Total Solar Eclipse on April 8: Prepare for Potential Impacts

On Monday, April 8, several cities in Ohio—including Greater Dayton and all our facilities—will experience a total solar eclipse between approximately 3:09 p.m. and 3:12 p.m.

The city’s population could triple, even quadruple, from visitors looking to witness the unique event, according to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA). This spike in the volume of people will impact traffic and create potential safety concerns.

Please know that individual units across our organization are assessing whether additional staffing is needed and implementing as relevant for their area.

We want to ensure you have additional information to help you stay safe. Continue reading to see important guidance about travel, communication, supply orders, and viewing the eclipse.

Travel

Heavy traffic is likely due to the number of additional people on the roads leading up to and during this event. The worst congestion is expected after the event as everyone tries to head home at the same time.

If you are scheduled to work, be sure to check for any traffic flow reroutes and leave plenty of travel time. Opt for backroads instead of highways if possible.
The increased number of travelers could cause a temporary fuel shortage. Fill up your gas tank two to three days before the eclipse, whether or not you’re planning to travel to watch the event.

Communication

With an influx of people in one area using their cell phones, prepare for disruptions to service.

Know our system is prepared with several back-up communication options if our channels are impacted.
Let your loved ones know that it may take longer for messages and calls to go through and have a back-up communication method in case there are service outages.

Supply orders

If you anticipate needing supplies on or around April 8, order them in advance. If that’s not possible, be prepared for their delivery to take longer than usual.

Viewing the eclipse

If you’re working during the eclipse, talk to your manager about stepping away to view it.
Remind patients and visitors not to look directly at the sun without approved eclipse eyewear.
If you or our patients would like to see the eclipse but aren’t able to go outside, you can tune in to NASA’s live online telecast starting at 1 p.m. on April 8.

In the days leading up to the eclipse, expect more and more visitors. Plan to get your groceries and run any errands you can a few days before the event.

See more tips for preparing for the eclipse at Kettering Health’s blog, Strive.

Enjoying the eclipse

Whether you’re working Monday, April 8, or have plans to watch the eclipse with loved ones, celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime experience with a themed music playlist like this one.