Local news- Press Release
Orleans County New York - Resident Urged to be Prepared in Advance of the Eclipse 29 March 2024 ( news )
Orleans County , state New York ( By Press Release office)
Mar 29,2024
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With Orleans County falling within the 120 Mile wide path of the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 , the Emergency Management Office is reminding residents to take time to prepare in advance .
“Orleans County is a travel destination as we have a once in a lifetime event happening in our backyard , ” said Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson . “For some , it mayseem like we are preparing for a Y2K type event , but honestly , there are a lot of variables to consider when trying to plan for something like this and we aren’t sure what to fully expect . Our Emergency Management team is following the credo ‘plan for the worst and hope for the best’ , proper planning is essential to a successful experience for everyone . ”
Justin Niederhofer , Director of the Emergency Management Office ( EMO ) , said that , although the eclipse will not occur until Monday April 8
th
, it is expected that visitors will begin to trickle through the area beginning Friday , April 5
thor sooner .
“With numerous planned events drawing thousands of travelers along the path of totality , it is expected that the New York State Thruway and other interstates will experience a high volume of traffic causing significant delays following the eclipse , ” said Niederhofer . “Previous areas of the U . S . that have been in the path of totality experienced traffic delays for up to 12 hours following the eclipse . Many travelers will begin to seek alternative routes , leading them down various Orleans County roadways . ”
Niederhofer stressed that , with the influx of visitor and travelers , residents should prepare for any travel to be impacted .
“If you’re going to travel to the area events , expect traffic delays and be prepared , ” said Niederhofer . Have a plan , water , blankets , non - perishable foods . Be sure you have a full tank of fuel and a fully charged cell phone . If you’re involved in a minor vehicle accident , take pictures if safe to do so , and pull off the roadway as much as possible and turn on your hazard lights .
The EMO also offered some other tips , including:
Do not park on the shoulder of the road or trespass on private property to observe the eclipse
Dress for the weather that day , there could be up to a 20 degree temperature drop
Ensure that you have any needed medications and groceries in advance , and consider rescheduling appoints that fall on April 8
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Cell service may become an issue due to exceeding network capacity , have an alternative plan for communication or meeting locations established with your family
Residents can still obtain their FREE eclipse glasses at local libraries , Kendall Town Hall or Orleans County Office Building , but supplies are going quickly . Residents are also encouraged to download the FREE Orleans Aware App to receive important notification .
Niederhofer also said people should check in on your elderly and homebound family and neighbors to ensure that medications , including oxygen , is refilled prior to April 4
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, and that they have ample food and water for the duration of the event .
The EMO has been diligently planning with public safety partners and said there will be extra law enforcement staffing; additional ambulances are being put into service; some volunteer fire stations will be staffed; and DOT and Highway Departments will be available to assist . Additionally , the state and federal government are moving additional law enforcement , rescue and ems response resources into the region that will be also be available if needed .
“As we progress through next week and into next weekend , we will have a better handle on the volume of traffic coming through and continue to update the public right through the eclipse event , ” said Niederhofer . “We are not sure what to expect , but the one thing we all can control is being prepared , which is key to ensuring everyone can enjoy the eclipse”
Click here to view a full PowerPoint presentation put together by EMO .
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