On Monday, April 8, 2024, Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio occurred in 1806; the next will not occur until 2099.
The event will draw hundreds of thousands of people to Ohio to view the eclipse. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is warning there could be a wide range of impacts from the eclipse and the subsequent traffic, including long traffic delays, food and gasoline shortages and spotty cell phone and network service. Their recommendation if you plan to be out and about on April 8: pack your patience and your tank!
The eclipse’s path of totality will cross the state in a 124-mile range from southwest to northeast Ohio, including the northwestern section of Council on Aging’s service area. Hamilton, Butler and Warren counties in COA’s service area fall with the partial totality area of the eclipse and may experience heavy traffic conditions – especially after the eclipse along the I-75 corridor between Dayton and Cincinnati. Cities as close as Dayton will experience full totality. In the area of totality, it will be dark as night for a few minutes between 3-3:30 pm and drivers may not be prepared.
The Ohio EMA is encouraging all Ohioans, including businesses, to be prepared for the eclipse.
Council on Aging’s (COA) offices will remain open on April 8. Service providers who deliver services to Council on Aging clients have been instructed to notify clients and COA care managers if they anticipate any issues with service delivery on April 8. This includes home-delivered meals, personal care and homemaking services, and transportation.
The following are general tips older adults and caregivers should consider when preparing for the April 8 eclipse:
- The Ohio Emergency Management Agency is warning Ohio residents to be prepared as they believe some parts of the eclipse area will be flooded with visitors. This may include:
- Increased traffic and possible traffic jams (especially after the eclipse)
- Low supplies at stores and gas stations
- Limited cell phone service and network use
- Travelers stopped on roadways
- Ensure you have adequate supplies prior to the date of the eclipse, including:
- Prescriptions
- Gasoline
- Food and Hygiene Items (Incontinence Supplies)
- Oxygen
- Visit Ohio’s official eclipse website for more information and safety tips.