Limit travel and avoid last-minute trips to the grocery store during the solar eclipse long weekend, advises Dave Freeman, director of Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Homeland Security for Lorain County. The influx of expected guests due to the county’s line of totality will likely impact access to supplies, roadways and wait times for services.
Freeman offers some preparation pointers here.
• Gas up vehicles. Don’t wait until the weekend of April 6. “If we get the anticipated traffic, gas stations could run low on fuel,” Freeman says.
• Stock up on food and drinks. If you must travel, wander out for a memorable experience — not for last-minute groceries, which might not be readily available if the shelves are
emptying from visitor traffic.
• Avoid scheduling appointments. Many offices will be closed on Monday, April 8. Get necessary medications in advance.
• Step outside and enjoy.
“If you live in Lorain County, you can view the eclipse from your backyard or a neighbor’s house,” Freeman says. Also, convenient transportation such as the Avon Lake Solar Express offers a way to move about town without driving, and local events with ample parking are working to create seamless experiences.
• Visit loraincountyohio.gov/741/April-8th-2024-Total-Solar-Eclipse for tips, event locations and more solar eclipse information.
