charged mobile phone, carry extra power devices.
• Check with your kids’ school on their plans for the day (early off, delayed pick-up, cancellation).
• Maintain a small amount of cash on your person in case credit cards services go down.
• Make sure if you want to look at the eclipse you are wearing approved eclipse glasses. Glasses must meet the International Safety Standard 1231-2. Harmful effects, including blindness, can occur if you look at the eclipse without approved eclipse glasses.

• Plan for and pack your vehicle with the needs of everyone travelling with you. Update your vehicle’s emergency kit. Understand that your travel home may be impacted by heavy traffic or a detour to another great destination (museum, park…). Plan ahead with extra medication, batteries, blankets, change of clothing, chargers, snacks and water. Plan for the need of young children and pets.  If a member has special medical needs be sure to account for that in the planning efforts.
• Have a family communication plan when attending any large gathering, to ensure you know where to meet up if you get separated from friends or family. Make sure children have identification with your contact number with them in case you are separated.
• Know where to receive emergency alerts and notifications while traveling.
• Pre-plan your route. Know your destination in advance and where you plan to safely park. Do not pull off the side of a roadway to view the eclipse. Do not park on privately owned land unless arrangements have been made with the owner of the property.  Paper travel maps are a great item to have.
• Monitor the weather forecast prior to traveling. Download the FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to receive weather alerts for areas you’ll be visiting.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen, mosquito repellant, rain gear; Keep in mind this will be early April in Ohio and the weather may change quickly.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Plan for your children and pets during your trip.
• Make sure children have identification with them in the event of separation.
• Understand cell service may have disruptions due to high volumes of usage.

A food license is required in the state of Ohio to sell food under most circumstances, even temporary food service operations or food establishments. These applications are due 10 days prior to the event. Selling food is governed by Chapter 3717 of the Ohio Revised Code.

• For more information and to access the temporary food license application, please click here.

ORC 3717

(C) “Retail food establishment” means a premises or part of a premises where food is stored, processed, prepared, manufactured, or otherwise held or handled for retail sale. Except when expressly provided otherwise, “retail food establishment” includes a mobile retail food establishment, seasonal retail food establishment, and temporary retail food establishment.

(F) “Food service operation” means a place, location, site, or separate area where food intended to be served in individual portions is prepared or served for a charge or required donation. As used in this division, “served” means a response made to an order for one or more individual portions of food in a form that is edible without washing, cooking, or additional preparation and “prepared” means any action that affects a food other than receiving or maintaining it at the temperature at which it was received.

A permit is required for all temporary campgrounds. These are governed by Chapter 3729 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Chapter 3701-26 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).

• For more information and to access the temporary campground license application, please click here.

ORC 3729

(V) “Temporary park-camp” means any tract of land used for a period not to exceed a total of twenty-one days per calendar year for the purpose of parking five or more recreational vehicles, dependent recreational vehicles, or portable camping units, or any combination thereof, for one or more periods of time that do not exceed seven consecutive days or parts thereof.

The path of totality is where observers will see the Moon completely cover the Sun.

April is historically one of Ohio’s most volatile weather months (the other is May). In the days leading up to the eclipse, pay attention to National Weather Service weather forecasts for the area you intend to visit. Find links to the five NWS Forecast Offices that serve Ohio. In Marion, the average high temperature for April 8th is 59 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

During the eclipse, the sky will get dark as if it were dawn or dusk. Even if skies are cloudy, people will still notice a darkening of the sky. Nocturnal wildlife may awaken while non-nocturnal wildlife may think it’s time for bed.

There may be times during the event that cell service will be disrupted due to high volume of usage. Texting uses less bandwidth than a voice call.

OhioTourism has interactive maps showing locations and events for viewing the eclipse.

With the exception of the very brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun unless you are using eye protection specifically for solar viewing. Do not view any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the instrument as this may instantly cause severe eye injury. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. They transmit thousands of times too much sunlight and could damage the eyes. See the American Astrological Society’s recommended reputable vendors for solar eclipse viewers.

• Do plan in advance to find a suitable location to park and watch the event.
• Do be patient when searching for a place to park.
• Do not pull off the side of a roadway to view the eclipse as it could impede traffic and is unsafe.
• Do not park on privately owned land (empty lots or farm fields) unless arrangements have been made with the owner of the property.

Have a family communication plan when attending any large gathering, to ensure you know where to meet up if you get separated from friends or family. Make sure children have identification with your contact information with them in case you are separated.

Research has shown that temperatures can drop between 4-10 degrees Fahrenheit during the eclipse. In addition, some reduction in wind speed and low-level clouds are possible.

For a list of trusted solar filter vendors, please see the American Astronomical Society’s website.

Yes, but you must have the specialized eclipse filter between your camera and the Sun.