The Town of Orleans issues these essential tips concerning the total solar eclipse on April 8

ORLEANS – The Orleans Marshal’s Office wants you to know these essential tips concerning the proper and safe way to prepare for and observe the solar event. The magnitude of this event is projected to be extremely large, straining the resources of every venue in the watch area. We offer these tips to provide guidelines to protect you and yours. 

Prior to the day of the event, top off your vehicle’s gas tank. Be prepared for potential traffic congestion and delays due to the projected crowds. 

Make sure you’re prepared for an extended time reaching your intended destination and potentially an extended time returning to your home. This means carrying food, water, and medications that may be needed during the day’s travel. 

It is advised to carry a first aid kit in your vehicle for minor injuries, etc. Emergency services will be extremely busy due to the anticipated crowds, which could mean extended waits for service. Make sure your cell phones and devices are charged and have a charging device in your vehicle. Cell towers could potentially be overwhelmed by call volume, so you will need to be patient if you require service of any type. 

Make sure your safety glasses are of the approved type to protect your vision while viewing the eclipse. Anything less could cause permanent eye damage. 

Orleans officials want this to be a fun event for your entire family; they also want it to be a safe event for everyone. They ask that you be patient regarding calls for service. Call volume could dictate that we have to prioritize calls, and response times might sometimes be delayed. 

Officals look forward to hosting this event and welcoming everyone to Orleans for a safe and fun event.