Eclipse Preparedness: What you Need to Know
The Total Solar Eclipse is right around the corner, and soon we’ll start to see tourists pouring into Central Oregon. Madras will take the brunt of influx but we will definitely feel it here in Bend as well. There are an estimated 1 million visitors coming to Oregon alone to see the eclipse, and with Madras in the path of totality and named one of the best places in the country to see it, we’re going to get crowded. Here are some tips for surviving the eclipse and staying safe.
Prepare
You’ve heard it before and we’ll say it again: get stocked up. With the eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, and the influx of people, you should be getting gas, groceries and all the essentials. Something most people may over look are prescriptions. If you take a daily prescription that you cannot live without, you should be checking how many you have left, and when you’ll be due for more. Be sure to get prescriptions filled before the Eclipse, and before the crush of people arrives in town.
Don’t forget your furry friends either. While you’re stocking up on food and water for your family, be sure to check and see if you have enough pet food to last through the eclipse.
Traffic
With all of the people coming to or through town, it’s important to note that getting anywhere quickly won’t be easy. If you’re planning to show your house, our tour around town to see available properties call you Bend Oregon real estate agent and talk about rescheduling viewings, so it will be easier to get around town.
The advice that ODOT is giving is to leave for places early, and be prepared to stay there, and leave late. There will be traffic delays, backups and more. Check the ODOT traffic cams if you can, before you leave. Traffic is predicted to pick up on Thursday, August 17 the week before the eclipse, so be ready.
The Main Event
If you’re planning to enjoy the event, you’ll need viewing glasses. Sunglasses will not work, and the eclipse can harm your eyes, so it’s best to be sure you have proper eclipse eyewear. There are a few festivals that have been planned in the area in honor of the Eclipse, like the Oregon Solarfest in Madras.
However you plan to spend Monday, August 21, be prepared for the unexpected, be prepared to wait, and be safe. If you need to, check in with the Central Oregon Emergency Information Network to stay up to date.